Apple to Release iOS 5.1 Today with Japanese Siri Support [UPDATED]

Apple’s highly anticipated iOS 5.1 update for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch will finally make it into customer’s hands on Wednesday. Apple CEO Tim Cook made the announcement during a special media event in San Francisco where the company is expected to also unveil the third generation iPad.

iOS 5.1 improves on iOS 5, and among other things will include native Siri voice control support for Japanese speaking users.

In addition, this version includes these changes, according to Apple:

  • Photos can now be deleted drom the Photo Stream
  • Camera shortcut now always visible on Lock Screen for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (4th generation)
  • Camera face detection now highlights all detected faces
  • Redesigned Camera app for iPad
  • Genius Mixes and genius playlists on iPad optimized to sound louder and clearer
  • Podcast controls for playback speed and 30 second rewind for iPad
  • Updated AT&T network indicator
  • Addresses bugs affecting battery life
  • Fixes an issue that occasionally caused audio to drop for outgoing calls.

Starting with iOS 5, these updates can now be conducted wirelessly; a wired connection to a Mac is no longer required. Check your iOS device’s Settings for the iOS 5.1 notice.

Products that are compatible with this update are:

  • iPhone 4S
  • iPhone 4
  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPad 2
  • iPad
  • iPod touch (4th generation)
  • iPod touch (3rd generation)

For more information, see Apple’s support page for iOS 5.1.