Slash LaneAs reported by iPhoneHellas.gr, (via Google Translate), the feature will be part of a purported update in the works known as iOS 4.3. The rumor was credited to "reliable information" obtained by the site.
The Personal Hotspot feature is included in a new version of iOS, dubbed 4.2.5, that was spotted on pre-release CDMA iPhone hardware shown off at Tuesday's Verizon iPhone press conference. The feature is found in the Settings application on the phone, where it can be turned on or off and the Wi-Fi password can be changed.
In July, iPhoneHellas.gr correctly indicated the release date of iOS 4.0.1. The publication also correctly stated the release of iPhone OS 2.2 in 2008, 10 days in advance.
In addition, on Tuesday iPhoneclub.nl (via Google Translate) also reported that the iOS 4.3 update will only support the mobile hotspot feature, which allows up to five devices to be connected to a 3G data connection over Wi-Fi, will only be available if a carrier offers it.
AT&T famously did not allow tethering on the iPhone in the U.S. even after Apple had added the ability to share a wireless Internet connection via USB or Bluetooth to its mobile operating system. The feature eventually arrived last June alongside new, capped data plans. Tethering with an iPhone on AT&T costs an extra $20 per month.
When asked by AppleInsider on Tuesday whether AT&T will offer the Personal Hotspot feature on its network, a company spokesperson said they wouldn't "speculate" on potential future features. Apple has not made any mention of the Personal Hotspot coming to existing iPhones since the feature was first revealed on Tuesday.
The last time a supposed iOS 4.3 was mentioned was in November, when it was suggested the software update could add recurring application subscriptions with software on the App Store. Such a feature could allow iPad users to pay to subscribe to a regularly updated publication, like a newspaper or magazine.
Marko Zivkovic
Wesley Hilliard
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Andrew O'Hara
30 Comments
let the GAMES BEGIN.
i want a GREAT DEAL with benefits
what is a great deal with att?
love this stuff, hope that my next 2 year contract rocks
If I had to speculate, I'd say it comes out January 18th to coincide with the release of: "The Daily".
I think the iPhone and iPod touch will get an updated version of iOS when the Verizon iPhone is released. Maybe it's 4.2.5 or maybe that's just an internal build and the Verizon iPhone will ship with 4.3 and the GSM iPhone and iPod touch will get it too. I don't think Apple has ever had different versions running on the iPhone and iPod touch. They even updated iOS on the touch when they fixed the bars on the iPhone during "Antennagate." Only the iPad waits for updates.
I live in Portland, Oregon and overall I have been fairly happy with my iPhone on AT&T. But If the Verizon iPhone comes with free tethering...... that would be very enticing. I already pay for internet in my house & on my phone. Don't make me pay a third time for the convenience of occasionally using the cellular connection I already paid for on my tablet or laptop.
Heck, I would even be happy with a reasonable monthly cap on data for devices connected to my phone. 1GB for free then charge after that. Let's hope healthy competition can improve plans for everyone.
If I had to speculate, I'd say it comes out January 18th to coincide with the release of: "The Daily".
I don't think it will be out before the Verizon iPhone. In all likelihood, Apple will even give them some time to have it to themselves. I could see Verizon providing the iPhone with iOS 4.2.5 on Feb 10th, then either provide 4.3 with wifi tethering to all phones a couple weeks/a month later or just wait to include it in iOS 5.