Apple is Already Testing iOS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3!

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Posted September 29, 2014 at 6:40pm by iClarified

Apple is already working on three major updates to iOS 8 including: iOS 8.1, iOS 8.2, and iOS 8.3, reports 9to5Mac.

We’ve confirmed that these major new versions are in development via two means. First, a developer of a major hardware-connected iOS application has shared with us their analytics, and this data indicates that all three versions are in testing by Apple employees in or around Cupertino, California. Second, and much closer to home, our own Google Analytics for 9to5Mac.com show that iOS users are visiting our website via iOS 8.1, iOS 8.2, and iOS 8.3 devices. iOS 8.1 hits to 9to5Mac.com started appearing even months before iOS 8.0 launched, but 8.2 and 8.3 visits only started picking up following iOS 8’s release in mid-September.

These firmware versions are of particular interest because of Apple has only released one big update to iOS per year of late. iOS 5, iOS 6, and iOS 7 only made it to iOS 5.1.x, iOS 6.1.x, and iOS 7.1.x.

It's also interesting to note that iOS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 are under development simultaneously. This raises a question about whether or not Apple plans to continue its annual release cycle. It's thought that perhaps disassociating software releases from hardware releases could prevent a hardware launch from being tarnished by software bugs. For example, Apple Maps may have dampened the iPhone 5 launch and the iPhone 6 launched with a buggy iOS 8, no HealthKit, and a botched iOS 8.0.1 update.

Another possibility is that Apple is accelerating iOS development and plans to release all three updates before iOS 9 next year. One explanation for this could involve the rumored 12.9-inch iPad that may need some interface tweaking and thus its own iOS update. Apple is also said to be working on significant improvements to Maps, an iPad split-screen mode, updates for Apple Pay, and updates to make iOS 8 work with the Apple Watch.

9to5Mac also suggests that perhaps Apple will stick to iOS 8 for several years as it did with OS X; however, this seems the least likely possibility.

For updates on the latest iOS 8 releases, please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS.

Apple is Already Testing iOS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3!

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jos1 - September 30, 2014 at 1:31am

They are in a hurry to release updates to cover their mistakes in every update

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gamerscul9870 - September 30, 2014 at 1:34am

Or maybe expanding on what was released in ios 8 such as adding speed to time-lapse, or adding any type of image to insert in messages. Who knows. Mistakes or not that comes with it, other versions are a back up. Art is never rushed when working with Apple to tell you the truth. They always took time just like the watch.

James - September 29, 2014 at 10:07pm

Well of course 8.1 is getting ready. the apple pay system will likely be implemented in it. Duh. Why not begin the following iterations as well. You do know development does not begin a week before release right?

iLost - September 29, 2014 at 7:44pm

lol. Their plans and thoughts are like their products, having a bend. Why can't they put all these in iOS 8.1 and release it ? HAHAHAH. Why to go for 3 different version :P. Or is it because of they are expecting a disaster like iOS 8.0.1? If that's what is going to happen then, they can immediately release the next version. Seems to be a great idea. Wauhhhh iGood iDeas

Gern Blansten - September 29, 2014 at 6:55pm

Or perhaps since there are potential 3 new devices getting released before the next generation of iPhone, they are planning for that?

stevenlacross - September 29, 2014 at 6:47pm

When are we going to get iOS 3.1.4? I want iOS 8 type stuff on my iPhone 2g

gamerscul9870 - September 29, 2014 at 6:53pm

You do realize 2g supports 5 or early right?

meeee - September 29, 2014 at 7:04pm

lol!!!!

Jordan - September 29, 2014 at 6:44pm

Slow down apple lol

gamerscul9870 - September 29, 2014 at 6:51pm

Slow down jail breaker. Lawl