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Apple has released iOS 6.1.3 today to fix a bug that allows users to bypass an iPhone’s passcode lock and access contacts and make phone calls. The update also brings improvements to Apple’s Maps data in Japan.

The passcode bypass bug was discovered by JailBreakNation last month. The method to bypass a passcode lock in iOS 6.1 requires several steps in a specific sequence involving the emergency call button available on the iPhone’s lock screen and the device’s sleep/wake button. JailBreakNation stated that creating contacts, viewing photos saved in the Photos app, and sending emails and texts using the contact sharing feature are all possible through the exploitation of this bug.

If you’re concerned about others getting access to your photos and contact information or using your iPhone to make calls despite the fact that you have a passcode lock set, you should download this update. However, if you jailbreak your iPhone, note that this update closes down some of the exploits used in the latest jailbreak method, evasi0n, so once you update, you’ll lose your jailbreak and there’s no way to get it back for most devices according to one of the hackers who created evasi0n.

iOS 6.1.3 applies to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, the iPad 2 and later, and the fourth-generation and later iPod touches. It’s a free download that can be obtained through iTunes on your computer or as an over-the-air update on your compatible iOS device in the Software Update area of the General section in the Settings app.

Apple released iOS 6.1 today for the latest iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad models, adding LTE support for additional carriers and the ability to purchase movie tickets through Fandango with Siri for users in the US. Also, as pointed out by MacRumors, iOS 6.1 also includes a minor change to Passbook to make it easier for users to find Passbook-compatible apps with a persistent welcome screen that remains accessible even when you already have passes loaded.

Apple lists the major changes in iOS 6.1 as follows:

• LTE support for more carriers (complete list of supported carriers at www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/)
• Purchase movie tickets through Fandango with Siri (USA only)
• iTunes Match subscribers can now download individual songs from iCloud
• New button to reset the Advertising Identifier

iOS 6 is the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, and with nearly 300 million iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices on iOS 6 in just five months, it may be the most popular new version of an OS in history,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iOS 6.1 brings LTE support to more markets around the world, so even more users can enjoy ultrafast Safari browsing, FaceTime video calls, iCloud services, and iTunes and App Store downloads.”

iOS 6.1 is available as a free download for the iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, 3rd- and 4th-generation iPad, iPad mini, and the 4th- and 5th-generation iPod touch. You can get it through iTunes on your computer or download it right on your iOS device through the Settings app though note that it’s coming in at over 100 MB so you’ll want to be sure you’re connected to a WiFi network.

Apple has released iOS 6.0.1 to fix a few bugs and issues that have plagued iPhone 5 and fifth-generation iPod touch users, including that strange keyboard graphics glitch and the-flash-that-would-not-go-off-even-when-it’s-dark when using the built-in Camera app.

Here’s the full list of what’s new in iOS 6.0.1:

• Fixes a bug that prevents iPhone 5 from installing software updates wirelessly over the air
• Fixes a bug where horizontal lines may be displayed across the keyboard
• Fixes an issue that could cause camera flash to not go off
• Improves reliability of iPhone 5 and iPod touch (5th generation) when connected to encrypted WPA2 Wi-Fi networks
• Resolves an issue that prevents iPhone from using the cellular network in some instances
• Consolidated the Use Cellular Data switch for iTunes Match
• Fixes a Passcode Lock bug which sometimes allowed access to Passbook pass details from lock screen
• Fixes a bug affecting Exchange meetings

I’ve seen several reports of higher-than-expected cellular data usage under iOS 6 over at the MacRumors forums and though I haven’t experienced this myself it seems to be a serious issue, especially for those with small data plans. Hopefully this update fixes this issue.