Apple releases iOS 6.1, available for download today

Apple has released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 6.1, available for download today.

In a statement, the Cupertino, California-based technology giant said the new software will bring 4G long-term evolution (LTE) capabilities to 36 additional iPhone carriers and 23 additional iPad carriers around the world.

New LTE markets have been updated on Apple's Web site to include Denmark, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, and some Middle Eastern states.

Apple's marketing chief Phil Schiller said in prepared remarks: "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."

A number of security fixes have been integrated into the latest software, along with software bug fixes. One new privacy feature, ZDNet's sister site CNET reported, is an option to reset Apple's advertising "non-permanent, non-personal, device identifier."

The software is available as a free update, and notifications will be sent out to supported devices today. iOS 6.1 is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, and 5; the iPad 2, the third- and fourth-generation iPad and the iPad Mini; and the fourth- and fifth-generation iPod Touch.

By the numbers:

• More than 9 billion photos uploaded to Photo Stream
  
• 450 billion iMessages sent, and more than 4 trillion notifications received
  
• Nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices on iOS 6 in five months
  
• More than 800,000 apps in the Apple App Store, with more than 300,00 native apps for the iPad
  
• 40 billion apps downloaded by iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch customers
  
• More than $7 billion paid to developers to date.
  
  Source : zdnet