If you’ve been in tune with all the recent Apple iOS news, you’ll know that the iOS 8.0.1 update the tech giant rolled out last week was more of a disaster than anything else. As a result, Apple’s currently looking to rectify the various issues that have cropped up.

But that’s not the only thing it’s working on – apparently it’s already hard at work on three major future iOS 8 upgrades (iOS 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3) for its iPhones and iPads.

Playing OS detective

According to 9to5Mac, a developer of a “major hardware-connected iOS application” has confirmed this by sharing some analytics, indicating that these versions are being tested in Cupertino.

9to5Mac has also done a test of its own on its Google Analytics page, which shows visitors using iOS 8.1 have been visiting the site months before iOS 8 was launched, while iOS 8.2 and 8.3 visits started appearing after iOS 8’s reveal.

If this rumour proves to be true, Apple making a break from its upgrade traditions. Since iOS 5 in 2011, major new iOS versions have been put out in Q3, with a major update following it up in Q1 the following year. But this time it seems Apple has a different development schedule.

Unfortunately not much information on what these various upgrades might hold was mentioned, but sources say there will be significant improvements to Maps in addition to a new iPad split screen mode and activation of the NFC-based Apple Pay service.

Oh, and that’s not to mention a possible update in “early 2015” that will enable iPhones to pair with Apple Watch. Going by the looks of it, these upgrades could come as soon as next quarter or Q1 next year.

Source: 9to5Mac