iPhone 4s Users: Don’t Upgrade to iOS 8 Just Yet!

While iPhone users today went crazy with the release of the latest iOS 8, not everyone can enjoy its features. According to Ars Technica, iPhone 4s users may want to hold off update to the latest software version. Based on field tests performed, iPhone 4s users may encounter some issues that will prohibit them from enjoying the latest software version. Despite the fact that the new operating system runs decently on other iPhone models, now may not be the best time for iPhone 4s users to download it.

Through field tests, Ars Technica was able to compile a chart depicting the response time of the latest OS on board an iPhone 4s model. When opening certain apps, it takes at least a 0.3-second delay compared with iOS 7.1.2. It even takes twice the amount of time to wait for Safari to launch now with the latest iOS version on the iPhone 4s. Not to mention, upgrading your phone will add another 3 seconds to its boot time. But while this is done infrequently, it wouldn’t be too noticeable compared to launching certain apps.

iOS 8

Apart from the slow loading time for the apps, iPhone 4s devices running on the latest software update won’t be able to make the most of its features. For example, AirDrop is no longer available. Also the two modern graphics frameworks recently introduced at WWDC, OpenGL ES 3.0 and Metal, are unavailable since its GPU is already too old for the update. Another disappointment is the QuickType feature, which only takes up room on the limited 3.5-inch display of the device. Even though the update works on the iPhone 4s, there is reason to believe that it was designed more for iPhone models with larger display screens; much like the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6.

So should you download and update to the latest iOS 8 software? If you are contented with the performance and reliability of your current iOS, you can skip on the update for now. Or just until Apple releases bug-fix updates that target improvement on performance issues mentioned by Ars Technica. But if you’re excited to see the new features available on iOS 8, you can still have a go at it since these performance issues can be considered as minor drawbacks. Just remember, you’ve been warned against these slight delays.

Source: 9to5mac