The new rumor circulating the drain is that Apple will charge iPad owners for the iOS 4 upgrade this fall.

Stuff.tv originally reported this rumor, citing “top secret plans” from an anonymous source.  They had no real details on pricing (or anything else for that matter), but guessed it would cost around £5 an update.  This source said the plans were “definite” and when they contacted Apple, they got “Apple doesn’t comment on rumours and speculation,” as the official line.

It turns out that Apple doesn’t need to comment.  Apple Insider looked back to the iPad’s licensing agreements they received in March and found that the rumor is unfounded.  The agreements clearly state that the “next major iPad OS software release” will be free for hardware owners.  After that they may come with a charge, but only after.

“For example, if your iPad originally shipped with iPad 3.x software, Apple would provide you with any iPad OS software updates it might release up to and including the iPad 4.x software release,” the licensing agreement reads. “Such updates and releases may not necessarily include all of the new software features that Apple releases for newer iPad models.”

Apple Insider also pointed out that Apple’s new mobile advertising platform, iAds, needs iOS 4 in order to be seen on the App Store software.  If they choose to may folks pay for it then they limit who is able to view their advertising.

The iOS4 upgrade was free for iPod users, so why would Apple charge iPad users?  I seriously doubt this is happening folks.