14 DAY TRIAL // Apple could be on track to release iOS 8.1 later today, alongside a new range of iPads that they’ve accidentally leaked in photos and text on iTunes.
The evidence that the company is at least working to release iOS 8.1 to give iPads new capabilities lies in the very leak that confirmed the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 a few hours ago.
iPad user guides confirm new tablets
As reported earlier, a massive blunder on behalf of the Cupertino giant resulted in the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 3 getting leaked in photos via the tablets’ user guides. These guides are distributed by Apple free of charge as books and PDFs through the company’s iTunes Store and Support site, respectively.
The updated iPad guide was available for just enough time to allow us to grab some screenshots and hold on to the evidence. iPad Air 2, for instance, is getting a Touch ID sensor, an improved camera, and burst-mode for taking multiple photos at short intervals to pick the best one later.
The iPad mini 3 is only getting the fingerprint sensor, in what is regarded as an attempt on behalf of Apple to spur sales of the bigger tablet. As expected, the two iPads will be getting upgraded internals as well, but that’s not mentioned in the guide.
Guides built around iOS 8.1
According to the documentation, Apple built these guides using iOS 8.1 as the basis of the software-related functions. With the iPads expected to roll out later today, it’s reasonable to assume that iOS 8.1 is also being deployed soon.
Depending on how manufacturers are handling production of these two devices, it may be a while before they hit the market. But if assembly has already begun and Apple doesn’t plan on holding them back until Christmas, you can expect the new iPads to launch anytime between later today and late November. Our best bet is this week.
iOS 8.0.2 is far from perfect
Another reason why Apple might be somewhat forced to release iOS 8.1 sooner rather than later is the number of bugs reported by the community under the current firmware (iOS 8.0.2).
Don’t get the wrong idea, iOS 8.0.2 runs just fine on most devices, but many customers are complaining of Wi-Fi connectivity issues and it seems that the problems for these people started after applying iOS 8.0.2. If iOS 8.0.3 isn’t in development, then it will fall on iOS 8.1’s shoulders to address these problems.