Apple Seeds iOS 4.3 Beta 3 to Developers

As previously rumored, Apple today issued a third beta version of iOS 4.3 to developers. The release comes nearly two weeks after the previous seed.

Today's seed carries the rumored build number of 8F5166b, compared to the previous 8F5153d build. As with the previous builds, versions are available for the iPad, iPhone 4 and 3GS, and third- and fourth-generation iPod touch, with a separate version for the second-generation Apple TV also available.

While we've yet to hear details on changes from the previous build, earlier builds have included such new features as personal Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, enhanced support for AirPlay video streaming, and a software toggle to set the functionality of the iPad's side switch.

Apple has also been rumored to be building support for recurring subscription billing for App Store content into iOS 4.3, although we've yet to see signs of it in the developer builds. The recurring subscription billing is expected to play a key role in distribution of The Daily, an iPad-focused news publication set for introduction at a media event tomorrow.

Update: Earlier today, App Advice noted that iOS 4.3 betas now allow users to cancel downloading apps and delete them mid-download. The feature would prove useful for users who accidentally begin downloading a large application and wish to cancel the process.

The feature is quite simple to use. All you have to do is enter the icon arrangement mode ("Wiggle mode") as you normally do to delete an app. This time however, you'll notice the "x" appear over the currently downloading app as well. Just hit it, confirm, and iOS will proceed to interrupt the download and delete the app.

The feature is present in earlier iOS 4.3 betas than the one released today, but was first brought to our attention this morning.