Apple to release iOS 8.0.2 in a 'few days,' offers instructions to downgrade

After releasing and subsequently pulling the iOS 8.0.1 update earlier today, Apple late Wednesday instructed iPhone 6 and 6 Plus users affected by cellular and Touch ID issues to downgrade back to iOS 8.0 while the company prepares a fix.

In addition to the downgrade procedure, Apple also said it identified the bug causing iOS 8.0.1 to disable cellular connectivity and Touch ID for many iPhone 6 and 6 Plus owners. The company is planning to release a newer iOS 8.0.2 version with a patch in the coming days, according to a support document posted to the company's website. The announcement was first spotted by The Verge.

From Apple's Support pages:

We have a workaround for you if you have an iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus and you lost cellular service and Touch ID functionality today after updating to iOS 8.0.1. You can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes by following the instructions below. We are also preparing iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it's ready in the next few days.

Apple outlines a step-by-step process of reverting non-functioning iPhone 6 and 6 Plus handsets back to iOS 8.0:

1. Make sure that you're using the latest version of iTunes.
2. Connect your iPhone to iTunes.
3. Back up your iPhone in iTunes on your Mac or PC. iCloud backups won't restore to earlier versions, including iOS 8.0.
4. Download the file below that corresponds to your device: [Direct download links]
   • iPhone 6
   • iPhone 6 Plus
5. Select the file you just downloaded by doing one of these in iTunes:

   Mac: Press the Option key and click Check for Update.

   Windows: Press the Shift key and click Check for Update.

6. Press Update to install iOS 8 on your iPhone.

Once reinstallation is complete, an affected user should once again be able to make calls and effectively operate Touch ID. The update also broke Touch ID fingerprint recognition

Apple notes that the same issue preventing the Health app from functioning will return with the downgrade.

Apple released iOS 8.0.1 earlier today to patch an issue with the HealthKit framework that prompted the removal of app connected to the framework. Less than an hour after the over-the-air update rolled out, it was quickly pulled from distribution servers, as numerous users reported cellular connectivity and Touch ID issues.