14 DAY TRIAL // Development of the iPad version of iOS 7 is not moving at the same pace as the iPhone builds, and Apple may actually introduce tablet owners to the software via iOS 7.0.1 (at a later date), according to a new report.
The same source dishing out new information about the iPhone 5S to 9to5mac reveals that, “While Apple is nearing a golden master seed for the iPhone (and consequently iPod touch) version of iOS 7.0 […] the iPad version is running behind.”
The claim is backed by developer reports which confirm that iOS 7 for iPad is much less stable than iPhone betas, and one of the reasons behind this issue is that “Apple started on iOS 7 for iPhone prior to building for the iPad.”
It’s no surprise then that the first iOS 7 beta actually arrived two weeks after testing had commenced on iPhone builds.
In fact, if you head over to the iPad section on Apple's web site (at the time of this writing), you'll notice that the company doesn't even promote the iPad version of the software, but rather continues to use iOS 6 graphics to market the tablet.
Whereas the iPhone section of the Apple site is chock full of iOS 7 marketing.
The delay in beta development is likely to translate into a delay for the final release of iOS 7 for tablets, the source says.
Apple may keep the iPad version in development to roll out an iOS 7.0.1 alongside new hardware (iPad 5, iPad mini 2), perhaps at a second event this fall (following the September 10 iPhone refresh).
Furthermore, Apple is reportedly preparing iOS 7 training sessions for Apple store staffers, as many customers will probably be baffled by the new look and new functionality of the software.
iOS 7 is likely to be provided as a free download for every existing iDevice owner, starting with iPhone 4 users, iPod touch 5th-generation owners, and users of a second-generation (or newer) iPad.
iOS 7 will come pre-installed on the new iPhones rumored to be launching on September 10. At the same event, Apple is expected to debut OS X Mavericks, the next major version of the company’s desktop OS for Macs.