iTunes 11.1 Released with iTunes Radio & iOS 7 Support

iTunes 11.1 has been released with support for iTunes Radio, a streaming music service, and Genius Shuffle, a smarter way to shuffle through similar music. Away from the music side, iTunes 11.1 also includes a podcasts stations feature, and perhaps most importantly for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users, is that the 11.1 release allows syncing with iOS 7 devices.

Yes, iTunes 11.1 is required to sync iOS 7 devices to a computer, making it a very important update to download and install before upgrading any iPhone or iPad to iOS 7.

Download iTunes 11.1

iTunes 11.1 should be available as an update through the iTunes app itself, or through Software Update accessed through the  Apple menu. If the 11.1 release does not show there, you can also download it directly from Apple at the primary iTunes page or using the direct download links below.

• Grab iTunes 11.1 from Apple (uncheck boxes and click the Download button, no email entry is required)
• Direct download links for Mac OS X (dmg) or Windows (exe) – hosted on Apple’s servers

Release notes for iTunes 11.1 are as follows:

This version of iTunes comes with several major new features, including:

iTunes Radio. iTunes Radio is a great new way to discover music. Choose from over 250 stations or start a new one from your favorite artist or song. Enjoy iTunes Radio ad-free once you subscribe to iTunes Match.

Genius Shuffle. Introducing a magical new way to experience your music library. Choose Genius Shuffle and iTunes instantly plays songs that go great together. Click it again to hear something new—enjoying your music has never been this easy.

Podcast Stations. You can now create custom stations of your favorite podcasts that update automatically with new episodes. Your stations, subscriptions, and current play position sync over iCloud to the Podcasts app.

Sync with iOS 7. You can now use iTunes to sync your favorite music, movies, and more to devices with iOS 7. In addition, iTunes now makes it even easier to quickly organize and sync apps to your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Grab iTunes 11.1 and sit tight, iOS 7 will arrive shortly. Here is how to properly prepare for the iOS 7 update if you haven’t done so yet.