Free version of MobileMe coming with iOS 4.2 for iPhone, iPad?

MacRumors scores yet more evidence Apple might just be considering adding a free level of MobileMe service for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad owners on iOS 4.2.

The evidence comes in the form of a new private framework known as AppleAccounts.framework that includes a series of device-specific error messages referring to free MobileMe accounts. In particular, the error messages include alerts regarding having reached "the maximum number of free accounts" for a given device and certain devices not being "qualified for free MobileMe service".

It looks like email won't be going free but Find my iPhone, Gallery, and sync services just might be. Interestingly, that matches what we saw on Me.com a couple weeks ago -- Find my iPhone and Gallery being listed as no-subscription required apps.

Anyone starting to believe?

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.