Apple Is Jumping Straight to iOS 4.2.1
Apple said that it would release iOS 4.2 to the world this month and plenty of rumors and ‘insider’ tips have given us nearly as many release dates for it as there are days in the month. Guess what? Apple now has just released iOS 4.2.1 GM to developers. The GM stands for golden master, which means that Apple thinks the release is ready for distribution but wants developers to test their apps with it and find any problems Apple hasn’t.
iOS 4.2 already had a GM release to developers but widespread reports of a Wi-Fi bug may be the reason why it still has not come out yet. Is it possible Apple is fixing the problems and jumping straight to its iOS 4.2.1 release? That certainly looks like the scenario that is shaping up right now.
The version of iOS that 4.2 or 4.2.1 is replacing—iOS 4.1—has a number of flaws in it. There is a well known PIN bypass security flaw that allows the unscrupulous to bypass an iPhone 3G, 3GS or 4’s locked screen and gain access to email, calling, and contacts. Then there is the now infamously dismal performance on the iPhone 3G that iOS 4 brought to the table. iOS 4.1 has managed to fix some of the slowdown and battery drain issues that showed in version 4 on the iPhone 3G, but iOS 3.x is still much faster. Fortunately, iOS 4.2.x is expected to address the problem as best as can be expected with the much lower specs the phone has in comparison to the iPhone 4.
iOS 4.2.x will also bring AirPlay and AirPrint to iOS and finally let the iPad multitask like its iPhone and iPod touch cousins. Basically, iOS 4.2.x is going to be an even bigger release than iOS 4 was. The necessary software for AirPlay and AirPrint are already out in the form of Mac OS X 10.6.5 and iTunes 10.1. Now Apple just needs to release its next iOS version to activate the features.
Think Apple is going to jump straight to iOS 4.2.1 or will it go ahead with iOS 4.2 and release the even newer update in the near future? Frustrated that it is taking so darn long for iOS 4.2 to come out? Let me know in the comments.
Tags: AirPlay, update, iOS 4.2, ios, Apple iPhone 3G
Go ahead to buy any Android smart phones. F*ck Apple’s arrogant prick CEO Steve Jobs’.
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Considering the size (over 1500 replies)here: discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=12610434#12610434
of the Apple Ipod discussion forum thread, the number of complaints of battery discharging too quickly and different solutions offered – most of which do not work – I have to take issue with a recent statement “Apple products are the best but there is no such thing as a perfect product.” A few questions for you that might help others with the problems of this thread and potential solutions since you state “it will be fixed in 4.2 I’m sure” :
1) Why has it taken since July 2010 for Apple to fix the fast battery drain and other problems with ios 4.0, 4.01, and 4.1 ?
2) Why has Apple not admitted there is a problem when so many have complained?
3) Why does Apple refuse access to UPGRADE to 3.1.3, Yes UPGRADE and eliminate the software problems of ios 4.0, 4.01, 4.1. Who cares about the advantages of 4.x if the ipod will not operate more than 4 or 5 hours on a battery charge.
4) How do you know it will be fixed in 4.2
5) I am glad that Apple is testing, retesting and re-retesting 4.2…but why has Apple released software three times in the past that caused basically the same problem with the short lived battery that has turned my ipod into a silver brick.
6) Why do the monitors of the Apple discussion thread remove anything derogatory against Apple? The discussion forum is Apple’s and Apple employees need to know the reaction, both positive and negative, of their customers. It seems irresponsible that Apple has not stated a position on the quick battery discharge situation or the other problems with ios 4.x. Whereas other technology threads (lenovo.com, nvidia, and hewlett packard) do have company feedback that even admits when a problem has been identified and offer a date if the problem cannot be rectified immediately. Apple deserves an “F” for their attitude on this.
7) And my last question – who will pay for replacement of the battery when it has been discharged/charged past the acceptable cycle count of lithium ion batteries? If the ipod is out of warranty, but ios 4.0 was the cause then shouldn’t the battery warranty be extended to include the July 2010 date when it (ios4.0) was released?
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What you wrote implied that 4.1 was some improvement on the battery drain issue. I don’t think there’s any evidence of that. Also implied – iOS 4 will never run as well as 3.1.3 on “older” devices. Is 6 months old (the age of my iPod 3G when 4.0 was pushed on us) an “old device? Battery drain problems are also documented on the iPod 4G! This is absurd and Apple won’t permit or facilitate downgrading the OS. I’m feed up with all of the BS and hype coming out of Cupertino.
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Pete Whiting Reply:
November 19th, 2010 at 7:21 am
@Nytroutbum,
I agree 100%. Keep badgering Apple- maybe they will listen and fix the mess of 4.x.
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