14 DAY TRIAL // Rumors of the early iOS 4.3 release have pushed the estimated launch date to Wednesday, March 9 (today). While this is still two days early than the official launch schedule, there may be some truth to these claims.
A March 8 report by The Loop picked up by iPodnn and Macnn claimed that the actual launch date for iOS 4.3 was March 9.
A report by BGR had said that Apple was trying to get iOS 4.3 out the door on March 8, but that didn’t happen.
Now, as you would expect, speculation is centering around the March 9 date as various sources have reportedly indicated to The Loop that this is, indeed, the case.
It is believed that Apple will want to avoid network problems by rolling out iOS 4.3 on the same date customers will be plugging their iPad 2 units in and out of their computers to activate them and download apps.
However, the sources dishing out such speculation fail to note that Apple will have likely taken this into consideration already.
Still, the Cupertino-based tech giant also loves to surprise consumers, and an early release of iOS 4.3 would generate hundreds of headlines.
But you can count on the various Apple-centric blogs out there to set a March 10 rumored launch date for iOS 4.3, should today’s rumor get squashed as well.
As far as we’re concerned, the official launch date for iOS 4.3 remains March 11 - the day Apple itself said the update would arrive.
The new software update is tasked with delivering a number of key enhancements, as well as new features.
For example, GSM versions of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS will gain the ability to offer wireless Internet to additional Wi-Fi capable devices laying around them, via a feature called Personal Hotspot.
Original iPads get a new option in the Settings menu where users can select which function to assign to the tablet’s hardware switch - mute sound, or lock screen orientation to portrait or landscape.
Targeting all supported devices, including iPod touches, are new features like iTunes Home Sharing, and enhancements to AirPlay, and the Safari web browser.