Apple may release iOS 8.1.3 software update next week

BGR very briefly reports that Apple is planning to release the iOS 8 software update sometime next week.

However, they are not sure if the software update will be a beta release or a public release.

MacRumors however speculates that based on the jump in traffic they are seeing from devices running iOS 8.1.3, it indicates that Apple may release iOS 8.1.3. We’re also seeing a jump in traffic from devices running iOS 8.1.3. These stats have proven to be reliable in the past, and while they can be faked easily, increasing iOS 8.1.3 traffic from Apple certainly lends authenticity to these numbers.

We first started seeing hits from devices running iOS 8.1.3 in early December. MacRumors reports that according to their source, the recent jump in traffic is because Apple has seeded iOS 8.1.3 build 12B460 to select retail employees for testing, which is also the reason they’re are seeing hits on their servers from outside Apple’s offices as well. Few days back it was reported that Apple was planning to expand its pre-release internal testing to select retail employees.

Visitors via Apple’s networks from devices running iOS 8.1.3

Overall visitors from devices running iOS 8.1.3

It is not clear what’s new in iOS 8.1.3, but since it is a minor update, it is likely to include some bug fixes and improvements. It remains to be seen if Apple patches the exploit used in the TaiG jailbreak to stay ahead of the cat and mouse game with jailbreakers. iOS 8.1.2 software update which was released on December 9th, included bug fixes and addressed a problem where ringtone purchased through iTunes Store may have been removed form your device.

Apple is also testing iOS 8.2, and has seeded three beta versions to developers. iOS 8.2 will be major software update, which includes WatchKit SDK, and is likely to be released with the launch of Apple Watch. Recent rumors suggest Apple Watch will go on sale in March.

[via BGR, MacRumors]