14 DAY TRIAL // It is becoming increasingly obvious that Apple is not done with testing iOS 4.2, given that the company has reportedly missed two self-imposed deadlines for the public release of the software, something that took even the knowledgeable iPhone Dev Team by surprise.
As avid Softpedia readers will remember, the infamous team of hackers went on record to warn of the risks of updating to a stock IPSW a full week before Apple was even rumored to release the software update to the masses.
Apple has since delayed the iOS 4.2 public launch again, making it imperative for jailbreakers / unlockers to stay put until the Team's blog is updated with solid information about how the newest IPSW files from Cupertino can be hacked.
It is known that a WiFi bug affecting iOS 4.2 iPad builds is the main reason why Apple is holding off the public release of the software.
By all accounts, iOS 4.2 mostly targets the iPad user base with key new additions like multitasking, application folders, a unified Mail inbox, Game Center, iAds and more.
Following rumors of November 9 and November 16 releases, Apple is now believed to have pushed the launch of iOS 4.2 to November 24, due to the necessity of thoroughly testing iOS 4.2 for any bugs that may hinge the experience of Apple tablet owners.
For iPhone and iPod touch users, it is likely that iOS 4.2 delivers performance fixes that should help alleviate slow responsiveness on 3G handsets, as well as battery drainage on early iPod touch models.
However, not even the rumored November 24 release date is something iDevice owners can cling to.
The hype surrounding the anticipated release of the software update has recently been tied to the possibility of Apple launching a CMDA-capable iPhone 4 carried by Verizon, with the iOS 4.2 launch being pushed as far as November 30, some claim.
Nevertheless, those watching Apple’s activity up close have their money on a release before Thanksgiving (November 25), as do we.