Apple's release of iOS 4.2 held up by Wi-Fi issues - rumor [u]

Though previous reports alleged that iOS 4.2 would become available on Friday, new rumors suggest the software update for the iPhone and iPad will come next week, on Nov. 16, or perhaps even later to address purported Wi-Fi issues [updated].

The "most likely" release is next Tuesday, Nov. 16, according to iPhoneHellas. The same site previously had accurate reports indicating the release time of Apple's iOS software updates.

In addition, references to a Nov. 12 launch that were allegedly found in previous builds of iOS 4.2 carrier bundles have been removed, providing more evidence that the update may not be issued until next week at the earliest.

But another report from MacStories claims that the software has been delayed due to issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. It alleged that Apple is preparing a new gold master that will be issued to developers soon.

The Friday launch was rumored earlier this week, in a report that also said that Mac OS X 10.6.5 and iTunes 10.1 would arrive on Wednesday. That turned out to be half true, as Apple released its latest update to the Snow Leopard operating system, but did not issue an update for iTunes.

iOS 4.2 is Apple's eagerly awaited software update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It will mark the debut of iOS 4 on the iPad, bringing features like folders and multitasking that iPhone and iPod touch owners have enjoyed for months.

The update will also bring AirPrint and AirPlay to the mobile devices, though support for shared printers in Mac OS X 10.6.5 was axed at the last minute for still-unknown reasons. The ability to stream video from an iOS 4.2 device to an Apple TV through AirPlay will also require a software update for the Apple TV.