On Monday, Apple quietly updated the Maps application in Japan, releasing a number of bug fixes and enhancements to the app. Apple was expected to release these fixes in early February with iOS 6.1.1, however, released a number of iOS updates addressing Passcode lock bugs and iPhone 4S carrier issues.

Japanese site, Macotakara first noted the update, which shows that a number of the issues are solved through the server and did not require a change to the operating system. With iOS 6.1.1, which was later released to developers as iOS 6.1.3, Apple compiled a list of fixes in the release notes including improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation and other enhancements. The full list of notes from iOS 6.1.1, which is included in this update is below:

iOS 6.1.1 beta 1 includes the following improvements to Maps for Japan:

– Improved pronunciation of roads during turn-by-turn navigation
– Optimized directions to more strongly prefer highways over narrower roads
– Now indicates upcoming toll roads during turn-by-turn navigation
– Added labels for junctions, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections
– Added indicators for transit station buildings, subway lines, and traffic lights
– Updated freeway color to green
– Updated icons for some location categories including fire stations, hospitals, and post offices Added 3D buildings including Tokyo Station, Japan Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Tower

{Via MacRumors}

According to German site, iPhone-Ticker, Apple is planning to release iOS 6.1.2 as early as next week. This comes only a few days after the Cupertino, California based company released iOS 6.1.1 to the public, which addressed 3G issues on the iPhone 4S. iOS 6.1.1 only addressed the 3G issue, so it is likely that the other features noted on the beta version of iOS 6.1.1 which was released to developers will arrive in 6.1.3, as this update also addresses specific issues.

Some of these features include updates to the Maps application for Japanese users such as updated freeway color to green and updated icons for some location categories including fire. The iOS 6.1.2 update is expected to address an Exchange bug and a lock screen passcode issue affecting iOS 6.1 users.

By releasing updates in increments, it allows Apple to quickly push out updates to the public while working on bigger issues with iOS at the same time. Apple is now being very thorough with its iOS updates, after experiencing major issues with Siri and Maps, which partly led to the ousting of iOS chief Scott Forstall.

iPhone-Ticker has a proven track record with reporting on iOS updates, having accurately reported on the iOS 6.1.1 update. The site’s report notes that the iOS 6.1.2 update will likely release before Wednesday, February 20th.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple released several beta versions of iOS 6.1 to developers and is now set to release it to the public. The company was reportedly testing a new beta of 6.1, the Golden Master version, which usually remains unchanged with the public release. According to German site, iFun, Apple is going to release the GM version to developers very soon.

The site cited a ‘reliable source’ and also mentioned that the update had gone through “extensive internal testing”. It is no surprise that Apple is now being extremely thorough with its iOS updates, after the ousting of iOS chief Scott Forstall who led failed projects such as Siri and Maps.

The final version of iOS 6.1 is slated for release next Friday or the following Monday, although there will not be many end user features included in the update. iOS 6.1 will include features for developers to include new features into their applications to integrate iOS Maps, as well as fixes for boarding passes in Passbook and changes in Safari. Users will see some changes in Siri, most notably the ability to purchase Fandango tickets via voice command and a feature that asks security questions when setting up a new device.

Apple normally releases two to three betas prior to releasing iOS updates to the public, and considering that three betas have already come to fruition, this may be the last and final release. The iOS 6.1 update, upon public release will be compatible with the iPhone 5/4S/4/3GS as well as the second, third and fourth generation iPad, iPad mini, and the fourth and fifth generation iPod touch.

{Via AppleInsider}

Late last month, Apple released the second beta of iOS 6.1 to developers, testing out new features and bug fixes. Apple has now released the third beta of iOS 6.1 to developers with a build number of 10B5117b, as opposed to the build number of 10B5105c on the second beta. The beta includes features for developers to include new features into their applications to integrate iOS Maps, as well as fixes for boarding passes in Passbook and changes in Safari.

Apple normally releases two to three betas prior to releasing iOS updates to the public, however, it is also likely that Apple is being more strict after SVP of iOS Software, Scott Forstall was ousted from the company in regards to issues with Siri, Maps, and personal problems with other executives.

Alongside the iOS 6.1 beta 3, Apple also released a beta of the Apple TV software, as well as Xcode 4.6 Developer Preview 3. Developers who are registered can download the third beta on Apple’s Developer page. Developers can also retrieve the beta via Software Update on their iOS device if they have a previous version of the beta installed already.

