Feb 11, 2011 08:01 GMT  ·  By

Although the official iOS 4.2.6 IPSW (software update file) has been available for download since January, Apple on Thursday issued the official iOS 4.2.6 software update complete with release notes for CDMA (Verizon) handsets.

The software update release coincides with the physical availability of Verizon iPhones which went on sale at Apple and Verizon retail stores this week.

According to the changelog posted by Apple for iOS 4.2.6, the update "fixes a bug to ensure Personal Hotspot data usage is accurately reported (for Verizon iPhones)."

A number of CDMA handsets assembled to work on the Verizon network were originally assigned an iOS 4.2.5 firmware, which delivered specific new functions, including the Personal Hotspot feature.

Owners of these devices should now use iTunes to update their firmware, in order to avoid getting taxed for extra wireless mileage.

AppleInsider explains in a report covering the iOS 4.2.6 release that the Personal Hotspot Wi-Fi tethering plan costs an additional $20 a month for 2GB of tethered data which can be shared by up to five connected devices.

Each additional gigabyte used will cost $20, therefore users will want to make sure they’re billed correctly.

The Apple-centric site speculates that this software update release could be an effort on behalf of the two companies to prevent a potential PR fiasco.

The source appropriately points out that Apple’s new partner has previously faced legal fire for its billing practices with the FCC initiating an investigation in 2009 over a hard-wired “Wireless Mobile Web” button that would charge Verizon users $1.99 when pressed.

The carrier reportedly refunded customers over these erroneous "data usage" charges.

iOS 4.2.6 is specifically targeted at the Verizon CDMA iPhone 4 and is not to be installed on GSM (AT&T) handsets. The update is free to download and install for all users.

Download iOS Firmware Update (Free)