Understanding iOS software version
Apple software updates for iOS introduce new features and improvements that lets you do even more with their iPhone, iPad and other iOS devices. Updating the software on an iOS device is easy.
You can update in two ways:
- Over the air (OTA) update: This is done wirelessly over the T-Mobile network or over Wi-Fi. Note: Wi-Fi is recommended.
- iTunes (manual) update: This is done by connecting iPhone to a computer and using iTunes. Note: The computer must have access to the internet.
Software versions
T-Mobile Carrier Update
Version
- Compatible with iOS software version 6.1.X
- This update will not change the software version on your device.
- Updated 4/05/2013
- Available to all eligible iPhones using a T-Mobile SIM card
Features
- Enables the following:
- Visual Voicemail
- 4G network indicator
- Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)
- AWS LTE (T-Mobile and officially unlocked AT&T iPhone 5 only)
- HD Voice (T-Mobile and officially unlocked AT&T iPhone 5 only)
- AWS HSPA+ (T-Mobile and new 2013 AT&T iPhone 5 only)
- Auto configures:
- MMS Settings
- Personal Hotspot Settings (Smartphone Mobile Hotspot)
- APN settings for LTE connectivity
- My Account bookmark
Improvements
- Battery life (result of network/device optimization)
Prerequisites
- T-Mobile iPhone or any officially unlocked GSM iPhone
- Latest iOS software version
- Device software is not jailbroken
- 50% battery life or connected to a power source
- Data connection or a computer with iTunes and internet access
- Minimum of 1 MB available memory (File size of update is ~10 KB)
iOS software version 6.1.3
Version
- iOS software version 6.1.3
- Updated 3/19/2013
Features
- Fixes a bug that could allow someone to bypass the passcode and access the Phone app
Improvements
- Improvements to Maps in Japan
Prerequisites
- Any eligible iPhone
- iOS software version - iOS 6.1.2
- Device software is not jailbroken
- 50% battery life or connected to a power source
- Data connection or a computer with iTunes and internet access
- 1GB available memory (File size of update is 1,065 MB)
iOS software version 6.1.2
Version
- iOS software version 6.1.2
- Updated 2/19/2013
Features
- Fixes an exchange calendar bug that potentially caused an increase in network activity and reduced battery life.
Improvements
- Improvements to battery life
Prerequisites
- Any eligible iPhone
- iOS software version - iOS 6.1.1
- Device software is not jailbroken
- 50% battery life or connected to a power source
- Data connection or a computer with iTunes and internet access
- 1GB available memory (File size of update is 882 MB)
How to's
Important: It is highly recommended you complete a backup (via iCloud or iTunes) prior to updating device software. This is a safety measure that will ensure you do not lose any contacts, messages, pictures, or other important device data.
Check software version / Manually update software wirelessly
To check the current software version, follow these steps:
- From the Home Screen, tap Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- After the device searches for available software updates, it will display the current version.
- If an update is available, tap Download.
- After the download has completed, tap Install to update.
Manually update using iTunes
You can manually check for and download updates using iTunes. To check for and install available updates, follow the below steps.
Note: It is recommended using the latest version of iTunes.
- Connect iPhone to the computer using the included USB cable.
- After iTunes opens, select your device when it appears in iTunes under Devices.
- Click Check for Update in the Summary pane.
- If an update is available, iTunes prompts you to download and install the update.
- Important: Do not disconnect your device until the update has finished.
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