Apple has given developers the fourth beta of iOS 6.1 today, adding to speculation that an iOS update will happen before 2013.

The software, which "contains bug fixes and improvements," reached developers for testing with few new features on the system.

CNET says the new iOS 6.1 does include a new boarding pass behaviour in Apple's Passbook software however, as well as slight modifications to Safari.

Following the previous update at the start of Niovember, the software has also reworked music playback controls and ticket purchases through Fandango in Siri according to CNET.

Other media sources have said the latest beta version is yet to be finalised and is subsequently not available to the public at present.