iOS 8.1 available to download now: What's new?
iOS 8.1 is finally available to download for free. Here we run through what the latest version of the mobile OS has to offer


Developers got their hands on the first beta of iOS 8.1 at the end of last month, with the code containing information about the firm's Apple Pay system and also suggesting the fingerprint scanner is coming to the iPad.
iOS 8.1 contains a brand new settings panel, showing options related to credit and debit cards, according to MacRumours. There are also default card/billing address/email/phone options, along with a disclaimer from the company concerning privacy of the feature.
Apple Pay, the payment system being introduced with iOS 8, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, is the company's first foray into offering NFC technology to its users.
The new feature means that users can either use the payment information they have already used on iTunes or upload a photo of their card to Passbook and use their device to make purchases thereafter.
There are also reportedly signs of Touch ID being introduced for the iPad, which ties in with the imminent introduction of Apple Pay for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
With Touch ID on the next generation iPad, users would not need to manually input payment data and information when making purchases in relevant apps, though it is unclear whether Apple Pay will become available for the devices or be limited to the iPhone and Apple Watch for the foreseeable future.
The company previously revealed that Apple Pay would be launching at some point in October, and is expected to be a part of the upcoming iOS 8.1 update.
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Caroline has been writing about technology for more than a decade, switching between consumer smart home news and reviews and in-depth B2B industry coverage. In addition to her work for IT Pro and Cloud Pro, she has contributed to a number of titles including Expert Reviews, TechRadar, The Week and many more. She is currently the smart home editor across Future Publishing's homes titles.
You can get in touch with Caroline via email at caroline.preece@futurenet.com.
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