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

By Aemon Malone Published 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.

Recommended 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.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mobile

There’s a secret way to free up 7GB of storage in your iPhone

iPhone 16 Pro homescreen with an Apple Intelligence Notification Summary

If you constantly run out of space on your iOS device, you could free up as much as 7GB of data just by disabling Apple Intelligence. The iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3 updates released this past week enabled Intelligence by default, but it isn't a requirement — and if you don't want to use it or would prefer the free space, you can turn it off.

On average, Apple Intelligence requires around 7GB of storage space regardless of platform. The reason for this relatively large requirement -- especially when the operating system itself takes up a decent amount of storage -- is because Apple runs the Intelligence features on-device. This ensures greater levels of security, but it also means less memory. This is a 7GB requirement per device, according to MacRumors.

Mobile

iOS 18.4 is coming: everything we know so far

An Apple iPhone showing Siri's interface.

This week, Apple rolled out the iOS 18.3 update for supported iPhones. While it may not be as feature-rich as iOS 18.1 and iOS 18.2, this update introduced several new features, including updated Notification Summaries, mobile Safari enhancements, Calculator app improvements, and various bug fixes. With this update behind us, attention will soon turn to iOS 18.4.

Although this upcoming update has not yet been released in beta form for developers, we already have some insights into what it may include.
A more aware Siri
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects iOS 18.4 to focus almost exclusively on a refreshed version of Siri that’s part of Apple Intelligence.

Mobile

Government demands answers from Apple over iOS 18 performance problems

A person holding the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Soon after Apple began the public rollout of iOS 18 — loaded with the Apple Intelligence stack — there were plenty of negative reports documenting sluggish performance, camera woes, UI status, and more.

Today, Apple has received a stern notice from India’s consumer watchdog over the performance issues encountered by iPhone users after installing the update. It is not quite the same as “Apple deliberately slowing down old iPhones,” because the iOS 18 woes also affect the latest iPhone models. The notice was issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), a regulatory agency that oversees consumer grievances and violations of their rights, while also conducting investigations and issuing orders related to recalls.