iOS 8.1 Beta 2 Download Now Available For Developers With Apple Pay Screens

Apple released on Wednesday its second beta version of the iOS 8.1 update, giving developers a first look at screens related to Apple Pay, the company's upcoming mobile payment system, CNET reports.

According to iOS developer Hamza Sood, there are Apple Pay setup screens in the tech giant's Passbook app, in the initial iOS 8.1 setup and also on the iPad - suggesting the rumors about NFC-equipped iPads set for an unveiling Oct. 16 are true.

Apple Pay uses the Passbook app, Touch ID, Near Field Communication and another secure element to process payments. Users can take a photo of their cards or enter their information manually to add it to their device for Apple Pay. Merchants will not be able to view the user's card number, however, as a one-time number and dynamic security code will be used for each payment.

"People have dreamed of replacing these for years," Apple CEO Tim Cook said of card-based payment systems at Apple's September event. "But most have been a disappointment or not yet worked well enough for mainstream adoption."

At launch, more than 220,000 merchants will be ready for the feature. All major credit cards are signed up, as well as major retailers including Uber, Disney, Starbucks, Groupon, Target, Staples, Tickets.com, Whole Foods, Sephora and Panera Bread.

The first iOS 8.1 beta released on Sept. 30, serving as one of the quickest ever released by Apple. The tech giant typically offers up the first beta of new iOS versions a couple months after its initial release date.

Apple is planning to release its public iOS 8.1 update on Oct. 20, "multiple sources close to Apple" told Bank Innovation.

9to5Mac also recently reported Monday that Apple is simultaneously testing the iOS 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 updates.

According to the website, server analytics suggest Apple is unusually testing more than one version at the same time, all of which are major updates - offering an indication that the iOS 8 release schedule will be faster than its predecessors.