iOS 7.1 Release Date Pegged for This Week (Updated)

The iOS 7.1 release date will take place this week according to a well known developer who often shares information about Apple’s plans and details about timing of new releases.

We know the iOS 7.1 release date is close thanks to the introduction of CarPlay this week and several previous rumors that point to a March ISO 7.1 release date, but now a new voice is sharing a more specific release window.

Replying to a tweet about iOS 7.0.6 problems, Josh Gruber of Daring Fireball tells a developer that iOS 7 should arrive this week. There is no specific date for the release, but the timing makes sense.

Update: Gruber also shared details on his website linking the iOS 7.1 release with the iTunes Music Festival.

@resetbrian iOS 7.1 should be out this week.

— John Gruber (@gruber) March 4, 2014

Previous iOS 7.1 release date rumors pointed to March with sources telling 9to5Mac and AppleInsider that the update could land sometime in that month.

The iOS 7.1 beta program that offers access to developers is currently on the fifth beta, which offers  a collection of small new features, user interface changes and fixes for iOS 7 problems. It is not an exhaustive list, but here are some new things to expect in iOS 7.1.

• Fix for iPhone crashes on iOS 7
• Fix for Safari crashes on iOS 7
• New look for call screen, power off screen and other small fixes
• Performance enhancements on the iPad and iPhone
• Improved iOS keyboard

The performance improvements are the most anticipated features for many users who are sick of their iPhone rebooting when they are in the middle of a call, opening an app or trying to take a picture. The performance enhancements should make using iOS 7.1 easier on older devices thanks to optimizations to remove some lag from models like the iPad 3. It is possible that the update will fix some Touch ID issues as well.

At this point there is no iOS 7 GM, or gold master, in the hands of developers. With the iOS 7 beta program developers tested a final version before the public release, but it is possible that Apple will offer a very short GM this week. The iOS 6.1 beta 5 that Apple released in 2013 was the GM, even though it was not labeled as such.

If Apple is planning an iOS 7.1 release date this week it could come as early as today, but Apple’s recent actions show the company isn’t tied to a specific day of the week to release a iOS update. We can guess what time the iOS 7.1 update will arrive though. Apple releases new versions of iOS at 1PM Eastern / 10 AM Pacific like clockwork.

The iOS 7.1 release should be available as an over the air update and as an update in iTunes. Users will need to have some free space on the iPhone to make room for the update. We share 7 things to do before installing iOS 7.1 and 7 iOS 7.1 release date tips to help users ensure a smooth update.