Apple just released iOS 4.2 (really 4.2.1) on Monday and rumours have already started flying about the next version. Citing “reliable sources,” MacStories.com is reporting that Apple could release iOS 4.3 as early as mid-December. The update will apparently focus on The Daily, a new tablet-only publication from News Corp. set to debut in beta next month.
While all the details are not yet known, Rupert Murdoch’ News Corp will apparently publish the Daily seven days a week for US$0.99 a week or US$4.25 a month. It will be strictly designed for tablets (with the iPad being the first such device to be supported) and will not include print or website editions. To support this service, Apple is apparently building a recurring subscription billing system into iTunes and iOS.
Timing-wise, Apple was apparently planning to release iOS 4.3 on December 13th. This date may have slipped due to the recent issues which forced Apple to delay the release of iOS 4.2 to address Wi-Fi bugs (resulting in iOS 4.2.1).
A press announcement could come as early as December 9th although it appears that an announcement the week of December 13th is more likely.