Edible Apple

Well that was quick. Developers are already reporting seeing evidence of new iPhone hardware and iOS software in their usage logs.

A number of developers contacted The Next Web and told them that they’ve been seeing references to ‘iPhone6,1’ data strings running iOS 7. As a quick primer, Apple designates its hardware data strings as such – the first digit indicates a major release while the second digit indicates a minor upgrade or hardware difference. That said, the original iPhone was ‘iPhone1,1’ while the Verizon model of the iPhone 4 was ‘iPhone4,2.”

From the developer logs that we have seen, the app requests originate from an IP address on Apple’s Cupertino campus, suggesting that members of Apple’s software development and app teams are compatibility testing some of the more popular or well-known applications already on the App Store.

Although OS and device data can be faked, the unique IP footprint leading back to Apple’s Cupertino campus leads us to believe this is not one of those attempts.

Apple typically unveils new iOS updates at its annual WWDC conference each Summer. That being the case, it’s relatively early in the year for developers to be seeing references to iOS 7 already. Perhaps, following the drama that ensued following iOS 6 and Maps, Apple is initiating testing earlier than it typically has in the past.

As for what we may see in iOS 7, that remains anybody’s guess though there has been a rumbling or two  regarding NFC functionality.