Apple apologizes for its failed iOS 8.0.1 update

Apple’s rotten week continued as the company apologized for major issues with its iOS 8.0.1 software and released a “workaround” in the wee hours of Thursday morning. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users who downloaded the iOS update found themselves unable to access cell service or use the TouchID fingerprint sensor, causing Apple to pull iOS 8.0.1 within hours on Wednesday. “Affected users can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes,” an Apple spokesperson said via email to NBC News, pointing to a support page with instructions. The fix involves downloading a special file to restore the older software. “We apologize for the great inconvenience experienced by users,” the spokesperson said. Apple is “working around the clock” to release 8.0.2.

Apple on Wednesday quickly pulled a troubled update to iOS 8 following an outcry over problems with the new version. The iOS 8.0.1 update aimed to fix issues that have plagued Apple’s mobile operating system software since it arrived last week. But many users immediately reported problems after downloading the update, including their iPhones no longer connecting to a cellular network, with a message of “no service.” iPhone owners also reported issues with Touch ID after downloading the update, with some noting that the feature — which allows people to unlock their phones using their fingerprints — was no longer working. Only about an hour after releasing it, Apple put a stop to the software update. It’s unclear what the company plans to do for people who have already downloaded iOS 8.0.1, but CNET has a handy how-to guide here on how to restore iPhonesfollowing the update. Apple simply acknowledged the issue and said it’s looking into the problems. “We are actively investigating these reports and will provide information as quickly as we can,” Apple initially said in a statement. “In the meantime, we have pulled back the iOS 8.0.1 update.”