iOS 8.1.3 Minor Bug Fix Update Rumors: Release Date Looms As iOS 9 In Testing

Recent reports say that an update iOS 8.1.3 is just around the corner after a flurry of bugs were reportedly undermining Apple's latest operations software, the iOS 8.

A rumor that an update, the iOS 8.1.3, is imminent has been denied by the Cupertino, California tech giant by saying the update is still in the works. However, many reports including a Czech website have noted that there have been increases in traffic by devices running on iOS 8.1.3 and iOS 9.

The rumors surfaced two months after the update iOS 8.1.2 was released. However, Apple Inc. said the iOS 8 update rumors and release date are unfounded since it is still being tested by retail employees. 

Apple has been criticized for sloppy delivery of the iOS8, bringing about a host of existing problems and an update causing connectivity issues for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users.  Apple is working towards offering small updates ahead of a public release.

Reports last week mentioned that retail employees have received the latest beta update on January 16 for testing and there's still a "last-ditch" chance that Apple will release the update to iOS8 before the end of January. 

"Apple is continuing its behind-the-scenes work on the upcoming iOS 8.1.3 update, and as of yesterday, retail employees that have been testing the software received a second iOS 8.1.3 beta, build 12B466, which is six builds newer than the previous seed they received on Wednesday, January 7," MacRumors reported. 

MacRumors also said that the number of devices using iOS 8.1.3 is on an incline, but there are still bugs on the iOS 8.1.3 beta and Apple will wait to fix them before a launch. But the uptick of visits suggests that a rumored update release to the iOS 8 could come as early as two weeks. 

Citing sources, MacRumors said that any fixes would only be "under-the-hood" bug fixes and no visual modifications would be made. This is the first time Apple is using retail employees for testing the iOS 8.1.3 beta instead of using developers. Both the iOS 8.1.2 and 8.1.3 were classified as minor updates. 

The NextDigit.com reports the iOS 8 could be unveiled as early as next week.

"While Apple has been fixing bugs in the iOS 8 in the latest 8.1.3 update slated for release next week, the company is also busy on developing and testing iOS 9. Apple has remained silent on the Analytics reports, though increasing reports from websites around the world suggest that the company might reveal details soon," the site said.