Apple Releases iOS 8.1.3 With Reduced Storage Reqs, OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 Bugfixes

Ahead of its earnings release that is due after the closing bell today, Apple has released two updates for its most prominent operating system. The mobile-centric iOS has been updated to 8.1.3, while the desktop/laptop-centered OS X Yosemite gets an upgrade to 10.10.2.

The biggest addition with iOS 8.1.3 is a reduction in the amount of storage space required to install iOS updates. Previous iOS 8 updates have required users to set aside nearly 6GB of free space in order to install. For users stuck with 16GB iPhones and iPads (we still have no clue as to why Apple continues to string users along with such low amounts of onboard storage with no option for external storage), this has hampered their ability to update. This is also a factor in why the adoption rate of iOS 8 has lagged behind its predecessor, iOS 7.

Here’s the full change list with iOS 8.1.3.

• Reduces the amount of storage required to perform a software update
• Fixes an issue that prevented some users from entering their Apple ID password for Messages and FaceTime
• Addresses an issue that caused Spotlight to stop displaying app results
• Fixes an issue which prevented multitasking gestures from working on iPad
• Adds new configuration options for education standardized testing

On the PC front, OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 brings with its a number of bug fixes and security updates. Apple has supposedly fixed numerous lingering issues with Wi-Fi connectivity in Yosemite along with privacy issues related to Spotlight search. Apple has even provided fixes to the vulnerabilities pointed out via Google’s Project Zero program.

The full change list for OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 is as follows:

• Resolves an issue that may cause Wi-Fi to disconnect
• Resolves an issue that may cause web pages to load slowly
• Fixes an issue that caused Spotlight to load remote email content when the preference was disabled in Mail
• Improves audio and video sync when using Bluetooth headphones
• Adds the ability to browse iCloud Drive in Time Machine
• Improves VoiceOver speech performance
• Resolves an issue that causes VoiceOver to echo characters when entering text on a web page
• Addresses an issue that may cause the input method to switch languages unexpectedly
• Improves stability and security in Safari

iOS 8.1.3 can be downloaded directly on your iOS device by going to Settings —> General —> Software Update. OS X Yosemite 10.10.2 can be downloaded by opening the App Store app on your Mac.