Apple releases a new version of iOS 9.3 to fix a glitch on older devices

The new version of the software carries the build number 13E5237. It can be downloaded now over-the-air or through iTunes.

Users of some older devices, including the iPhone 5s and earlier along with the iPad Air and earlier, started to report problems soon after the software was officially released to the public last week.

Some of those device owners might have been shown an Activation Lock screen requiring them to enter the Apple ID and password used to originally set up the device. If that information couldn’t be recalled, or was lost, the affected devices were rendered useless.

After acknowledging the issue, Apple temporarily stopped pushing the update to the affected devices. A version of the software specifically for the iPad 2 landed last week.

This build fixes the issue for all devices.

If your older device was affected by the issue, you’ll need to update via iTunes.

While the software offered some major improvements, the rollout has been a bit bumpy. Along with the Activation Lock issue, a number of users are reporting that their iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus crashes when attempting to open links in Safari.

During last week’s special media event, Apple’s Greg Joswiak called iOS 9.3 one of the biggest mid-cycle updates ever from Apple.

The biggest changes in iOS 9.3 are arriving for the education market. At least for schools, the Shared iPad mode allows multi-user support. Educators can also take advantage of the new Classroom app so they can launch everyone’s apps at the same time and then guide what the students are looking at on their iPads. Using AirPlay, teachers can also project a student’s work from a tablet onto the classroom television equipped with an Apple TV.

A new Night Shift mode will use your clock and iOS device’s location to determine when the sun has set. It will then shift the display colors to the warmer end of the spectrum to make it easier on your eyes. It will return to normal in the morning.

Apple also added features to the News, Notes, and Health apps along with CarPlay improvements.