Is iOS 8 worth it? Who should update?

If you have not yet dared to update to iOS 8, we will tell you in this practical tip whether the new operating system is worthwhile for you.

What's new in iOS 8?

In addition to numerous small improvements and new functions, iOS 8 brings these new features:

For the first time, you can install alternative keyboards from the App Store. Also new are the word suggestions known from Android above the keyboard.
Apple's messaging service iMessage has been completely redesigned. iMessage is becoming more and more like its Whatsapp model. You can now send locations and voice messages here.
The Health app is the center of your health data. Save what you eat and count calories or import steps from other health apps.
With Apple Pay, you can probably use your iPhone to make cashless payments from 2015. The service has not yet started in Germany, and it is still unclear which businesses support the payment methods. An NFC chip is also required for this, but is only installed in the iPhone 5S, 6 and 6 Plus.
IOS 8 also focuses on working with Mac OS X Yosemite. If you have several Apple devices such as iPhone, Mac, MacBook, iPad, or iPod touch, the devices now work well together. Surf the web on your MacBook and get started quickly, just grab your iPhone and continue where you left off on your MacBook. This function is called handoff.
With Family Sharing, you can share photos, music, and movies with your family or close friends. For example, if a member of the family buys a song, all other members can download it for free.

iOS 8 is supported by the iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S, as well as iPad 2, iPad Retina, iPad Air, iPad mini, iPad mini Retina and the iPod touch 5G. The new iPhones and iPads are already delivered with iOS 8.
The iPhone 4S is the oldest of the supported devices. This is also noticeable in everyday use. Apps open a little slower than under iOS 7, the performance often leaves something to be desired.
iOS 8 was designed for the large displays of the newer iPhones and runs perfectly on all devices. Here, too, the 4S loses out: The space in the mail app is tight. Thanks to the new design and the new keyboard, you can hardly see the actual message when writing an email.

With the release of iOS 8, several users complained about Bluetooth problems. iOS 8.1 solved this, but brought other users WiFi and reception problems.
The battery life has hardly changed. The differences are only a few minutes. The iPhone 4S was one of the big beneficiaries of iOS 8 with a 20 minute longer runtime.

Once you have updated to iOS 8, there is no going back. If there are any problems, only upcoming updates will help.
iOS 8 brings many new functions for iPhone and iPad and runs smoothly on most devices. There is hardly a good reason not to do the update.
Only users of the iPhone 4S should think carefully about switching. The performance is much better under iOS 7, especially if the system runs for a few weeks. If you don't need the latest from the latest, you can also do without iOS 8. In addition, functions such as airdrop and handoff are not supported on the 4S.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to save battery on iOS 8.