iOS 5 Contains References to Two Next-Generation iPad Models

ios5 iconTUAW reports that references to two new iPad models have been discovered in the just-released iOS 5 beta: "iPad3,1" and "iPad3,2". Given that there are currently three iPad 2 models internally identified as "iPad2,1" (Wi-Fi), "iPad2,2" (GSM), and "iPad2,3" (CDMA), the appearance of only two models in iOS 5 lends credence to rumors that the next-generation cellular-capable iPad may come as a world-mode device able to run on either CDMA or GSM networks.

The report does note, however, that these indications of new models do not always lead to new product releases, as a previously-discovered "iPhone3,2" has yet to see the light of day following the release of the GSM (iPhone3,1) and CDMA (iPhone3,3) iPhone 4 models. The missing model may have been destined for a carrier running on a different standard such as T-Mobile's slightly-different GSM 3G network, but a deal with such a carrier may simply have fallen through.

Today's report also cites the presence of "iPhone4,1" and "iPhone4,2" references pointing to the next-generation iPhone. These references are not new, however, as they appeared in iOS 4.3 betas as far back as early January.

Interestingly, iOS 5 currently makes no reference to any unreleased iPod touch models, maxing out at the current "iPod4,1" fourth-generation iPod touch. This of course does not mean that no new iPod touch is in the works, but it is curious that device identifiers for models presumably set for introduction in just a few months are not included.

Related Roundup: iPad
Buyer's Guide: iPad (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

Hairball Avatar
186 months ago
Getting close to finally upgrading my 3GS.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nicky89 Avatar
186 months ago
It would make more sense to make the next iPhone the same way they make the iPad. Make one that is WiFi only that could make Skype and Facetime calls and the other one that would have 3G/4G service. The phone could be used for any provider and could be used with a contract or month to month. This device would render the iPod Touch useless and return the iPods to the music devices they currently are. The new iPhone would give consumers a lot of choice. I'm one of those who uses Skype more than I do my cell phone. It's time to start the post cell phone world.

Would really like to see that, too, but I think most people aren´t ready for this, yet;-).
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kcwookie Avatar
186 months ago
New iPod/iPhone

It would make more sense to make the next iPhone the same way they make the iPad. Make one that is WiFi only that could make Skype and Facetime calls and the other one that would have 3G/4G service. The phone could be used for any provider and could be used with a contract or month to month. This device would render the iPod Touch useless and return the iPods to the music devices they currently are. The new iPhone would give consumers a lot of choice. I'm one of those who uses Skype more than I do my cell phone. It's time to start the post cell phone world.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SpinThis! Avatar
186 months ago

It seems like a bunch of hot air to blab about.
Pretty much. It's all about the hype. Apple knows blogs like this report on just about any potential new product string in some plist somewhere. They're controlled leaks.

Anyone who thinks these strings are for public "testing" purposes is seriously fooling themselves. Why even build for the public at all? It'd be all to easy to generate separate builds without those strings inside if they wanted to keep things tight lipped but the hype is much better so they do it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
James Enright Avatar
186 months ago
If the rumors are to be believed, it would be similar to the iPad's situation - an iPhone 3G+WiFi and iPhone WiFi if you will.

Then the iPhone WiFi would just be an iPod touch with a different name and form factor. It could be a possibility, but it would just make for a thicker iPod touch.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
emvath Avatar
186 months ago
Hmmm....no mention of iPod Touch eh? Quite curious indeed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)