Apple pulls iOS 8.0.1 patch that kills calls, TouchID

iPhone users around the world have reported serious problems with Apple's iOS 8.0.1 patch, including a loss of cellular service and the TouchID fingerprint authentication scanner ceasing to work.

DO NOT install iOS 8.0.1 - can kill cell service and Touch ID feature. Did it to me. Others reporting the same. PLEASE RT.

— dwight silverman (@dsilverman) September 24, 2014

As complaints rolled in, Apple issued a statement to US media saying it had removed the update.

“We have received reports of an issue with the iOS 8.0.1 update. We are actively investigating these reports and will provide information as quickly as we can. In the meantime we have pulled back the iOS 8.0.1 update.”

- Apple statement.

The faulty patch appears to only affect the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models, with users reporting that the older iPhone 5s devices as well iPads are not affected.

Users on Apple's support forum reported that reverting to the previous iOS 8.0.0 version using a restore image fixes the cellular service and TouchID authentication drop outs.

iOS 8.0.1 was meant to address the unknown bug in 8.0.0 that saw Healthkit apps being pulled from the App Store last week.

The update also contained several other bug fixes for third-party keyboard installations, apps accessing pictures in the Photo Library, unexpected mobile data usage when receiving SMS and MMS messages, and a flaw that stopped photos and videos being uploaded from the Safari browser.

Apple did not say when a new update for iOS 8 will be available.

Update 2:30pm: Apple told iTnews an 8.0.2 update would be available soon.