Is Apple iOS 7 in Beta Testing?

One of the best ways to determine if a company is beta testing new mobile technology is to scour user-based data logs to determine OS and device type. In the case of Apple one developer recently discovered internet data for devices running on what appears to be the company’s next version of iOS.

The iOS 7 data was listed alongside a device named “iPhone6,1. For reference, the iPhone 5 is listed under devices named “iPhone5,1” and “iPhone5,2” depending on the cellular band being utilized. The naming convention could suggest that Apple is nearing the beta release of its next-generation iPhone alongside its next-generation mobile OS.

The develop also notes that the data logs clearly indicate that the iOS 7 and iPhone 5 data was being transmitted by an IP address at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California.

If that data is correct it means Apple is already testing the platforms stability with legacy apps, a crucial part of any OS build.

A source at The Next Web says that Apple started working on iOS 7 in late 2012 and that Apple developers would determine the systems final firmware in the near future.

With Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference scheduled for June 2013 it is likely the OS’ SDK will roll out at that time.

It does appear given the iPhone5,1 and iPhone5,2 names that Apple may release an “in-between” device, perhaps the suspected iPhone 5S.

What is understood is that Apple has issues to deal with in iOS 7, the biggest concern of which is the company’s mapping software, a bundled mess of inaccurate maps with graphical problems and missing features that are already offering on Google Maps for iOS 6.

As CES 2013 arrives next week most of the tech world will focus squarely on devices from Apple competitor Samsung, at which time Apple engineers will continue to quietly work on new features for its own system.

The question now becomes whether or not end-users will forgive Apple for its iOS 6 problems.

[Image via ProductWiki]