14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has posted a new Gold Master (GM) build for those testing the latest version of iOS for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, a move that likely delays the public launch of the iOS 4.2 software update by a full week.
Reports reveal that Apple handed iOS 4.2.1 GM (build 8C148) to developers yesterday evening, with the usual description: “This is a pre-release version of iOS 4.2.1 for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.”
According to a screenshot published by 9to5mac, Apple intends to ship the software update for iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, and iPod touch 2nd-, 3rd, and 4th-generation devices.
A WiFi bug affecting iPad the latest iOS 4.2 GM is reportedly the main reason Apple decided to postpone the public launch of the software.
Regardless of how many updated iOS builds Apple has seeded, and continues to seed to developers, the company has until the end of the month to roll out a final version, in order to honor its self imposed deadline.
Although the forthcoming iOS software update targets all iOS portables, the release is known to have a specific focus on the iPad.
According to Apple’s own description of the software, iOS 4.2 is set to deliver over 100 new features to tablet users.
“iOS 4 is the world’s most advanced mobile operating system,” the company states on its web site. “And soon iPad owners will get to enjoy its 100+ new features and innovations — including multitasking, folders, printing, and more. Look for iOS 4.2 coming in November for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch,” the description ends.
On the same web page, Apple touts four major new additions delivered with iOS 4.2 for the slate-shaped device - multitasking, folders, AirPrint, AirPlay - describing the functionality of each, in part, followed by another six - including Game Center, the ability to search and find text in a web page in Safari, and more.
Visit Apple here to learn more about the upcoming iOS software update, or here if you are a developer looking to get your hands on the iOS 4.2.1 GM seed.