Hasta La Gadget!

Unlike the AT&T iPhone, Verizon’s iPhone will include a wireless “hotspot” feature to share the handset’s internet connection with multiple devices. However, the AT&T version of the handset might gain that capability, as well.

Screenshots shared with mobile blog Boy Genius Report indicate that a future software update (iOS 4.3) will bring hotspotting to all iPhones, including the current GSM-based iPhones available for AT&T and other international carriers.

The screengrabs show a Personal Hotspot setting under the iPhone’s network menu in what appears to be an unreleased version of the operating system. That’s interesting because previously, leaked images of future iPhone OS updates have served as reliable clues for unannounced, upcoming features.

Currently, the iPhone on AT&T and international carriers only supports tethering, which enables the handset to share its internet connection with a single computer.

Of course, if you’re rebellious and tired of waiting, unauthorized hotspotting is already available for those who hack their iPhones to install an app called MyWi, available through the underground Cydia app store.

It’s important to note that just because the feature is technically available doesn’t mean that carriers will support it. You might recall that when iOS 3.0 shipped, AT&T had not yet been supporting tethering for the iPhone, while many international carriers were. (Some clever iPhone tinkerers later figured out how to unlock tethering by flashing the firmware.)

An AT&T representative said AT&T was evaluating the hotspot feature for iPhone.

“This is a brand-new software feature from Apple,” AT&T said in a statement. “We are evaluating the feature, but have no plans to announce at this time.”

Announced Tuesday, the Verizon iPhone will be the first to ship with a hotspot utility, which turns the handset into a Wi-Fi network that up to five devices in near range can connect with — the same function as the Verizon MiFi.

Photo: Jim Merithew/Wired.com