iOS 4.3 due in December with app subscriptions?
updated 03:30 pm EST, Tue November 23, 2010
Report backs recent News Corp. rumors
Apple is already at work on an iOS 4.3 update, which should appear in December, a source claims. The focus of the firmware is expected to be on in-app subscriptions, addressing a long-standing complaint with newspapers and magazines wanting to sell iPad content without charging on per-issue basis. In particular, v4.3 may come shortly after a December 9th announcement of The Daily, a tablet-exclusive publication created by Fox and Wall Street Journal owner News Corp.
The source suggests that v4.3 could go live on December 13th, and also include some general code maintenance. The person also observes, however, that iOS 4.2 was originally expected to be released in the first half of November; glitches with Wi-Fi connections pushed the distribution to just yesterday, and then in the form of iOS 4.2.1. It's therefore uncertain if v4.3 will make its original deadline, although Apple is believed to be bent on participating in the December 9th event.
The source adds that subscription support may be connected to Apple's nearly-launched data center in Maiden, North Carolina. Internal documents are said to hint that the company is working on an expansion of all services, including iTunes, MobileMe, activations, retail and potential cloud projects. Apple's current infrastructure is allegedly being pushed to the edge, creating problems when new music or iOS updates are released. Some servers have reportedly been on the verge of failure, most recently when iOS 4.2.1 reached Europe.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Show some Mac/Windows love
With this and with iBooks, Apple needs to direct some attention to supporting their ebooks and these subscription sales on Macs and PCs as well as iPads. A purchase or a subscription shouldn't be confined to one device.
Amazon is miles ahead of them in this area.