Apple iOS 8 Release Date for iPhone 4, 5, iPad Air, iPad Mini 2: Betas 5 And 6 May Roll Out In August

Jul 27, 2014 12:19 AM EDT

Apple may roll out Betas 5 and 6 of its iOS 8 software in August, according to a new rumor that surfaced this week. This latest round of gossip comes two days after the tech giant launched the Beta 4 over-the-air to developers.

On Wednesday, July 23, BGR claimed that the Beta 5 will roll out on Aug. 4, while the Beta 6 will be ready by Aug. 15. Previously, the site made an accurate release date predictions for the Beta 4.

Unveiled at WWDC 2014 in June, the iOS 8 will soon be the standard on all next-gen Apple smartphones and tablets. Top features coming with the final release include the QuickType keyboard function, new travel time notification feature, enhanced privacy, better battery management, health app, and family sharing features. It is not clear when Apple plans to launch the iOS 8, even though the rumor mill suggests a fall 2014 release date.

Devices confirmed to be receiving the iOS 8 include the iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPad 2, iPad Mini, iPad Mini with Retina Display (a.k.a. 'iPad Mini 2)', and the fifth-generation iPod. Developers using those devices will be able to download the latest iOS 8 Beta over-the-air.

Absent from the list of devices getting the new update is the iPhone 4 smartphone as well as the original iPad tablet. Both devices were released four years ago, which is old by mobile device standards.

For average users, it is important to remember that the iOS 8 betas are intended for developers only. While it is possible to download the beta from third-party sources, there is still the danger of bugs. Hence, the majority of users may want to consider using iOS 7.1, while waiting for the final version of iOS 8.