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T-Mobile releases carrier update for unlocked iPhone 5s, enables LTE, improved battery performance, and Visual Voicemail support (Updated)

Screen Shot 2013-04-05 at 2.21.08 PM

Update: You can also install this profile by visiting tmobile.com/isetup directly on your iPhone if your phone is on T-Mobile’s network but doesn’t show up any available updates.

T-Mobile has just pushed a carrier update required to enable several key features of the iPhone, according to a support document posted on the carrier’s website. The update is meant for existing, unlocked versions of the GSM iPhone 5.

The document notes that the update brings support for Visual Voicemail, the “4G” network indicator on T-Mobile’s HSPA+ network, Personal Hotspot settings, MMS settings, HD Voice, LTE, and more.

The update also includes some battery performance enhancements due to better network optimization. Pre-orders for the official T-Mobile iPhone 5 began early this morning, starting at $99. The official release is next Friday, April 12th.

The full set of new features, via TmoNews, and the requirements to install the update can be found below.

Version

  • iOS software version 6.1
  • Updated 4/05/2013
  • Available to all eligible iPhones using a T-Mobile SIM card

Features

  • Enables the following:
    • Visual Voicemail
    • 4G network indicator
    • Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS)
    • AWS LTE (T-Mobile and officially unlocked AT&T iPhone 5 only)
    • HD Voice (T-Mobile and officially unlocked AT&T iPhone 5 only)
    • AWS HSPA+ (T-Mobile and new 2013 AT&T iPhone 5 only)
  • Auto configures:
    • MMS Settings
    • Personal Hotspot Settings (Smartphone Mobile Hotspot)
    • APN settings for LTE connectivity
  • My Account bookmark

Improvements

  • Battery life (result of network/device optimization)

Prerequisites

  • T-Mobile iPhone or any officially unlocked GSM iPhone
  • Latest iOS software version
  • Device software is not jailbroken
  • 50% battery life or connected to a power source
  • Data connection or a computer with iTunes and internet access
  • Minimum of 1 MB available memory (File size of update is ~10 KB)
iOS software version 6.1.3

Version

  • iOS software version 6.1.3
  • Updated 3/19/2013

Features

  • Fixes a bug that could allow someone to bypass the passcode and access the Phone app

Improvements

  • Improvements to Maps in Japan

Prerequisites

  • Any eligible iPhone
  • iOS software version – iOS 6.1.2
  • Device software is not jailbroken
  • 50% battery life or connected to a power source
  • Data connection or a computer with iTunes and internet access
  • 1GB available memory (File size of update is 1,065 MB)

The software is available via iTunes or an over-the-air update.

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