Apple Releases iOS 7.1 for iPhone and iPad

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Today, Apple released iOS 7.1, which is introduces a number of refinements to the OS, as well as addresses minor bugs that appeared in iOS 7. It weighs in at over 200 MB, so be sure to connect to Wi-Fi before installing it.

Apple is promoting 7.1 on a dedicated page on their website. The biggest features of the update include CarPlay and a number of enhancements:

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  • CarPlay: A new in-car information system that presents iOS 7, "driven" from an iOS device in the car. It allows for a tight, car-specific experience that keeps your hands off the mobile device and on the car.
  • Siri: New ways to configure Siri and updated voices.
  • iTunes Radio: Minor layout and control enhancements.
  • Calendar: A new month view and country specific holidays
  • Accessibility: Additional text options, improved Reduce Motion, and new button shape and app color options.
  • Improved fingerprint recognition in Touch ID
  • And more.

The thing about which I'm most excited is the fix to the springboard crash. The crash would make it seem as if an iPhone rebooted, but then the OS would still be visible without a full restart.

As mentioned at the top of this post, this software patch also introduces a whole host of minor iOS 7 UI refinements. The lockscreen keyboard and the "Slide to power off" items both feature some of these enhancements.

Read Apple's release notes about the update or visit the iOS 7.1 Update page on Apple.com.

Of course, as with any upgrade, it's a good idea to backup your iPhone or iPad before you install.