Apple Preparing To Distribute iOS 8.0.1 To Carrier Partners Ahead Of iPhone 6 Launch

With the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 6 media event just around the corner, the company is preparing to distribute its next version of iOS 8 to carrier partners even sooner, likely in the next two weeks.

The latest unreleased version of Apple’s mobile operating system, iOS 8.0.1, is expected to be distributed to partners for testing, BGR reported, citing unnamed sources. Details of changes in Apple’s upcoming mobile operating system are currently unknown as is its expected release timeframe. But version iOS 8.0.1 could follow a similar pattern to iOS 7.0.1, which was released as a launch day update for the iPhone 5S and 5C in 2013.

The last prerelease version, iOS 8 beta 5, was distributed to developers in early August featuring a number of improvements in the upcoming operating system. While it was the last version released to developers, one more update was reportedly pushed out by Apple on Aug. 19 to its carrier partners. This fueled rumors that Apple was preparing to send out its Golden Master or public release version of iOS 8, according to MacRumors.

The next revision of Apple’s mobile operating system is expected to contain a number of improvements, including voice iMessages, support for custom keyboards, a health app and continuity features, which allow Mac and iOS devices to seamlessly interact with each other.

Apple hasn’t announced a specific release date for iOS 8, but it’s possible that the company will release the software to current iOS devices a couple days before the in-store release of the rumored iPhone 6, which may fall on Sept. 19.

The Cupertino, California, company is expected to unveil two new iPhones next week -- the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6L. A new wearable device called the iWatch is also expected to be unveiled alongside the smartphones on Sept. 9.