Apple rolls out iOS 4.3 SDK to developers

Apple has released a new software development kit for the most recent iteration of its iOS platform used on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.

The beta release of iOS 4.3, announced on Wednesday, follows closely on the heels of the iOS 4.2 release in November and brings new features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability and AirPlay support for third-party native (and web) apps.

However, although Wi-Fi hotspot functionality has been added to the build, whether or not it will be enabled depends on the specific carrier.

Other features include a redesigned FaceTime icon, multi-touch gesture support for the iPad (such as using 4 or 5 fingers to 'pinch' back to the homescreen) and inclusion of a configurable slide switch for the iPad which allows it to be set as an orientation lock.

The iOS 4.3 release will not be supported on older Apple devices such as the second-generation iPod Touch and iPhone 3G.

Although the previous iteration of Apple's mobile OS only garnered general release — and came to iPads for the first time — in late November, the SDK was released in beta form to developers on 16 September.