{Via MacRumors}

Late last week, Apple released iOS 6.0.1 to the users of the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, adding a few new features and fixing a number of bugs. On Friday, the Cupertino company posted a iOS 6.0.1 update for the new 4th generation iPad and the iPad mini, which are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Apple promised to launch the devices in the United States in “Mid-November” and is releasing the iOS update prior to the release.

According to MacRumors, pre-orders of the device are expected to start being delivered as early as November 16th. The 6.0.1 update comes with Build 10A8426, however, it is unclear exactly what it will change or fix on the device. Apple posted the iOS 6.0 software update prior to the release of the WiFi models of the 4th gen iPad and the iPad mini on November 2nd.

The new downloads posted by Apple are:

iPad mini
– iPad2,6
– iPad2,7

Fourth-generation iPad
– iPad3,5
– iPad3,6

Normally, following the release of a new device, Apple’s iOS devices tend to have a number of bugs that surface. As a result, Apple is continuing to release updates to patch these bugs as quickly as possible.

On Monday, Apple released a carrier update specifically for Verizon iPhone 5s to address an issue that caused the smartphone to still consume cellular data even while on WiFi, an issue that can be serious with Verizon’s tiered data plans.

This carrier settings update resolves an issue in which, under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Follow these instructions to install the update.

1. Tap Settings > General > About.
2. Wait for the following alert to appear: (top right)
3. Tap OK to install the update.
4. Hold the Sleep/Wake button down until you see “slide to power off”.
5. Slide to power off.
6. After the device powers off, hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn your phone back on.

Note: To finish the installation of the update, your iPhone 5 must be turned off and then on again. After your iPhone restarts, tap Settings > General > About, then scroll down to Carrier and verify that “Verizon 13.1″ is displayed.

The update is different from other iOS updates, particularly because it applies to only one of the many carriers the iPhone 5 is carried on. It is delivered in the iPhone’s settings as an Over-the-Air (OTA) update and is marked as important by Apple, likely because the issue is sporadic and may or may not affect a user. It is unclear if this cellular data issue has appeared on other networks such as Sprint or AT&T but there is no word on that at the moment, and appears to be only Verizon at this point.

{Via MacRumors}

Netflix recently updated their iOS app for iOS 6 and the new 4-inch widescreen display on the iPhone 5. According to the details in the App Store release notes, the update also improves the browsing, searching and watching experience.

The last time the Netflix iOS app received a major update was following the release of the new iPad, when the company updated it to support the Retina Display. The support for the widescreen display on the iPhone allows users to watch movies and TV shows in their native aspect ratio and runs the videos full screen, instead of letterboxed as it has been since the release of the iPhone 5.

More and more apps are being upgraded to support the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, many of which are placed under the “Amazing Apps on iPhone 5” section of the App Store. Netflix will likely be added to the section and is now available for users to download in the App Store. The app is available for free but requires a Netflix account for use.

{Via MacRumors — Image Credit: Mashable}

Late last month, Apple introduced a standalone Podcasts app, pulling the service out of the Music app on iOS and building a new UI around it. However, soon after release, it became apparent that the app was ridden with numerous bugs as with any introduction of a new user interface or application.

On Wednesday, the Cupertino company addressed these issues with an update to the Podcasts application. Aside from performance and stability improvements, the app has also gained the following:

• Ability to remember custom playback speeds when flipping through new episodes
• Badges in Podcast library to identify number of unplayed episodes
• Fixes issue causing “Subscribe” button to defect and not operate properly
• More reliable artwork for “Top Stations”
• Miscellaneous bug fixes

Apple continues to remove smaller services built into iTunes and give them their own standalone applications and user interfaces. The app is currently offered as a free download on the App Store {iTunes Link} for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

{via The Verge}

On Monday, Apple released iOS 5.1.1, the latest iOS update since 5.1 which brought a number of bug fixes and battery life fix for the iPhone 4S. The latest free software update is only an incremental upgrade and as expected, brings a number of bug fixes and performance enhancements for the iPhone, iPad, and the iPod touch. The exact details of the update from the Apple website are as follows:

This update contains improvements and bug fixes, including:

• Improves reliability of using HDR option for photos taken using the Lock Screen shortcut
• Addresses bugs that could prevent the new iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks
• Fixes bugs that affected AirPlay video playback in some circumstances
• Improved reliability for syncing Safari bookmarks and Reading List
• Fixes an issue where ‘Unable to purchase’ alert could be displayed after successful purchase

For information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1222

Perhaps one of the biggest bugs in iOS that was fixed by this update was the bug that prevented the iPad from switching between 2G and 3G networks, which could cause either the user to experience very slow data speeds or would force them to shut off 3G and turn it back on in order to bring the network back up.

