Apple axes multitouch gestures for iPad in iOS 4.3

Apple’s latest updated beta build of iOS 4.3 which was recently released will certainly cause ripples in the world of iPad owners – after all, it seems that the multitouch gestures feature was axed for iPads running on this latest beta build. This might be a cause of concern, since the iPad’s display is surely large enough to handle four- and five-finger gestures to pinch out of an app to the Home Screen, swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, and swipe left and right between apps. The removal of such multitasking gestures will hopefully be temporary, as it might just be Apple working on refining the feature further – either that or they are saving up the good stuff a marquee feature for iOS 5 which will most definitely happen in the near future. Of course, there is always the risk of it being completely removed if it cannot be properly implemented. iPad owners need not fret about making the iOS 4.3 jump though, since there are other features such as third-party AirPlay support and the hardware orientation lock to keep your iPad cool among the bunch of tablets that are out in the market right now.

Update: On a side note, Apple does seem to work on expanding iOS functionality with a bunch of new features that are focused on social networking and content sharing. The upcoming iOS 4.3 file system will comprise of a new section that is known as “Media Stream,” where it will hold another folder titled “Photo Streaming.” Looking deeper into things, it does seem to point towards the enabling of users to subscribe to Photo Streams from friends. This particular section of code has also caused folks to further speculate that the photo content may be connected to Apple’s cloud endeavors and “Find my Friends” feature.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Apple
Tags: iOS, ios 4, ios 4.3, ios4