Apple dropped its third major update for iOS 8 yesterday, and along with racially diverse emoji, two-factor authentication for Google and new Siri languages came another altogether unwelcome addition: a fault that is stopping Touch ID from working for many users.
Sadly, this is the kind of thing that is becoming a more regular occurrence for Apple. Despite exciting new hardware developments like the Apple Watch, the company has been getting increasingly sloppy with software updates — with routine and sometimes crucial functionality taking a hit on what feels like a regular basis.
The problems with Touch ID have been reported on Reddit and in a thread on the Apple Support Communities. The majority of users complaining are saying that, while unlocking works fine, their ability to buy apps in the App Store is compromised.
The fault is reported as existing for multiple handsets, including both iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets.
“I tried everything,” writes one user. “Really not pleased with it. After messing about in settings I accidentally bought 2 apps that I didn’t want to buy, nor needed, just because it didn’t ask for password before download. Thanks Apple. FIX IT!! I need touch ID to confirm a purchase, without going through the hassle of typing the password. Amazingly touch ID still works on Amazon. So this is [an] Apple problem.”
As noted, this isn’t the first time an iOS 8 update has had a detrimental effect on Touch ID. The disastrous 8.0.1 update was quickly pulled after upgraders discovered that it created problems for both Touch ID and cellular connectivity — essentially bricking many people’s new iPhones until Apple came out with a fix.
Come on, Apple, get it together!
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
14 responses to “Thumbs down: iOS update breaks Touch ID for some”
Apple has become sloppy in many places. They need to tighten their ropes in regards to the app store (both Mac and iTunes). Lots of apps seem to have big issues in recent years. It feels as though Apple is following the course of Windows in allowing so many buggy apps to be installed on so many of their devices. Just because they make nice looking products isn’t enough. The products still need to work!
It feels like to me the UI has lost some responsiveness on my 6 too…
I think the problem that people are complaining here is actually a much requested feature. No authentication needed for downloading free apps anymore.
This is exactly what i thought and i totally agree with you, the whole headline is a little misleading really.
However i do think in recent times apple as become a little sloppy and should start to sprinkle a little of that apple magic that was in abundance when Steve was at the helm.
Touch ID works just fine, your article title is misleading. The App Store just isn’t requesting the touch ID and is just prompting for a password instead.
So is this a security fix, or just a change in authentication? I thought Apple pay also used finger print authentication?
based off the quote that was used, it sounds like they turned on the function that doesn’t request a password for 15 minutes, which was just introduce in 8.3
My problem with iOS 8.3 is other: Siri in Portuguese is MUTE. I have an iPhone 6 and when ‘talking’ to Siri, I have no voice feedback (although is checked ALWAYS in Siri’s settings). Anyone?
My guess is that those of us for whom touch ID is barely usable this won’t make much difference. I’ve set it up 6-8 times and it rarely ever recognizes me. I’ve basically given up on it already.
“Despite exciting new hardware developments like the Apple Watch…”
Exactly how many people got ‘excited’ about a watch that is too big to wear, too small to use for all its capabilities, and won’t run a full day on one charge? Oh, and sells for near $400?
Tim Cooke and a couple of others?
I think Mr. Cooke is trying to live up to his diversity claims by hiring Microsoft programers and managers. I switched from Windows to Mac a few years back because Apple had a reputation for getting things done efficiently and correctly the FIRST time.
so dramatic! we like used to like cult of mac because they’re pro apple, not anti-apple.
Yea, my iPhone 5C now get’s warm and stays warm charging. Even over night as if it does not stop charging? It does seem Apple fixes things in the OS updates only to break other things. I don’t believe Apple has the meticulous CEO as Steve Jobs was to micro manage quality. Maybe too its just because Apple has integrated all of its systems to work together more its caused more issues? I have noticed the more Apple combines IOS and OS X the more both seem to have bugs.
I’m pretty sure it had nothing to do with the 8.3 update or bugs but rather Apple needing to update the App Store because after not being able to use TouchID this morning, this afternoon after the usual Thursday update, TouchID is working again for me.
here’s how to fix it: go to your settings > Touch ID > enter your password > turn off iTunes & App Store > and then turn it on again. That solved the problem in my iPhone 6 plus.