iOS 7.1 Beta Release Arrives with Bug Fixes

Just a few days after the release of the iOS 7.0.4 update for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, Apple has seeded the iOS 7.1 beta to developers ahead of its upcoming release date.

Last week, Apple pushed out its latest and greatest iOS 7 update in the form of iOS 7.0.4, an update aimed at tackling dropped calls with FaceTime. And now, we know what update is likely coming next as Apple has pushed the first iOS 7.1 beta to developers, a sign that it will be the update that follows up Apple’s iOS 7.0.4 update.

Prior to the release of iOS 7.0.4, we saw the iOS 7.1 update appear in server logs, a sign that engineers are likely testing the update ahead of its release. And while we knew of its existence, Apple refused to comment or confirm the software. That is, until today, when the company rolled out the first iOS 7.1 beta to developers through its developer site.

The update, which is now available for all devices that are running iOS 7.1, looks like its a bug fix update that should arrive to fix some of the issues plaguing iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners in iOS 7. Specifically, Apple mentions issues with Bluetooth and an issue with the iTunes Match library. There doesn’t appear to be any mention of the iPhone 5s random reboot issues that are currently plaguing some iPhone 5s owners.

Of course, the release of the iOS 7.1 likely isn’t close, even with it in testing. Last year, we saw iOS 6.1’s first beta release come in November while the official version of iOS 6.1 wasn’t released for iPhone and iPad owners until late January. So, while this is a sign that Apple is progressing, it doesn’t mean that the iOS 7.1 update is close to arriving. Developers will likely be treated to a number of iOS 7.1 betas as Apple works to get some of the kinks out

General users should expect this update to be the biggest since the release of iOS 7 itself and there is a good chance that we could see several new features on board. Apple typically uses iOS x.1 updates to deploy some new functionality. Last year, we saw iOS 6.1 bring new features for Siri and redesigned lock screen music controls.