National technology writer Rod Chester discusses the pro and cons of Apple's latest operating system and shows you how to install it on older model without deleting everything else.

Everything you need to know about iOS8

APPLE has been forced to pull an update to its iOS8 operating system just hours after it was released following reports that it stopped some phones from being able to make phone calls and prevented the Touch ID fingerprint scanner from working.

The good news for Australian Apple fans who might have jumped out of bed and quickly installed the latest update from Apple is that it’s no longer available, after the problems were quickly reported shortly after the software’s release overnight.

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Apple has acted after the issue had some users complaining it turned their shiny new iPhone 6 into a shiny new iPod, in that it was an iPhone that didn’t make phone calls.

For those who have got the failed operating system update, Apple has released a statement talking people through a workaround of how to cope with a iPhone that has been affected.

“We have a workaround for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users who lost cellular service and Touch ID functionality today after updating to iOS 8.0.1. Affected users can reinstall iOS 8 through iTunes, for more information visit http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6487,” the statement says.

“We apologise for the great inconvenience experienced by users, and are working around the clock to prepare iOS 8.0.2 with a fix for the issue, and will release it as soon as it is ready in the next few days.”

The steps Apple says users need to follow to reinstall iOS 8are:

1. Make sure that you’re using the latest version of iTunes.

2. Connect your iPhone to iTunes. Back up your iPhone in iTunes on your Mac or PC. iCloud backups won’t restore to earlier versions, including iOS 8.0.

Download the file below that corresponds to your device (iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus).

3. Select the file you just downloaded by doing one of these in iTunes (with a Mac press the option key and click check for update, with Windows press the Shift key and click Check for Update).

4. Press update to install iOS8 on your iPhone.

Many iPhone users have expressed their outrage on social media over the technological glitch.

Do not install iOS 8.0.1. It turns your iPhone into an iPod http://t.co/q2kGzvGTrv — Tom Warren (@tomwarren) September 24, 2014

The Next Brick Thing Is Here — Ina Fried (@inafried) September 24, 2014

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

iOS 8.0.1 has been pulled, you are safe, go about your day, move along. — Christina Bonnington (@redgirlsays) September 24, 2014

Apple’s update was issued after last week’s release of iOS8 to fix a few bugs in the software, including an issues with some apps accessing photos from the Photo library.

If you were one of those quick off the mark in downloading iOS8.1, you can also make an appointment with an Apple Genius immediately and seek professional help.

The software stuff up comes 24 hours after “Bendgate”, the nickname quickly applied to the complaint from some people that the 14cm (5.5-inch) iPhone 6 Plus phablet can bend in your pocket if enough force is applied to the slim smartphone.

But every dark cloud has a silver lining, and while Apple might be having a tough couple of days, the problems are a catalyst for humour with those wanting to see the funny side in the woes of the Cupertino-based tech company.