Apple has just released long-expected iOS 7.1 for public consumption, the first major software update to its mobile operating system in nearly six months. As you know, Apple last September gave iOS a substantial visual makeover that inadvertently brought issues like random restarts and crashes.
Apple claims it’s fixed these problems while adding a myriad of user interface refinements and a few new features, including Siri and Touch ID enhancements.
You’ll also appreciate noticeably faster animations and transitions, as well as new accessibility options, performance improvements and more. If you’rejailbroken, do not upgrade to iOS 7.1 –you’ve been warned…
iOS 7.1 carries a build number of 11D169b.
Again, people with jailbroken devices should steer away from iOS 7.1 as it kills theevasionjailbreak by patching key kernel exploits.
The update is available for the following iPhone, iPod touch and iPad devices compatible with iOS 7: the iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display, iPad mini, third and fourth-generation iPad, iPad 2 and fifth-generation iPod touch.
You can also download the firmware files through ourDownloads page.
To apply this update OTA, hit Software Update under the General section of iOS Settings or connect your device to iTunes on your Mac or Windows PC. Additional information about the security content of this update is available inthis support document.
iOS 7.1 fixes a bug that caused the Home screen to crash for some, resulting in random restarts. As a bonus, iPhone 4 owners should enjoy snappier performance after upgrading to iOS 7.1 from one of previous iOS 7 versions.
More importantly, iOS 7.1 includes new Siri features, Touch ID improvements, CarPlay integration and a number of other tweaks and refinements, all listed below.
The company has also released the Apple TV 6.1 software update for the second and third-generation Apple TV. Again, it pays to sit tight for now if you want to keep your Apple TV jailbreak.
We’ve written extensively about iOS 7.1 so don’t be shy, explore ouriOS 7.1 archive.
Some of the highlights in iOS 7.1 worth mentioning
Other tidbits
As previously rumored, iOS 7.1 unlocks Apple’snewly announcedin-car integration feature dubbedCarPlay, launched at last week’s Geneva Motor Show with initial support from Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Volvo.
From Apple’schangelog for iOS 7.1
Apple’s iOS 7.1 webpage is now live so head over there to learn more in terms of new features, capabilities and refinements.
iOS 7.1 feature availability by region islisted here.
Feel free to share your own observations with fellow readers down in the comments.
This article was updated several times as new information became available.
