Apple is seemingly moving away from its minor update cycles, with plans to launch big updates next year. These would include iOS 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, one of which — as far as we (don’t) know — may be unveiled by the end of this year.
According to 9to5Mac, all three iOS versions have been caught at various website logs around the web. What’s more, these users are all located around Cupertino, indicating there’s some merit in these rumors.
Alas, we can confirm little at this stage. However, chances are big updates will be released shortly before the Apple Watch hits the market, and on the heels of the iPad Air and/or iPad Mini launch. Plus, let’s not forget NFC capability which cries to be unlocked from Apple Pay and be used for other services like mobile ticketing. Moreover, every iPhone user is waiting to get decent maps from Apple, which itself could require a new iOS version (due to tight integration across apps).
So what do we take from this? We see that Tim Cook is leading Apple in slightly different manner than Steve Jobs. Or we could say that today’s mobile market is different than it was few years ago, prompting Apple to adapt and respond accordingly.
Considering the early success of the new iPhones, Cook & Co. are definitely onto something. And with Apple Watch coming next year, we may be looking at stronger-than-ever Apple that is here to re-establish its leading position in the mobile space. Good days ahead…