14 DAY TRIAL // Reports citing a high-profile newspaper’s review of the CDMA iPhone 4 suggest that Apple is on track to launch iOS 4.3 specifically targeting GSM versions of the smartphone running on AT&T’s network in the U.S.
Reviewed by the New York Times’ David Pogue, the CDMA iPhone 4 runs iOS 4.2.6, the newest version of Apple’s mobile operating system whose single exclusive feature is the Personal Hotspot capability.
The author of the review noted that "the single new feature in Verizon’s iPhone is Personal Hotspot, where the iPhone becomes a Wi-Fi base station.”
The author further outlined that “Many other app phones have it,” adding the following tidbit, “AT&T’s iPhone gets it on Feb. 13.”
While not specifically stating that the new addition will be present in an upcoming iOS software update, those knowledgeable in Apple matters believe iOS 4.3 will drop on February 13, or even the day before, in order to prepare GSM handsets for the new functionality.
Coincidentally, February 13 is also the date that AT&T is increasing bandwidth while enabling hotspots on Android devices, 9 to 5 Mac points out.
However, February 13 seems like an odd date for Apple to roll out new iOS version, although it wouldn’t be unheard of to prompt iPhone users to update their devices on a weekend.
Also noteworthy, the reviewer edited his post to replace February 13 with “soon,” indicating that someone at AT&T or Apple has demanded some discretion regarding future updates.
But what is perhaps the best indication that iOS 4.3 will arrive in two weeks or less from now is that the update will reportedly kick off support for new in-app subscriptions for electronic magazines and newspapers such as The Daily.
The Daily is free for the first two weeks to those who download the app. It has been available for almost a day now, following yesterday’s official launch in New York.