Apple has released early last month the iOS 8.3 firmware update that first and foremost featured racial-diverse emojis in an attempt by the American tech giant to address the perceived emoji racism that was labelled on its mobile operating system.
The update likewise came with various features including bug fixes and performance improvements.
While many of Apple mobile device users have not taken on the Apple iOS 8.3 update, it is important for them to consider that if they’re already running on iOS 8.1.3 or iOS 8.2, there is no reason for them not to take on the latest firmware update from the American tech company.
With the Apple Watch now out in the market, the iOS 8.3 really becomes important for Apple mobile device users especially those who are planning to purchase one soon and perhaps sync it with their existing Apple gadget.
Problem for jailbroken Apple devices
But iOS 8.3 poses a problem for jailbroken devices especially if they are planning to purchase an Apple Watch, notes Scribbal.
It can be recalled that the iOS 8.1.3 released early this year has already patched the TaiG jailbreak. When the iOS 8.3 was released last month, it simply patched more vulnerability from the first TaiG jailbreak tool.
So for jailbroken Apple mobile devices, they are strongly advised not to take on the iOS 8.3 update and just wait it out until a new jailbreak is released.
Features of the iOS 8.3
In addition to fixing a few bugs, Apple’s software update features emoji smiley faces with different skin tones, representing the different races around the world.
The new emojis include illustrations of families with families that also include two male parents or two female parents.
The updated emojis also include characters of various races which was already announced previously by the Unicode Consortium, which sets international rules for text and characters to ensure consistency across all platform.
Apple has not made any official statement about the emoji update although earlier this year, the American tech giant released a statement to the media that it supports and cares deeply about diversity.
Tim Cook, the Apple chief executive officer, came out in public in October last year to officially state that he is proud to be gay, amid speculations on his sexual preferences.
In March, Tim Cook was among the technology industry leaders who denounced bills and laws in several states in the US that promote discrimination and erode equality. The Apple CEO has been a staunch supporter in the promotions of LBGT rights not only in the tech industry, but in other sectors of society.
Before the new set of emojis, Apple iPhone and iPad users all over the world have been so used to using the typical Japanese pictures to communicate emotions. The word emoji, after all, came from Japan.