Within the new beta 2 of iOS 4.2 for iPad, a discovery has been made that contradicts reports from Apple that the iPad would not receive a tethering feature.
Tethering would allow you to share the iPad’s Internet connection with other devices, saving you the cost of multiple connections. This feature can be particularly useful for users who need to connect multiple devices to the internet while on the go, such as laptops, other tablets, or even smartphones that may not have their own data plans.
The Discovery of Tethering in iOS 4.2 Beta
In another discovery by 9to5Mac, the tethering section within the beta iOS 4.2 asks for the usual username and password to set up internet tethering. This is similar to what the iPhone had before tethering got an official iOS interface. This suggests that Apple might be planning to roll out this feature officially in the near future, although it has not been confirmed yet.
The presence of this feature in the beta version indicates that Apple is at least testing the functionality. It could be a game-changer for iPad users, especially those who rely heavily on their devices for work or travel. The ability to share the iPad’s internet connection could eliminate the need for additional data plans for other devices, making it a cost-effective solution for many users.
Availability and Network Compatibility
At the moment, the tethering feature only seems to be available in the European iOS 4.2 and not on the iPad 3G running on AT&T’s network. This could be due to various reasons, including network restrictions or agreements between Apple and different carriers. European carriers might have different policies regarding tethering, which could explain why the feature is available there first.
It’s also worth noting that tethering can put a significant load on the network, which might be a concern for some carriers. This could be one of the reasons why AT&T has not enabled this feature yet. However, as more users demand this functionality, it’s possible that we might see it rolled out more broadly in the future.
We will keep you updated as more details become available. The introduction of tethering on the iPad could pave the way for more flexible and efficient use of mobile data, especially for users who are constantly on the move. It will be interesting to see how this feature evolves and whether it will become a standard offering in future iOS updates.
In the meantime, users who are interested in this feature should keep an eye on updates from Apple and their carriers. It’s also a good idea to check for any additional costs that might be associated with tethering, as some carriers might charge extra for this service.
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