Beta version of iOS 4.3 released to developers, confirms GSM Hotspot support

By Aemon Malone January 13, 2011

A newly released beta version of iOS 4.3 reveals that the iPhone and iPad may be in store for some interesting new features. Hidden in the iOS 4.3 code are clues that suggest GSM iPhone support for Personal Hotspots — effectively wireless tethering — and a new multi-touch system geared specifically for the iPad’s large screen. The iOS 4.3 build also suggests that the iPad and iPhone are due for a hardware upgrade soon, too.

As of now, it looks like iOS 4.3 will only support the iPad, the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and the third- and fourth-generation iPod Touch. Apple released the beta version of iOS 4.3 to developers on Wednesday.

Related Videos

The new beta confirms reports that the Personal Hotspot feature — outlined in Verizon’s iPhone announcement on Monday — is expected to be supported on GSM iPhones in the iOS 4.3 update (whether AT&T decides to allow its iPhone customers to use the service is a another matter). The Personal Hotspot will allow up to five devices to share an iPhone’s 3G data connection over Wi-Fi.

According to MacStories, iOS 4.3 will include support for a new range of 4- and 5-finger motions to control the iPad. Users will be able access different iPad menus by swiping the screen in a particular direction.

Developers have also noticed that included in the new build is support for third-party app access to Apple’s AirPlay feature. AirPlay allows iOS devices to connect to sound and video components through a Wi-Fi connection for wireless music and video streaming.

MacRumors has reported that embedded in the iOS 4.3’s settings is mention of a feature called “Find My Friends,” which appears to be a location-sharing service à la Google’s Latitude app. The “Find My Friends” appears to be tied into Apple’s exisiting MobileMe service, which requires a $99 annual membership fee.

Perhaps most interesting of all is the mention of new iPhone and iPad models in the iOS 4.3 build. Engadget reports that there’s evidence of two new iPhone models — referred to as 4.1 and 4.2 — and three new iPad models — referred to as 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3. To be clear, AT&T’s GSM iPhone 4 is listed as 3.1 and Verizon’s just-announced CDMA model as 3.2, so it looks like these are entirely new models. Let the iPhone 5 speculation begin.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Mobile

Will my phone automatically change for daylight saving time?

The iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island showing the timer and music playing.

Like it or not, it's that time of year again — time for daylight saving time. On Sunday, March 12, at 2:00 a.m. (local time), the majority of people in the United States will be "springing forward" and setting their clocks ahead by an hour. Along with losing an hour of sleep, it also poses an important question: will your phone automatically change for daylight saving time?

It's a question that applies regardless of which phone you have. Whether you're rocking an iPhone 14 Pro, a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, or any other smartphone, it's important to know whether or not you need to change it for the new time.

Mobile

The best voice-recording apps for iPhone and Android in 2023

A man uses a smartphone on the street.

Microphones on smartphones are often much better than people give them credit for being. Whether someone is looking to start a podcast, record some music, or simply find a place to record their thoughts, recording apps will capture whatever sounds you need with relatively solid quality.

The best smartphones today have recording apps preinstalled right out of the box, but sometimes they leave a little bit to be desired for those looking for something more out of a voice recorder. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent apps that you can download that have features that your built-in voice recording app might not.

Mobile

Apple, please release the iPhone 14 in these colors next

Mockup render of the iPhone 14 in an orange color.

You've probably heard the news by now. Earlier this week, Apple released a new yellow color for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus -- and it's now up for pre-order. Does it look good? I sure think so! It's a bright, vibrant, and saturated yellow that adds a lot of pop to a mostly muted color palette for the iPhone 14 series.

But as much as I like how the yellow looks, it's not the only color I'd love to see the iPhone come in. There are so many possibilities for future iPhone colors, and if Apple's looking for a few tips on what to do next, I have some suggestions. Here are five colors Apple should release the iPhone 14 in next (hopefully soon).
Dark green