iOS 5 Contains References to Two Next-Generation iPad Models - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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 (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: iPad

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

Hairball Avatar
193 months ago
Getting close to finally upgrading my 3GS.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nicky89 Avatar
193 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)
193 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)
193 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)
193 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)
193 months ago
Hmmm....no mention of iPod Touch eh? Quite curious indeed.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)