Just hours after Apple released iOS 5.1 beta a referenced to an unreleased iPad 2 variant was discovered. It was assumed that this “iPad2,4” identifier belonged to an unreleased Sprint network compatible iPad 2 model.
Today, identifiers for iPhone5,1, iPad 3,2, iPad 3,3 have been discovered in the iOS 5.1 beta. Based on Apple’s previous numbering schemes (e.g. iPhone 3,1 is the identifier for the iPhone 4) this newly discovered identifiers can be nothing less than next-generation hardware.
It is no surprise that the iPad3,2 (this identifier has appeared before) and iPad3,3 has appeared in the latest iOS beta, especially when one takes into account the reports claiming that the next-generation iPad will be introduced this spring.
What is a little more interesting is the fact that Apple is testing this software on next-generation iPhone hardware. First off, it seems early to do so. I wouldn’t expect the new iPhone for another year. Secondly, if past years are any indication, Apple introduced a major new version of iOS alongside the introduction of new iPhone hardware. I’m sure there is a good reason for this, or they wouldn’t be doing it, but I certainly don’t understand it.
Image courtesy of 9to5Mac.
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TAGS: ios 5.1, next-generation ipad, next-generation iPhone
