While the first version of iOS 7 will arrive for end-users next week, Apple is already well into testing for iterative updates to the revamped operating system. According to web analytics for 9to5Mac, Apple employees seem to already be testing iOS 7.0.1, iOS 7.0.2, and iOS 7.1. While we cannot absolutely confirm that these tests are occurring inside Apple, it seems likely based on the cities in which these operating systems are being tested. Apple’s headquarters is in Cupertino, California, and we are seeing these views from these unreleased operating systems from both Cupertino and surrounding areas.
Based on Apple’s past release history, iOS 7.0.1 and iOS 7.0.2 are designed as successive bug fix updates, while iOS 7.1 could bring either new functionality or support for new hardware. Apple typically releases bug fixes updates within a few weeks following a major iOS launch, so it is somewhat unsurprising to see Apple employees already testing the new versions. Based on Apple preparing new models of iPad hardware for the later this fall, perhaps the iOS 7.1 update is designed to launch on that new hardware. We previously reported that the new iPads will run a successive update to iOS 7.0. Perhaps backing this up is that all signs of iOS 7.1 testing in our analytics have been conducted on iPads.
While these three updates to iOS 7 are already in testing, we previously noted that Apple is already working on versions of iOS 7 that integrate the previously announced iOS-in-the-Car functionality. We have also reported that Apple began aggressively shifting its iOS engineering resources onto iOS 8. We understand that iOS 8 will focus on major enhancements to Apple’s maps app with indoor mapping, public transit directions, and enhancements that tie into the new iPhone M7 motion co-processor being on the roadmap.
iOS 7 officially launches on Wednesday, September 18th with all new icons, redesigned app interfaces, iTunes Radio, Control Center, Notification Center enhancements, new Siri voices, and more. The new operating system will be pre-loaded on the new iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, which launch concurrently on Friday, September 20th.
Information from our analytics has previously pinpointed an uptake in testing for iOS 7.0 and OS X 10.9, but it is difficult to tell precise release information based on this data. However, the analytics do provide insight into what Apple exactly is testing, when they are conducting the testing, and how widespread testing becomes overtime.
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Mark Gurman
They should go easy with the names or the whole state of California won’t be enough.
768×1024 w/iOS 7.1?? Come on now, that’s gotta be the iPad mini 2!
Can’t they just be testing with an iPad 2 or the first generation iPad mini?
I’m 10 month newbie for a iPhone 5, when I update on Wednesday the 18th. Will the update be 7.0.2?
7.0
Thanks
Not surprised. I’ve been using ios 7 beta 6 ever since it’s release and it’s buggy like hell. This was the last beta before the GM. No way in hell the GM is ready for prime time. So most likely they are still fixing stuff.
I’ve said this before unless they fixed alot of stuff this ios release is going to get a flack for bugs and instability.
iOS GM is massively faster than previous betas, so you should see the result. Anyway why you don’t update alreade if you can use betas?
Are you sure your on beta 6? Ive had the beta verison of iOS 7 since day one and since then I have seen a massive improvement. Beta 1 and 2 were really buggy, beta 3 fixed a lot of bugs, betas 4 and 5 were basically just minor bug fixes and improvements, and 6, of course had minor bug improvements, but looked to me as if it was ready. Im on GM right now and as Le()niD said, it is “massively faster”. I have an iPhone 4S on iOS 7 GM, and I have not seen it go much faster than before in earlier betas. Animations seem the same speed as before, although I do wish we had a choice to speed them up. I do think GM is ready for release to the public on the 18th.
The music player in the iOS 7 GM is riddled with bugs, almost to the point of unusability. iTunes radio is hit or miss, often giving a “connect to network” error and you can’t delete songs or albums at all. I’m expecting an incremental update within days of the release.
How much free space will be needed for the iOS7 update?
iOS 7 GM was a little bit more than GB when downloaded, for me. I suppose you would need about a GB for this update. I have heard in the past that when updating OTA, the iDevice would not COMPLETELY remove the old operating system and parts of it can be seen when plugged into iTunes and looked at “Other” on Device Information tab.
THanks… I can move my photos and get a gig easy.. What is the best way to update? All I know is to go into settings/software update.