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austai · Jun 8, 2010, 10:16 AM

I'm pretty sure I've seen a number of sources say the iPad will get the OS features that are included with the new iPhone 4. The question is when and whether it'll be a free update. I'm on the verge of buying an iPad (I've already ordered a case) but I'm thinking if the OS improvements are around the corner, maybe I'll wait a little. So, any educated guesses about when the iPad will get the OS update? Thanks!

BTW, I already have several computers at home, including a MBP, so I do not NEED an iPad now and can wait. Still, I think life will be a little sweeter with one.

turtle777 · Jun 8, 2010, 10:17 AM

~~God~~ Steve knows.

But you don't need to wait with the iPad purchase. iOS 4 update will (most likely) be free.
It would be very surprising if Apple charged for that update.

-t

Big Mac · Jun 8, 2010, 10:21 AM

And if not, the fee would be nominal.

The Final Dakar · Jun 8, 2010, 10:26 AM

I believe it was said it would come out in the Fall. My guess is it'll be released after the usual iPod updates (announced at the usual event). Also it will be free for current iPad owners.

austai · Jun 8, 2010, 10:53 AM

I'm not sure how you folks are so sure the update will be free but that's great! Closer to pulling the trigger now. I prefer using my iPod Touch over my 17" MBP so the iPad should be even more enjoyable.

The Final Dakar · Jun 8, 2010, 10:54 AM

It was reported at some point right after release.

slugslugslug · Jun 8, 2010, 02:05 PM

There was some sort of terms of service from Apple that explicitly said that OS updates would be free up to the next major release. They even labeled it “4.0” before the 4.0 announcement happened. I might have been in the developer agreement for the 3.2 beta, but reports suggested it was unequivocal.

Also, at the 4.0 announcement (the one in April, not at WWDC), he definitely said “Fall”. And I don’t remember for certain, but I think he said “Free”. Of course, fall could be as late as December 20th, but I would be shocked if it weren’t some time in September or maybe early October, right after the customary iPod updates that Dakar mentioned.

macaddict0001 · Jun 8, 2010, 08:30 PM

It was announced as free for the iPhone 3gs for sure, don't know about iPad, but I doubt they would charge for it if it was free on the iPhone.

Big Mac · Jun 8, 2010, 09:03 PM

The iPod touch didn't get free updates, supposedly because of an obscure accounting rule. The iPad could be treated that way, too.

turtle777 · Jun 8, 2010, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

The iPod touch didn't get free updates, supposedly because of an obscure accounting rule. The iPad could be treated that way, too.

That accounting rule is not in effect anymore.

-t

Cold Warrior · Jun 8, 2010, 09:17 PM

edit: turtle beat me. Too many stale tabs open makes one slow to reply on forums.

macaddict0001 · Jun 8, 2010, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

edit: turtle beat me. Too many stale tabs open makes one slow to reply on forums.

Don't I know, I open all the threads I am interested in reading at once. I suspect many people do too though.

The Final Dakar · Jun 9, 2010, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Big Mac

The iPod touch didn't get free updates, supposedly because of an obscure accounting rule. The iPad could be treated that way, too.

Once again, it was reported after the iPad announcement that it would get the upgrade tot he next OS free. And if that isn't enough for you, at the keynote they mentioned iOS4 was coming to "all devices" for free.