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iOS 8.1 Beta Rolls Out For iPhone & iPad

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Apple today released its first iOS 8.1 beta to developers ahead of the upcoming iOS 8.1 release for iPhone and iPad. Apple’s first iOS 8.1 beta update comes just days after the release of iOS 8 and iOS 8.0.2.

Earlier this month, Apple announced that it would deliver its brand new iOS 8 update on September 17th. The company made good on its promise and on September 17th, Apple pushed iOS 8 to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users for the first time. iOS 8, like major iOS updates before it, delivers a number of new features, enhancements and fixes. And as we’ve learned, it delivered a number of iOS 8 problems to iPhone and iPad users as well.

iOS 8 issues have been plaguing iPhone and iPad users since release day though Apple has done its best to alleviate many of the initial problems. Last week, it pushed out iOS 8.0.1, a bug fix update that fixed a number of issues but delivered cellular connectivity problems and more to iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users around the world.

Those issues sparked the release of another iOS 8 update dubbed iOS 8.0.2. iOS 8.0.2 rolled out last week and squashed a number of iOS 8 problems including those cellular data issues. And while we’ve seen a flurry of iOS 8 updates emerge in recent days, it looks like Apple isn’t slowing down.

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In a bit of a surprise, the company has pushed out its first iOS 8.1 beta update to developers. iOS 8.1 beta 1 is available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV. Those with a developer account can download and install the very first iOS 8.1 beta right now. It’s not clear what’s included in the update though we imagine it’s full of fixes aimed at quelling the unrest around the iOS 8.0 update release.

The company delayed its Apple Pay service and iPhone SMS continuity feature though it has said that both features will come on board an update in October. That update could, perhaps, be iOS 8.1 though that remains unconfirmed at this point.

Apple’s iOS x.1 updates are typically much larger than standard bug fix updates though it’s not clear how big iOS 8.1 will be. Last year, the iOS 7.1 update entered the beta process in November but wasn’t released until March. The iOS 7.1 update, like past iOS x.1 updates, brought tweaks, enhancements and a few new features to iOS users.

iOS 8

If iOS 8.1 is released in October, it’s shaping up to be a busy month for the Cupertino-based company. OS X Yosemite is rumored to be arriving next month alongside a brand new iMac with Retina Display and a brand new iPad Air 2. Rumors have also hinted at changes to the MacBook line though like the other rumors, nothing is confirmed.

Apple is expected to host another media event to demo its new products ahead of the holiday shopping season so we could, perhaps, see Apple announce an iOS 8.1 release date in the weeks ahead.

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Rumors suggest that Apple is working on at least two other big updates to the iOS 8 operating system including iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.3. It’s not clear what those updates will have on board though we’ve seen rumors hint at transit directions for iOS 8 and split-screen multitasking for the iPad. With an Apple Watch release confirmed for early 2015, we could see the company push out a compatibility update to support its new wearable.

While the specifics aren’t clear, it’s clear that Apple has several iOS 8 updates up its sleeve, updates that should serve as the operating system’s bridge to the iOS 9 update that is already rumored for arrival in September or October alongside new hardware, perhaps new iPhones to replace the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus.

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