Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 don’t work with IOS 16.1.1

I got the same run around from Abbott and they refused to refund me the cost of the FreeStyle Libre3 sensors I already purchased and no date when they will release an updated app compatible with IOS 16.1.1 or 16.2

I am using the Libre 3 sensor with an iPhone 8 plus on iOS 16.1.1. The Libre 3 app refuses to activate or recognize the sensor. Very disappointing as it took multiple phone calls with my doctor's office to get approval and purchase this sensor. I sure hope that Abbot fixes their app but at this point, I'm pretty sure I just wasted my time and $. The app warned me about compatibility when I opened it on my phone but I had already attached the sensor to my arm. Very disappointing. I mean Apple is already on iOS 16.3!!!

Last update FSL2 did on their app was Sep 6, 2022. Shame on them for not keeping up with the latest technology. I am running 16.3 and my phone is waiting for the next update 16.3.1 and the sensors are all unscannable. I have wasted three of them, and an actual reader is $115.

When I read the write up by App developer on these app, none of these apps show compatibility with the iOS Health App.

FreeStyle Libre 3 – US on the App Store

FreeStyle Libre 2 - US on the App Store

FreeStyle LibreLink - US on the App Store

At the same time the Blood Glucose Section in the Health shows few Apps and Freestyle Libre is not one of them.

I just tried to switch from using the FreeStyle Libre original to the Libre 2 sensor. I could not even sign in with the Libre 2 app. I am on iOS 16.1.1. I ended up trashing the Libre 2 sensor, and going to the pharmacy for another Libre sensor. It works with iOS 16.1.1 and the LibreLink app. Abbott are sending me another Libre sensor to make up for the one I had to trash. But, this is a major hassle. You would think if they could get the LibreLink app to work, they could get the Libre 2 version to work also.

On the Freestyle Libre 3 site, they do have this link (here) with a compatibility guide that says the Libre 3 is compatible only iOS 16. But it is heartening that it seems your apps work with 16.2. It is hard to believe that the OS update would bring so many changes as to make the app not work, but you never know.

But I totally agree that Abbott should be way better at communicating compatibility with the various OSs, which everyone knows are updated frequently.

Apple are continually bringing out new iOS releases and they then just blame the app developers when things go wrong. These are medical devices yet Apple Apple just don’t care. I’m think of reviewing my whole Apple approach to Smartphones. If they don’t care about people, I don’t care about them. Maybe Android is the smarter way forward after all.

I could not agree more. This is the last Apple device I will ever own.

there has to be a way to revert to a previous iOS version. They are updating to much and millions of medical device users are being put to risk.

I got a new phone and immediately updated from 16.0 to 16.1.1 and too late discovered that my sensors were not working properly. I learned from tech at Abbott that I should not have upgraded to 16.1.1 he suggested I downgrade back to 16.0. I called apple as to how to do that and they said it was not possible…so now I am unable to use my sensors waiting for app to be updated. Annoying and worrisome as the sensors are a wonderful safety when working properly.

We are getting the run around from Abbott as well. We are trying to validate if libre 2 will work with the IPhone 14 IOS 16.1.3. It's mind boggling Abbott technical support tells us to try it.

Just to note, I actually updated my Freestyle Libre 3 US app to 16.1.1 right when it came out and didn't have much trouble. I think I had to re-start my phone right away, but it works like normal (handy when it works, less so when the sensor loses contact).

After reading message threads like this, though, I'm reluctant to update to iOS 16.1.2, though I imagine if it works on 16.1.1 (at least for me), it will work for the slightly higher OS.

I am now on 16.1.2 and the original Libre Link app still works. When I was on 16.1.1 I couldn't even get the FreeStyleLibreLink 2 app to register with Abbott. I kept getting something like a "database communication error". However, a couple of days ago tried open the FreeStyleLibreLink 2 app with 16.1.2 and the app itself now seems to be working. It is sitting at the screen asking me to apply a sensor. I still have not worked up the courage to buy a Libre 2 sensor and try it for real. My Libre sensor will expire later today and the replacement Libre sensor from Abbott has arrived so I will use that one. But, within two weeks I will have to decide whether or not to try the Libre 2 sensor again. It seems impossible to find a current Abbott site that lists what iOS is actually compatible with their apps. Many sites seem to be listing iOS 11, as the most recent compatible system. Abbott really needs to put some effort into bringing their websites up to date. Since I got into this mess my Libre and FreeStyleLibre 2 apps have both updated once, but I can find no information how that impacts iOS version compatibility. LibreLink is now at 2.8.1.6120. FreeStyleLibre 2 is on the same version. Both seem to be dated Dec 6, 2022.

My plan is to phone Abbott before I buy a Libre 2 sensor and ask them what iOS is actually officially supported.

Thanks for the link. That one is for the Libre 3 which does not appear to be available yet in Canada, or at least not at our Costco. I know I have seen something similar for the Libre 2 but can't seem to find it.

I have the iPhone XR and I updated to iOS 16.1 and my freestyle Libre 2 is still working :) No problems with it.