All the users who had upgraded
their iPhone to new iOS8 are unhappy with the update. They are not getting
option to switch between 3G and 2G instead they can switch between LTE and 3G
which was not case in iOS 7.1. Infact in many countries LTE is not available
hence having the option doesn’t suits their requirement. Many of those who have
opted for 2G pack are unable to use as they are not in 3G or contract.
Here is an explanation:
On
iPhones running iOS 7 firmware, there was an option to turn ON or turn OFF 3G
network whenever required thereby giving them liberty to choose 2G (EDGE) mode
if they are not in 3G zone or have not opted for 3G services.
Users
can go into the Settings menu, tap on Cellular and look for the “Enable 3G”
button.
This
simple option allowed users to disable 3G and switch to 2G/EDGE/GPRS Internet.
However, it’s possible only on iOS 7 firmware.
Who all are effected with
the missing 3G Button?
Upgrade your iPhone 5s, 5c, 5, to the new iOS 8 and you will
notice there is no 3G toggle option anymore however iPhone 4s does have that
option (Tested with mine own).
Apple probably believed the whole world connects to the Internet
over LTE, 4G and Wi-Fi network, which is absolutely not true.
The issue is not limited to India as many other users worldwide are
complaining. On the Apple forum, we have seen many users from Turkey, Pakistan,
Brazil, Bulgaria, and Mongolia looking to switch from 3G to 2G Internet without
any luck.
Apple view on the missing
3G Button
Apple
hasn’t officially responded to this 2G/3G problem. When questioned the Apple
support team, they requested customers to talk to the carrier network. Only the
carrier network can solve this problem and automatically switch your cellular
data from 3G to 2G. Carrier settings need to be pushed into the handsets which
will enable the option. However under huge pressure Apple care had assured to
raise the issue with the Developers and seek resolution. But till then one had
to live with it.
How it affects the users
Most of
the users are in 2G plan hence the switch off 3G from the settings. If you have
paid for the 2G data plan, you will be charged separately for using 3G.
The
problem doesn’t end here. Having 3G activated in the background leads to two more
major problems:
- Poor network/signal (No Network)
- Charged battery drains quickly
Work around or interim
solution
Many users
had tried all permutation combination but had failed to produce any solution. So
what’s the ultimate solution to this big 3G bug or miss? For now, if you prefer
using 2G over 3G, you can downgrade iPhone from iOS 8 to iOS 7.1.2 firmware.
And if Apple stops signing iOS 7.1.2 firmware, you will never be able to
downgrade to older firmwares again. The ultimate solution for this problem is
in the hands of Apple as Only they have the keys to include “Enable 3G” option
in the next update.
Techspecs Expert View
As already informed the issue is with few users and not all
users are effected then certainly there is a miss or correlation between the
operator and Apple. Which they need to acknowledge and work on to facilitate
the end users.
One of the user said that he is using iPhone with Airtel and had
upgraded to iOS8. Post upgrading he is
getting option of switching off LTE/4G. Once the same is done it automatically
switches to 3G the next preferred network and then to 2G only if the 3G signal
is poor. As we all know most of the high end handsets works with the
functionality to take the best/strongest connection available.
Hence there should be a separate 3G toggle as well so that
people can switch to 2G even if 4G is available.
What
are your thoughts about this? Let us know through your likes and comments below.
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