Apple has released an updated version of its mobile operating system, iOS 6.1, which has added LTE capabilities for 36 new iPhone carriers - including Vodacom in SA.
The full list of supported iPhone LTE carriers can be seen here. Vodacom is currently the only carrier to be listed for SA, and it is unclear why MTN has not been included. Both MTN and Vodacom launched their commercial LTE networks towards the end of last year.
Carriers are subject to Apple's strict vetting process before being individually provisioned to provide LTE support to Apple devices. Like Vodacom, MTN is re-farming some of its spectrum in the 1 800MHz range for its LTE deployment as a stopgap measure until the Department of Communications and the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) have come to a decision regarding the allocation of the apposite spectrum bands.
The iOS 6.1 update also includes LTE support for an additional 23 iPad carriers. However, SA does not yet feature on the full list of supported carriers.
Vodacom customers wanting to enable LTE on their iPhone 5 handsets will need to ensure they have an LTE-enabled SIM, and can call the Vodacom helpdesk to activate the service.
OS features
Apple's senior VP of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, says iOS 6 was installed on nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices in the five months since its release.
"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," says Schiller.
According to Apple, to date, iOS users have uploaded over nine billion photos to Photo Stream, sent over 450 billion iMessages, and received over four trillion notifications.
Apart from LTE support, the iOS 6.1 update allows iTunes Match subscribers to download individual songs to their iOS devices from iCloud, and allows US users to purchase movie tickets from Fandango via Siri. Apple has not indicated when this service might be expanded to other regions, but this will be dependent on Apple signing agreements with the necessary service providers.
Another update included in iOS 6.1 is a new button to reset the Advertising Identifier (this button is accessed via Settings > General > About > Advertising). This allows users to severely limit ad tracking by constantly changing the device's advertiser ID. Apple has been criticised for its user privacy setting when it comes to advertisers. Users were previously only given the option to 'limit' ad tracking - this option still remains, along with the new button.
The iOS 6.1 update is available for iPhone 3GS and later, iPad 2 and later, and the iPod touch fourth generation and later.
At the time of publication, MTN did not respond to a request for comment.
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