Apple may release iOS 4.3 today

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Smartphones, Handhelds, Rumors, Software

Get ready to sync your iPhones, iPads, and iPods. Apple's iOS 4.3 is will reportedly launch today, according to Boy Genius Report.

At Apple's iPad 2 reveal last week, CEO Steve Jobs said iOS 4.3 would be available for download on March 11, the same day the updated iPad goes on sale. But according to BGR, Apple will release the newest version of its mobile operating system at around 1 p.m. EST today.

The update brings a variety of new features, including enhanced Safari performance, iTunes home sharing, AirPlay improvements, slider switch rotation, and a personal hotspot for the iPhone 4. Apple iOS 4.3 will support all iPads, third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, iPhone 4, and iPhone 3GS.

Apple iTunes home sharing will let users wirelessly stream content over a home Wi-Fi network from the PC to the iPad. A Nitro JavaScript engine has been added to Safari, which Apple says makes the browser run Java twice as fast. Updates to AirPlay, for example, include the ability to add slideshow transitions on the iPad to Apple TV and vice versa. The side slide control will also work as either mute control or orientation lock.

A personal hotspot will allow users to share their iPhone 4 Internet connection with other devices. However, there is some disagreement about the number of Wi-Fi connections that the hotspot feature will support. BGR said that it will be left up to the carrier, but the default is three connections.

If the rumor is true, why is Apple releasing iOS 4.3 three days early? MacObserver says it could be to give Apple some time to deal with the significant amounts of traffic and an increased number of support calls that updates usually yield before the iPad 2 goes on sale Friday. The updated tablet now includes a front-facing camera, which will allow for FaceTime chats between two iPads, iPhones, iPods, or a Mac. PhotoBooth is also now on the iPad.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment about the early iOS 4.3 release rumors.

This article, written by Leslie Horn, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc..