Apple today updated iOS to version 6.1. Included in that update is the adding LTE capabilities to 36 more iPhone carriers and 23 additional iPad carriers around the world.
“iOS 6 is the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, and with nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices on iOS 6 in just five months, it may be the most popular new version of an OS in history,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iOS 6.1 brings LTE support to more markets around the world, so even more users can enjoy ultrafast Safari browsing, FaceTime video calls, iCloud services, and iTunes and App Store downloads.”
If not all carriers in Canada that supported iOS were offering LTE prior to the update, they all are now. This includes: Bell (and Virgin), Telus(and Koodo), Rogers (and Fido), MTS and Sasktel.(iPad 3rd Gen appears to be limited to Bell, Telus & Rogers)
Siri enhancements have been added in iOS 6.1 including the ability to use Siri to purchase movie tickets in the US through Fandango. iTunes Match℠ subscribers can also download individual songs to their iOS devices from iCloud.
Apple also added a new button that allows you to reset the Advertising identifier, which seems like a cookie. (Settings–>General–>About–>Advertising). Also, thanks to MacRumors for alerting me to the undocumented change to Passbook. The change isn’t huge but much welcomed – pardon the pun. Previously, when you first launched Passbook, you got an initial Welcome screen that allowed you to easily find Passbook friendly apps but that was only for the first time. Subsequently you didn’t get that option. But once again, now you can!
There are now more than 800,000 apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch® users, with more than 300,000 native iPad apps.
iOS 6.1 is available today as a free software update. You will need to reenter your password for iCloud, iMessage and FaceTime. It’s compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad (3rd & 4th generation), iPad mini, iPad 2 and iPod touch (4th and 5th generation). Some features may not be available on all products. For more information please visit www.apple.com.
Information about LTE carriers can be found at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE and www.apple.com/ipad/LTE.
