This monday Apple began seeding iOS 5.1 Beta to developers. The update includes bug fixes for many of the problems experienced by iOS 5 users, such as the bug that caused severe battery drain. Also deep within the source code of iOS 5.1 Beta, references can be found to highly anticipated iOS devices, mentioned are the “iPhone 5,1″, “iPad 3,3″, as well as “iPad 2.4″. These are clearly references to future iDevices as there have been no previous mentions of them in the iOS code.
The iPhone 5 and iPad 3 stand out the most of the three new devices. The iPhone 5 will most likely run on Apple’s A5 processor, giving it the same power shared by the iPhone 4S and iPad 2. Also likely is that the iPhone 5 will have a completely new design and possibly a wider screen, although that rumor has been questioned by many. Other rumors say that this new phone will have a new, more powerful antenna as well as possible 4G support.
Also in the source of iOS 5.1 Beta are mentions of not one, but two new iPads. The iPad 3 and another iPad 2, with the previous 3 being the iPads equipped with WiFi, AT&T 3G, or Verizon 3G. This new iPad 2 could be released on Sprint’s 3G network to give the iPad the same accessibility of the iPhone. The iPad 3 is likely to come with a new design for both the screen and body of the device. The Wall Street Journal reports that it will have an LCD screen provided by Sharp. Other rumors include 4G support, and longer battery life. All of these devices will run on Apple’s iOS 5.1 operating system.
Due to the fact that these devices are included in the source of the iOS 5.1, which should be released after going through another beta phase or two, these devices should be released sometime early next year. This is especially likely for the iPhone 5, as Apple has performed many of it’s past iPhone releases in June.
