In Autumn 2020, Apple is releasing iOS 14. This update has compatibility issues with the current versions of iOS Axon View, Axon Capture, and Axon Aware.
Axon strongly recommends that users do not to upgrade to iOS 14, unless the user’s Axon View iOS application is version 5.3.0 or newer and Axon Capture iOS application is version 5.1.0 or newer.
Axon View 5.3.0 will be available in the iOS App Store shortly after iOS 14 release. Axon Capture 5.1.0 release is available to download now.
This article has information about using Axon View, Axon Capture, and Axon Aware mobile app with iOS 14.
Q: Does Axon recommend that Axon View and Capture application users upgrade to iOS 14?
A: If you use Axon View and Axon Capture, Axon strongly recommends that you have the latest supported version of the applications installed prior to upgrading your device to iOS 14 release. The supported versions are:
- Axon View iOS 5.3.0 or newer
- Axon Capture iOS 5.1.0 or newer
Q: Why do I need to upgrade Axon View & Axon Capture if I want to use iOS 14
A: iOS 14 introduces new privacy features which impact location settings, local network permission, and photo library access. These changes are not compatible with older versions of Axon View and Axon Capture.
Q: Whether I upgrade to iOS 14 or not, will this affect my ability to use Axon View or Axon Capture applications?
A: No, the iOS 14 update does prohibit use of Axon View or Axon Capture applications. But again, Axon strongly recommends deferring the update of iOS 14 until your agency is on supported version of Axon View and Axon Capture.
New Location Services Feature (Axon View, Axon Capture, Axon Aware)
Q: How does the new location setting permission impact Axon View, Axon Capture, and Axon Aware?
A: iOS 14 allows users to share their imprecise location with Axon View, Axon Capture, and Axon Aware instead of their precise location. This action approximates user’s location to within 2 - 10 km (approximately 1 - 6 miles) of the actual location. If enabled, this new feature will significantly reduce location accuracy for evidence associated with Axon View and Axon Capture applications, as well as the user's location associated with Axon Aware.
Q: How does Apple’s new imprecise location setting impact evidence captured with Axon View and Axon Capture?
A: Imprecise location significantly reduces accuracy of the user’s location in order to protect/mask user’s location data. If enabled, the evidence associated with Axon View and Axon Capture will have imprecise location data. This can lead to confusion about where the evidence was captured.
The images below provide examples of the differences between precise and imprecise location for evidence captured at the same location.
Example 1: Precise: On
When precise location is enabled, Axon Capture application is able to attach accurate location data to the evidence.
Example 2: Precise: Off
When precise location is disabled, Axon Capture is unable to attach accurate location data to the evidence.
Q: How does Axon View address imprecise location feature in iOS 14?
A: Axon View does not attached location coordinates to evidence when imprecise location setting is enabled.
Q: How does Axon Capture iOS 5.1.0 address imprecise location feature in iOS 14?
A: Axon Capture iOS 5.1.0 detects when precise location setting is disabled and does not attach imprecise location data to the evidence.
Q: How does Apple’s new imprecise location setting impact Axon Aware?
A: Imprecise location significantly reduces accuracy of the user’s location in order to protect/mask user’s location data. If enabled, the user will see imprecise location when trying to locate themselves on the Aware map (by tapping the center map on your location icon). This can lead to confusion about user’s exact location and how far away they are from other officers/colleagues.
The images below provide examples of the differences between precise and imprecise location when user taps the center map on your location icon.
Example 1: Precise: On
When precise location is enabled, the Axon Aware application is able to display your accurate location on the map.
Example 2: Precise: Off
When precise location is disabled, the Axon Aware application is unable to display your accurate location on the map. A large circle is shown on the map, showing the location uncertainty.
New Local Network Permission (Axon View)
Q: How does the new local network permission impact Axon View?
A: The new permission lets the user control if Axon View is allowed to or is not allowed to find and connect to other devices on the local network. Additionally, the new local network permission breaks the Automatic Wi-Fi feature in the Axon View application.
Q: What happens if I do not allow Axon View to find and connect to other devices on my local network?
A: User will not be able to connect to camera Wi-Fi to play back evidence on the camera using Axon View application.
Q: How does Axon View iOS 5.3.0 address new local network permission in iOS 14?
A: Axon View iOS 5.3.0 detects when local network permission is not enabled and directs the user to settings page, to enable required permission for evidence playback over Wi-Fi. It also introduces a fix to the Automatic Wi-Fi functionality in Axon View.
Q: How can I check that Axon View has the required local network permission?
A: Users on iOS 14 can follow these steps to verify that Axon View has the right local network permission.
- Navigate to Settings menu on your device.
- Locate Axon View settings and ensure Local Network permission is enabled.
New Photo Library Access Permission (Axon Capture)
Q: How does the new photo library access permission impact Axon Capture’s Import functionality?
A: The iOS 14 change is incompatible with older versions of Axon Capture. If a user grants access to specific evidence in the camera roll, the older versions of Axon Capture application will not prompt for access again. A user will not be able to import new evidence until the global permission is granted.
Q: How does Axon Capture iOS 5.1.0 address new photo library access permission feature in iOS 14?
A: Axon Capture iOS 5.1.0 has improved evidence import workflow allowing user to grant Axon Capture appropriate access to evidence for import.