Apple is releasing its third update since the launch of iOS 8. Instead of fixing iPhones the company broke with iOS 8.0.1, Apple is launching its digital payment system Apple Pay with iOS 8.1.
To use Apple Pay, you’ll have to have one of the new iPhone 6 models or the upcoming iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. These new devices feature TouchID or a near field communications (NFC) chip required to use Apple Pay. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will support Apple Play for paying in stores and for apps but the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 only support buying apps with Apple Pay using TouchID.
However, iPhone 5 and 5s users can pair their phones with the unreleased Apple Watch, which will support Apple Pay in stores when it arrives.
In addition to Apple Pay, iOS 8.1 unlocks the Continuity and Handoff features in OS X Yosemite. This means you can pick up working from any device with a simple click or swipe. Handoff also allows users to answer calls and manage text messages on a Mac.
Last but not least, the Camera Roll is back with this update. Many users were confused by the disappearance of the Camera Roll and Apple decided to bring it back.
You can download iOS 8.1 by heading over to your device’s settings. Find General and then Software Update. The update should show up for you to download. Make sure your device has enough battery power or plug it into a power source before updating.
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