Apple released the golden master version of iOS 4.2 late last month we noticed an interesting addition to the MobileMe settings page. The new option allowed users to log in to the user’s MobileMe account using their Apple ID. There was also another option that allowed people to get to the Apple ID registration page from the settings page. People have been speculating that Apple might be bringing some new features of the paid MobileMe service to a new free MobileMe offering tied to the Apple ID. Others were saying that this was nothing but Apple trying to offer a consolidated login to allow MobileMe users to access features with their Apple IDs.

Almost two weeks later now, Apple released another golden master version. The people over at MacRumors have discovered code references in iOS 4.2 GM and iOS 4.2.1 GM, which indicate that Apple might offer a free version of the MobileMe service soon. The evidence gathered also points towards the formation of an all new private framework known as AppleAccounts framework.

Several device-specific error messages referring to free MobileMe accounts were also spotted. The messages included alerts that would notify users when they reach “the maximum number of free accounts” for a given device and another about a particular device that was not “qualified for free MobileMe service“. That wasn’t all either, the framework also indicated that it will come with localized features for various countries and languages.

Another error message has revealed that the free MobileMe accounts will not be allowed to access e-mail.

“This Apple ID cannot be used for MobileMe Mail, but you can use it for other MobileMe services.”

Other MobileMe services as you might know includes things like Find My iPhone, iDisk, Contact/Calendar/Safari/Notes over-the-air sync, and Photo Galleries. What do you think of the whole free version of the MobileMe service? Is it something you are looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!

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Source: MacRumors

Authors: _GadgetNews

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