iOS 7.1 coming within a week


Apple’s iOS 7.1 update could be launched within a week, according to a recent internet rumour.


Apple is set to hold its first ever US iTunes Festival - an event that we in the UK are all too familiar with - at the SXSW even in Austin, Texas. That starts next Tuesday.


You might wonder why we haven’t seen an official app to tie-in with that event yet, though you probably haven’t. The potential answer, though, could be far more interesting than the question.


Well-connected Apple expert John Gruber has heard it on the grapevine that the official SXSW iTunes Festival app, which will enable users to live-stream the event to their iPhones and iPads, will require iOS 7.1 to operate.


In other words, Apple will be launching iOS 7.1 to the public in the next six days, or "any day now" to use Gruber’s words.


Apple’s next mobile OS revision - and the first major update of the radically revamped iOS 7 - has been at the testing phase since November of last year. We’ve seen five developer beta versions to date, which suggests in itself that a final version is just about ready.


Expect to see a number of minor UI tweaks with iOS 7.1, including alterations to the menu buttons in the dialler and the slide-to-unlock screen. You can also expect a tweaked colour palette in the keyboard, and some of Apple’s default app icons have also been modified.


Keep your eyes peeled - we could be seeing an official release from Apple some time this week.


Next, read our HTC One 2 news and rumours round-up.