iOS 7.1 Beta 3 by Apple Inc. (AAPL) Released to Developer Partners; March Launch for All Users Expected? [Video]

By Michael Oleaga| Dec 26, 2013

The third beta version of iOS 7.1 has reportedly started to seed out to developer partners.

According to BGR, Apple rolled out iOS 7.1 beta 3, which contains bug fixes and new features. The new features on the latest beta update have not been detailed.

Although the latest iOS beta update was distributed to Apple's developing partners, it has not been released to developers who are still able to receive beta 2 of iOS 7.1.

As Latino Post reported, beta 2 featured changes in the Apple mobile operating system. According to reports, the "Settings" menu presents the settings for the Touch ID and Passcode features instead of being in the "General" menu. The animation speed has increased in the latest beta update and faster iTunes matching. The Safari Internet browser has the ability to minimize top and bottom headers while the page is loading. The Calendar app also now provides an easier way to list events.

The iOS 7.1 beta 2, currently available for developers, requires 120MB of memory before installing onto an Apple device.

In regards to beta 3, GSM Arena noted, "While Apple is usually releasing new iterations of iOS to the general public in January, it's said that in 2014 that won't be the case. Rather, the company is eying March as a possible time frame for the release of iOS 7.1. The delay is believed to be caused by the new iOS in the Car feature."

The beta update comes as Apple notified app developers to optimize their programs with iOS 7 by Feb. 7.

"Starting February 1, new apps and app updates submitted to the App Store must be built with the latest version of Xcode 5 and must be optimized for iOS 7," wrote Apple on its News and Announcements for Apple Developers webpage.

App developers can follow Apple's iOS Human Interface Guidelines for what to expect when developing for the iOS 7 platform, which launched worldwide for Apple mobile devices on Sept. 18.

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