An update-packed week for end-users and developers alike

Mar 16, 2014 10:54 GMT  ·  By

Apple this week has launched a large number of updates for its user base, including regular customers and developers. iOS 7.1 is the flagship release, but there’s also a new Mavericks beta available, and an Apple TV update to be grabbed from Apple’s servers, if you haven’t done so already.

iOS 7.1 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad

Available through iTunes or over-the-air (OTA), iOS 7.1 was deployed on Monday packing a hefty dose of new features and enhancements, including CarPlay, a new version of Siri, iTunes Radio updates, a new Camera option to have HDR turned on at all times, improved Touch ID fingerprint recognition, and various bug fixes.

Apple TV Software Update 6.1

Also on Monday, Apple rolled out Apple TV Software Update 6.1 with the ability to hide unwanted channels for easier navigation and a number of security fixes. Apple TV 6.1 can be downloaded from the Software Update menu under General settings on your set-top box.

Xcode 5.1

Xcode 5.1 was also launched on Monday, following months of beta testing. Available for free to anyone with access to the Mac App Store, Xcode 5.1 adds a new Auto Layout constraint inspector with support for all constraint types, Quick Look support in the debugger for custom object types, an improved ability to resolve symbols in Instruments, updated iOS standard architecture setting to include 64-bit, and the usual bag of fixes and stability improvements.

Logic Remote 1.1 and Podcasts 2.0.1

iOS customers using Logic Remote and Podcasts were greeted this week by two minor updates. Logic Remote 1.1 comes with a new design and adds more scale choices for Touch Instruments, while Podcasts 2.0.1 addresses an issue where the 15-second skip buttons may not appear on the lock screen when used with iOS 7.1.

iAd Producer 4.1.2

Later in the week, iAd Producer was deployed for publishers looking to make ad revenue through iOS apps. Of the iAd Producer 4.1.2 Build 4146, Apple says, “This release provides improved compatibility with iOS 7.1.”

OS X Mavericks 10.9.3 Build 13D17

The second 10.9.3 beta is out for developers testing Mavericks. Build 13D17 arrived on Friday with a terse changelog that mentioned only two focus areas – Graphics Drivers and Audio – and no known issues.

Apple Store 2.9.2 and Apple Store 1.1 for iOS

The last in this string of updates for the week ending March 16 was Apple Store 2.9.2, a minor release for online shoppers that includes “improvements to In-Store Notifications, including ability to view notifications in the app as well as on Lock screen. (US only).” For iPad users (version 1.1) there’s a new option to buy Apple Store Gift Cards right from the app, to have them shipped by mail or delivered within 24 hours via email. The cards are available in any amount from $25 - $2,000 (€18 and €1,438, respectively).