Apple rolls out iOS 8.1, Apple Pay

The major update to iOS 8 supports Apple Pay, which allows users to use their phones to pay for goods and services, tech site The Verge reported.

 

"Apple Pay integrates into the existing Passbook feature on iOS 8.1, allowing you to setup and store credit and debit cards," it said.

 

However, owners of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches will have to set aside 69.9 MB for the update.

 

The Verge said Apple Pay allows owners of iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 3 to pay for goods with compatible apps by swiping a finger with Touch ID.

 

Also, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus owners can use their phones to tap card readers to pay for goods with Touch ID and NFC. 

 

However, Apple Pay is initially available in 220,000 stores in the United States, and other countries may get the service next year.

 

Other features

 

The Verge said iOS 8.1 also supports new Continuity features so iDevices can work better with Macs.

 

It allows SMS from any device running iOS 8.1 and OS X Yosemite, letting iPad and Mac owners text friends without having to pick up their iPhones.

 

Also, the new iOS has an instant hotspot feature that allows iPads or Macs to connect to an iPhone personal hotspot if there is no WiFi.

 

Photos, bug fixes

 

iOS 8.1 brings back the Camera Roll and updates the iCloud Photo Library, to address issues in storage.

 

It will also have bug fixes and improvements.

 

Bugs had plagued earlier updates to iOS 8, including iOS 8.0.1 that disabled cell phone services on iPhone 6 units; and a last-minute bug in HealthKit.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News