Apple to add Wi-Fi hotspot to GSM iPhone with iOS 4.3 - rumor
The new Personal Hotspot feature on iOS 4.2.5 will not remain exclusive to the CDMA variant of the iPhone 4, and will arrive with the release of iOS 4.3 for existing GSM-based handsets, according to a new rumor.
As reported by iPhoneHellas.gr, (via Google Translate), the feature will be part of a purported update in the works known as iOS 4.3. The rumor was credited to "reliable information" obtained by the site.
The Personal Hotspot feature is included in a new version of iOS, dubbed 4.2.5, that was spotted on pre-release CDMA iPhone hardware shown off at Tuesday's Verizon iPhone press conference. The feature is found in the Settings application on the phone, where it can be turned on or off and the Wi-Fi password can be changed.
In July, iPhoneHellas.gr correctly indicated the release date of iOS 4.0.1. The publication also correctly stated the release of iPhone OS 2.2 in 2008, 10 days in advance.
In addition, on Tuesday iPhoneclub.nl (via Google Translate) also reported that the iOS 4.3 update will only support the mobile hotspot feature, which allows up to five devices to be connected to a 3G data connection over Wi-Fi, will only be available if a carrier offers it.
AT&T famously did not allow tethering on the iPhone in the U.S. even after Apple had added the ability to share a wireless Internet connection via USB or Bluetooth to its mobile operating system. The feature eventually arrived last June alongside new, capped data plans. Tethering with an iPhone on AT&T costs an extra $20 per month.
When asked by AppleInsider on Tuesday whether AT&T will offer the Personal Hotspot feature on its network, a company spokesperson said they wouldn't "speculate" on potential future features. Apple has not made any mention of the Personal Hotspot coming to existing iPhones since the feature was first revealed on Tuesday.
The last time a supposed iOS 4.3 was mentioned was in November, when it was suggested the software update could add recurring application subscriptions with software on the App Store. Such a feature could allow iPad users to pay to subscribe to a regularly updated publication, like a newspaper or magazine.
As reported by iPhoneHellas.gr, (via Google Translate), the feature will be part of a purported update in the works known as iOS 4.3. The rumor was credited to "reliable information" obtained by the site.
The Personal Hotspot feature is included in a new version of iOS, dubbed 4.2.5, that was spotted on pre-release CDMA iPhone hardware shown off at Tuesday's Verizon iPhone press conference. The feature is found in the Settings application on the phone, where it can be turned on or off and the Wi-Fi password can be changed.
In July, iPhoneHellas.gr correctly indicated the release date of iOS 4.0.1. The publication also correctly stated the release of iPhone OS 2.2 in 2008, 10 days in advance.
In addition, on Tuesday iPhoneclub.nl (via Google Translate) also reported that the iOS 4.3 update will only support the mobile hotspot feature, which allows up to five devices to be connected to a 3G data connection over Wi-Fi, will only be available if a carrier offers it.
AT&T famously did not allow tethering on the iPhone in the U.S. even after Apple had added the ability to share a wireless Internet connection via USB or Bluetooth to its mobile operating system. The feature eventually arrived last June alongside new, capped data plans. Tethering with an iPhone on AT&T costs an extra $20 per month.
When asked by AppleInsider on Tuesday whether AT&T will offer the Personal Hotspot feature on its network, a company spokesperson said they wouldn't "speculate" on potential future features. Apple has not made any mention of the Personal Hotspot coming to existing iPhones since the feature was first revealed on Tuesday.
The last time a supposed iOS 4.3 was mentioned was in November, when it was suggested the software update could add recurring application subscriptions with software on the App Store. Such a feature could allow iPad users to pay to subscribe to a regularly updated publication, like a newspaper or magazine.
Comments
i want a GREAT DEAL with benefits
what is a great deal with att?
love this stuff, hope that my next 2 year contract rocks
Heck, I would even be happy with a reasonable monthly cap on data for devices connected to my phone. 1GB for free then charge after that. Let's hope healthy competition can improve plans for everyone.
If I had to speculate, I'd say it comes out January 18th to coincide with the release of: "The Daily".
I don't think it will be out before the Verizon iPhone. In all likelihood, Apple will even give them some time to have it to themselves. I could see Verizon providing the iPhone with iOS 4.2.5 on Feb 10th, then either provide 4.3 with wifi tethering to all phones a couple weeks/a month later or just wait to include it in iOS 5.
Also, let me use FaceTime over 3G! Skype is great for this, but let's remove all governers and open this baby up!!!
Yeah but it won't be free..
Most likely this is correct, but if you have to pay an extra fee it isn't really tethering. Your just getting a discount on the second device.
I pay for 2GB of data. let me use it how I want, ATT!!!! Give me tethering!!!!
Also, let me use FaceTime over 3G! Skype is great for this, but let's remove all governers and open this baby up!!!
Right...I am all for the competition and the mobile hot spots and stuff. But I never heard if Verizon is going to allow their customers to FaceTime over 3G compared to AT&T? Any news on that? Just curious!?
Right...I am all for the competition and the mobile hot spots and stuff. But I never heard if Verizon is going to allow their customers to FaceTime over 3G compared to AT&T? Any news on that? Just curious!?
I have no idea if Verizon will let video chat over 3G happen. All I know is the new Skype app allows it on ATT. So it's obviously possible. It would be nice if FaceTime could too. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
...Or better:
"Fine, but it'll cost you an extra XX usd/month"
I do hope Softbank allows this, though...
Letting 5 devices wouldn't make that much of a difference as they would still be sharing 2 GB bandwidth (and $10/additional 1GB).
Verizon's current hotspot plan actually costs $4.99 more than AT&T, as it requires $29.99 unlimited data plan and $20 hotspot feature (2GB data cap, not unlimited) and $20/additional 2GB.
That said, what good is the hotspot when you are limited to 2GB a month?
You can allow your friends to mooch a few times a month maybe, but I see this as a Really fast way to use up 2GB and / or have overages.
I use around 700 to 900 MB a month, that doesn't leave a lot to hotspot out to others.
5 extra devices using web simultaneously will eat up that 1G thats left over in a hurry.