Apple iOS 4.2 for iPhone and iPad available today–but when?

Consumer Reports News: November 22, 2010 11:58 AM

[2:15 p.m. EST UPDATE: My upgrade just came through.—JF]

Apple is releasing today the newest version of its operating system for the iPhone, Ipad, and iPod touch: iOS 4.2. But it's not clear what time today the update will actually be available.

Following Apple's instructions, I connected an iPad to a computer running iTunes 10.1. But the software told me that my iPad (which is currently running iOS 3.2.2) was fully up to date. [see photo]

As of 11:30 a.m. EST, the update still was not available.

Some tech sites are suggesting that the update will be available by 1 p.m. EST. For now, it's best to keep trying periodically until the update actually becomes available.

iOS 4.2 will bring iPad users printing, multitasking, folders, a unified inbox, airplay, a game center, and a variety of other features. The Find My iPhone (or Ipad or Touch) feature, which lets you locate and secure a lost device, is now free to use without a MobileMe subscription.

Now it's just a matter of time.

—Jeff Fox

—Jeffrey Fox