It rarely happens that a software update killing one of feature of product. Well this will be happing with iPad, a popular tablet from Apple. iOS 4.2 which is scheduled for release this November for all idevices (iPhone, iPod Touch & iPad) will transform screen rotation lock switch present at the right side of iPad to mute switch.

Considering the purpose of switch can be changed with just software update it would be wise for Apple to provide setting to select purpose of switch, unfortunately Apple is not looking to add any such setting for iPad in iOS 4.2 confirmed by Steve Jobs via email reply to 9to5mac reader Robert.

Here is the email thread,

Robert, sent an e-mail to Steve Jobs asking:

In IOS 4.2 for iPad is the switch on the side going to be the mute and not screen orientation lock from now on?

After getting a classic thumbs up from Jobs:

Yep.

Sent from my iPhone

Robert asked him if this would be an option for the user:

Are you planning to make that a changeable option?

And Jobs’ answer:

Nope.

Users may get such settings by jailbreaking their iPad on 4.2 iOS as an when it gets available. (via 9to5Mac)