ios 8.4 breaks charging

I'll have another look when I'm at home, but the problem first occured during the update while the ipad was still (continuously) plugged in so there was no change in the physical connection, just a software update.

I've checked the plugs and sockets and they are fine.

My other son has no issue with his ipad mini (not updated to 8.4) with the usb extension cable and lightening cable and PSU I am trying to use with the ipad air on 8.4.

Since this happened during the update while the device was plugged in, I have a very strong suspicion Apple have done something like raise the voltage requirement for 8.4 devices, but why? It looks like other reports are beginning to hit these forums now so I know I am not the only one.

The now nonfunctioning USB cable is 3m, the working one is about .8m, but when I say nonfunctioning, it works with my other son's ipad mini and worked until the ipad air rebiited during the upgrade. The lightening cable is the original (c. 0.7m?).

It was fine with 8.3 and broke with 8.4 with an extension cable. I can't even charge the device of a PC with 8.4 now as you are supposed to be able to, and all with a genuine lightning cable. Do Apple even supply a long lightning cable or USB extension. I am in the UK so I'll give them a ring here.

I am also going to see if I am still in the window which allows downgrading from 8.4 to 8.3.

Firstly I am not particularly happy that a software update from Apple forces me to spend nearly 10% of the cost of the ipad on a new cable.....

.... and now this is getting worse. I was going to try to downgrade the ios which you appear to be able to do for a short period after a new ios release, but every time I plug the device into my pc (where it won't charge ....), iTunes keeps asking me if I want to restore from backup or set the device up as a new ipad. I don't want to do either. I want to back it up again before trying to downgrade the ios. I have tried restoring from backup and that works but the computer will still not recognise the ipad. :angry:

I will phone Apple tomorrow and try not to vent ......

Please, I have done nothing yet to downgrade the ios. I've plugged the ipad into the PC and it is only ever recognised as a new ipad and gives me the option to set it up as new or restore. I repeat, I have done nothing to downgrade the ios. I am only trying to back it up for the moment.

I spoke to a lady at Apple today (the iPad is under 3 months old so I still get free support) and she has bad news. My suspicions are correct that Apple have tightened up on some parameter to try to force you to use Apple approved devices only. She said there were too many instances of 3rd party devices damaging their products. I can still charge with one third party charger so I would guess they have done something like make the voltage requirement at the Lightning connector a bit higher. Some 3rd party chargers will work and some won't. Also, as I can't use my 3m USB extension cable but can use a c.1m extension cable, it again supports my reasoning as the voltage drop along the longer (cheaper) extension might just push it out of tolerance but the shorter cable is OK. I have not yet tried my car chargers (cigarette lighter adaptors).

A bit fortunately, the lady at Apple offered me a 2m Apple Lightning cable f.o.c, possibly because of my disabled son's need. It should arrive at the end of the week.

I am still stuck with having to use multiple power bricks instead of a 5-port brick and I don't know what the status is of my car chargers yet. I just hope one of them works.

Also FWIW with iTunes, of you are stuck in a restore loop, just choose to set up the device as new. It takes a couple of minutes but you don't lose anything.