It’s interesting to note that Apple picks up on minor bugs in iOS and pushes out fixes as quickly as they do. This is likely why iOS is one of more stable mobile operating systems out on the market, tightly controlled by Apple’s ecosystem and managed very well. iOS 5.1.1 is now available and can be downloaded via iTunes or the OTA (Over The Air) feature on all iOS devices running iOS 5 or later.

{via iMore}

“This incident raises questions about whether Apple’s iOS app developer policies and practices may fall short when it comes to protecting the information of iPhone users and their contacts.”

Butterfield and Waxman then quote parts of Apple’s iOS developer website which states that Apple provides a comprehensive collection of tools and frameworks for storing, accessing and sharing data. It is then questioned whether Apple requires apps to request user permission before transmitting data about a user.”

As soon as the Congressmen reached out to Tim Cook, Apple responded with a reply, that the issue will be addressed through a iOS update very soon, likely iOS 5.1.

“Apps that collect or transmit a user’s contact data without their prior permission are in violation of our guidelines,” Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr told AllThingsD. “We’re working to make this even better for our customers, and as we have done with location services, any app wishing to access contact data will require explicit user approval in a future software release.”

Apple has been releasing iOS 5.1 beta software updates for quite some time now, but has not yet released to the public. It is likely that Apple is planning to release the iOS 5.1 update alongside the rumored iPad 3, however, it is unclear whether iOS 5.1 will address the issue with data collection.

iOS 5.1 has been on the horizon for a few months now, with no real confirmation about the release date from Apple. On Wednesday, carrier profiles that were recently published by iPhone carriers in Japan, France, Greece, Finland, and Sweden revealed that March 9th may be the actual release date for iOS 5.1 software update. Users of the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch have been waiting for update since last November, especially iPhone 4S users who have been waiting for a solution to their battery life issues.

Apple released iOS 5.0.1 a few weeks following the release of the iPhone 4S, however, this update failed to produce any solid solutions to the battery issue. Apple has been slowly issuing betas of iOS 5.1 to developers, and has been working on major issues identified with iOS 5 and 5.0.1. In previous years, Apple released major iOS updates alongside new iPhone hardware in June, however, Apple released iOS 5 and the iPhone 4S in October last year, throwing off the annual cycle.

There have been no reports as to what features the iOS 5.1 update would be bringing to devices, however, the March 9th release date coincides with the rumored iPad 3 time frame. This points to the possibility of iOS 5.1 to be announced alongside iPad 3. It’ll be interesting to see how Apple plans to release iOS 5.1 and the iPad 3, bring the iPhone release back to June, and bring iPod updates back to September.

{via iMore}

The update also adds Game Center, which is Apple’s take on social gaming. It enables users to auto-match with others, compare scores on leaderboards, unlock achievements and more.

During the special music event Steve Jobs announced that iOS 4.1 would enable users to take HDR photos, rent TV shows and upload videos to YouTube over Wi-Fi on iPhone 4 and all these features will be installed on your device after you have finished upgrading.

Complete list of iOS 4.1 features and improvements:

• Game Center

• Send and receive friend requests
• Invite friends to multi-player games over the Internet
• Play multi-player games by auto-matching with other
  players
• View Leaderboards and Achievements
• Discover new games from friends

• High dynamic range (HDR) photos on iPhone 4
• Support for TV show rentals on iTunes
• Ability to upload HD videos to YouTube and MobileMe over Wi-Fi on iPhone 4
• Additional support for AVRCP-supported accessories, including next & previous track control
• FaceTime calling directly from Favorites

Bug fixes, including:

• iPhone 4 proximity sensor performance
• iPhone 3G performance
• Nike+iPod fixes
• Bluetooth improvements

Products compatible with this software update:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 3G
• iPod touch 2nd generation, or later

Game Center requires iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 2nd generation or later.

We recently reported that Apple might be releasing iOS 4.0.1 software update for iPhone 4 owners today and now Engadget has confirmed that the update is available for download.

The update “improves the formula to determine how many bars of signal strength to display.”

You can download the update by connecting your iPhone 4 to iTunes and clicking “check for updates”

iOS 4.0.1 is available for iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.

Download Links:

iPhone 4 – 4.0.1

iPhone 3GS – 4.0.1

iPhone 3G – 4.0.1

Let us know if you notice any other changes.

Update:

Apple has also released a software update for iPad. iOS 3.2.1 software update for iPad appears to be contain bug fixes and improves overall performance.

Download Link for iPad – 3.2.1