14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has been dropping hints that it is preparing to release a new firmware update soon, and the first real evidence of that happening comes from our own web analytics where iOS 7.1.2 has started to make hits, albeit not a very large amount.
Less than two weeks before Apple’s planned unveiling of iOS 8 at the Worldwide Developers Conference, another version of the iPhone/iPad firmware has entered testing with the purpose of addressing urgent flaws.
iOS 7.1.2 has already been hinted at several times by Apple’s spokespeople responding to queries about recently discovered vulnerabilities and bugs. For example, the company has to address a serious Activation Lock bug that requires not only server-side mending but also a new firmware update.
The same goes for a nasty bug affecting iPhone-written text messages not reaching Android phones. A spokesperson has said that Apple is preparing a firmware fix, and iOS 7.1.2 appearing in our web analytics undoubtedly contains the patch in question.
A pair of WebKit holes patched in Safari 6.1.4 and Safari 7.0.4 on the desktop should also require closing on the iOS side. In total, Apple has at least four major vulnerabilities in urgent need of patching, making iOS 7.1.2 somewhat of an urgent release. In other words, expect it to arrive soon.
The company has the Worldwide Developers Conference lined up for June 2, which is less than two weeks from now. At the annual developer gathering, new iOS and OS X builds are showcased, and this year will be no different. Next in line are iOS 8 and OS X 10.10.
In announcing the event, Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said, “We have the most amazing developer community in the world and have a great week planned for them.
“Every year the WWDC audience becomes more diverse, with developers from almost every discipline you can imagine and coming from every corner of the globe. We look forward to sharing with them our latest advances in iOS and OS X so they can create the next generation of great apps,” Schiller added.
iOS 8 will be the tentpole announcement at the opening keynote according to sources who are familiar with Apple’s plans. Featuring at least one novelty in the health & fitness department, the new software could pave the way for putting iOS on our wrists (through the rumored iWatch).
An enhanced version of the Apple Maps service is also present in the software, according to recent leaks. Apple plans to implement public transit directions and other cool stuff as part of the iOS 8 release.