Apple releases iOS 6.1 for iPhone and iPad – and announces 128GB iPad 4

Apple iPad

Update 2pm

It's official. Apple is to introduce a 128GB iPad 4 with Retina display in the US from February 5th. Mind you, it won't come cheap: the wi-fi only model will set you back $799, and the wi-fi + cellular model will cost $929, making it the most expensive tablet on the market. UK prices to be confirmed, but we suspect they won't be any cheaper.

Published 9.30am

Apple has released the latest version of its operating system for iPhone and iPad, iOS 6.1.

The latest version brings 4G LTE high-speed mobile access on the iPhone 5 to 36 more countries such as Italy, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, the Philippines and several Middle Eastern countries.

And iPad mini and iPad with Retina display users can now experience 4G with 23 additional carriers around the world.

"iOS 6.1 brings LTE support to more markets around the world, so even more users can enjoy ultrafast web browsing, FaceTime video calls, iCloud services and iTunes and App Store downloads," says Apple.

Additional updates on iOS 6.1 include the ability for iTunes Match subscribers to download individual songs (rather than entire albums) to their iDevice from iCloud. The cloud download icon now appears against all your individual tracks, not just on albums.

And in the US, owners can use Siri to buy film tickets through Fandango.

At the same time, Apple has pushed out a firmware 5.2 update for its Apple TV boxes, bringing Bluetooth keyboard support to second- and third-generation models, as well as an 'Up Next' feature showing which song will play next and support for browsing and playing iTunes music from iCloud.

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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.