iOS 8 users who are battling issues with Bluetooth connectivity and files getting deleted on the iCloud Drive will welcome the news that Apple may push out the iOS 8.1 update on Oct. 20.
The latest information comes courtesy Bank Innovation, whose sources have revealed the launch date for iOS 8.1. The site's sources also let on that the latest update to the OS will bring Apple Pay in its folds.
"Based on multiple sources close to Apple, Bank Innovation has learned that iOS 8.1 will include Apple Pay, and the current expected timetable for the public release is schedule for October 20," reveals the publication.
Developers have already got a taste of iOS 8.1 beta (released on Monday, Sept. 29), which seems to back the rumors that the public release is not far away.
Previous rumors have suggested that Apple is working on three new software updates for iOS i.e. iOS 8.1, iOS 8.2 and iOS 8.3, which were spotted in Google Analytics. These updates will be allegedly launched in the same year, which if true, will be a departure from Apple's one major update per year policy so far.
Apple too has confirmed in the past that Apple Pay, its contactless payment service, will be rolled out in October, which backs the current rumor. Moreover, the Oct. 20 date for iOS 8.1 release ties in with Apple reporting its Q4 Fy14 earnings. The earnings call may likely be followed by the release of the next-gen iPad and iPad mini tablets, which are traditionally released in October prior to the start of the holiday season.
iOS 8.1 is expected to bring several new and exciting features users' way, including the return of the Camera Roll in Photos app and a new iBooks icon. The update will also provide bug fixes for the Bluetooth and iCloud Drive issues.
Considering the recent iOS 8 releases have been plagued with bugs, one can hope that with developers testing out the beta version of iOS 8.1, iDevice users will not get a chance to complain.
Apple is keeping mum on the release of iOS 8.1. Come Oct. 20, we will know if the rumor bears fruition.
