Apple iOS updates: From iPhone 4S and beyond

Keeping your Apple iPhone up-to-date with the latest iOS software is good practice from both a security and device performance point of view.

With devices from the iPhone 4S generation and above accounting for the vast majority of smartphones that hardcore Apple fans now own, we decided to take a run through some of the recent software updates Apple has rolled out for users since the launch of the iPhone 4S in October 2011.

We've also included details of iOS updates for the iPhone 5, the launch of which hailed the arrival of iOS 6, as well as the iPad to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the software patches Apple has rolled out to date.

IT Pro intends to update this list as and when new updates are released by Apple, so we've started with the most recent first.

iOS 6.1.3 released on Tuesday 19 March 2013

This update fixed a lock-screen bypass bug that could have allowed hackers to access people's devices without knowing their pass codes.

iOS 6.1.2 released on Tuesday 19 February 2013

Apple rolled out this update to fix an Exchange calendar bug that reduced the battery life of devices by constantly communicating with servers.

iOS 6.1.1 released on Monday 11 February 2013

The consumer electronics giant offered this one in response to reports that many iPhone 4S users had been unable to make calls, send text messages or browse the internet after upgrading to iOS 6.1.

iOS 6.1 released on Monday 28 January 2013

Update resulted in LTE support being added for more carriers, and meant that iTunes Match subscribers could now download individual songs from Apple online storage service iCloud.

iOS 6.0.2 released on Tuesday 18 December 2012

A minor update aimed at iPhone 5 and iPad Mini users that fixed a Wi-Fi connectivity bug.

iOS 6.0.1- released on Thursday 1 November 2012

The update was issued to fix a bug that prevented iPhone 5 users from wirelessly installing software updates, and improve encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi network connections for the iPhone 5.

iOS 6- released on Wednesday 19 September 2012

Apple introduced the iPhone 5 with this update, which included over 200 new features, ranging from Facebook integration to Siri improvements.

iOS 5.1.1- released on Monday 7 May 2012

This update included a total of five improvements and bug fixes, such as better reliability in HDR option for photos and a bug fix for Airplay video playback.

iOS 5.1- released on Wednesday 7 March 2012

New features for the iPad were targeted with this update, including a redesigned camera app, optimised sound and podcast controls for playback speed.

iOS 5.0.1- released on Thursday 10 November 2011

New features, such as a battery life bug fix and improved voice recognition for Australian users, were included in this update for iPhone 4S, 4, 3GS, and also iPad and iPad 2.

iOS 5- released on Wednesday 12 October 2011

Over 200 features, such as built-in support for Twitter and iCloud support, were detailed in this update.