iOS 8 Beta 4 Update Release Date Bumped Up To July 21 For Developer Download [Rumor]
Although a conflicting report earlier this week suggested a traditional three week gap between the release of beta 3 and beta 4, a new report from BGR, who usually has a good scoop on these release dates, claims the upcoming iOS 8 iteration will arrive on July 21 - or two weeks between beta 3 and beta 4.
"One of our Apple sources has let us know that the company is currently planning on making iOS 8 beta 4 available to developers and testing partners on Monday, July 21st."
It is unknown how many beta versions Apple will release before the iOS 8 Gold Master (GM), as it has varied in the past.
The iOS 8 Beta 3 update packs a first look at Apple's Health, an app that will be the hub for all things fitness and health-related, TechCrunch reports.
The app can now reportedly track both calories and steps for users in the latest beta iteration without third-party providers, using Apple's M7 chip to help users keep track of their progress by day, month and year. The app also allows users to share their steps with other apps.
The update to Health is significant as it shows Apple is testing new native functionality for health and fitness, which it obviously prefers to be the main focus, with third parties adding whatever else users desire.
The latest beta update also reportedly comes with several bug fixes, which is certainly good news for those using the iOS 8 beta on their personal devices. Beta 3 can be installed as over-the-air download and through Apple's developer portal for compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices.
In case you aren't sure if your device is compatible, the only device that didn't make the final list for iOS 8 compatibility is the iPhone 4, as the update is available for download on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 4S, iPod touch fifth-gen, iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPad mini, iPad 4, and iPad 3. As Gotta Be Mobile notes, the iPad 2's inclusion on the list was a mild surprise given Apple's history of leaving devices off of the list after three major updates. It was pretty much a given that the iPhone 4 would not make the final cut, as the smartphone is no longer available in stores and has already received the three updates.