Apple Releases iOS 4.1 for iPhone, iPod touch

When Apple announced its latest lineup of iPod music players last week, Apple noted that iOS 4.1 would be released within the coming week. Staying true to its word, Apple today released the update which addresses a number of problems afflicting iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G users.

First up, iOS 4.1 fixes the proximity sensor on the iPhone 4. For those unfamiliar with the problem, numerous iPhone 4 users would find themselves muting or ending calls due to the phone’s screen turning back on when held up to his or her ear. The proximity sensor issue appears to have been even more widespread that the infamous antenna problem.

A second issue corrected with the iOS 4.1 update for iPhone 4 users includes improved Bluetooth connectivity. Some users were being prematurely disconnected from their Bluetooth headsets due to a conflict with Wi-Fi resources.

Finally, iPhone 3G users will find some relief with speed improvements courtesy of iOS 4.1. AnandTech performed ran benchmarks comparing iOS 4.1 to iOS 4.0.2 and iOS 3.1.3 — thankfully, the update appears to solve many of the performance-related problems.

IOS 4.1 also brings an number of new features including HDR photo capture (iPhone 4 only), Game Center, HD video uploads via Wi-FI, TV show rentals, AVRCP Bluetooth playback, and Ping support in iTunes.