Apple Releases iOS 4.3.3

Yesterday, Apple released iOS 4.3.3 for its mobile devices. As announced during last week’s executive phone interview with All Things Digital, the update focuses exclusively on the controversial iOS crowd-sourced location database cache. The new software addresses the three major points of concern with the company’s previous builds of iOS software. According the the support document accompanying the update’s release, iOS 4.3.3:

• Reduces the size of the cache
• No longer backs the cache up to iTunes
• Deletes the cache entirely when Location Services is turned off

The update offers iOS device users greater control over how—and if—their location data is used. One aspect of the previous iterations of iOS that sparked controversy was the size of the location database cache. Though originally less than the size of a typical song, the cache was able to store more data than intended—up to one year’s worth. By shrinking the size of this file, users who elect to continue use of Location Services will not have cached files dating back as far.

Beyond initial privacy concerns, the fact that the location database cache was included in routine iTunes device backups worried some iOS users. Though largely innocuous, should the data fall into the wrong hands problems could technically ensue. In an effort to eliminate this possibility, Apple has omitted the cache from future backups with 4.3.3.

A tertiary option for users who choose to forgo their device’s location functionality entirely, deletes the cache from the device when Location Services is disabled. As this option claims to delete the cache entirely, it can be assumed that users who periodically want to wipe their location cache can do so by toggling this feature on and off.

iOS 4.3.3 is available through iTunes and via direct download here (GSM version) and here (CDMA version). To update through iTunes, simply connect a compatible iOS device to your Mac, launch iTunes, and follow the on-screen prompts. As always, we recommend backing up your device prior to updating.

Devices compatible with this software update:

• iPhone 4 (GSM and CDMA models)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th gen.)
• iPod touch (3rd gen.)