iTunes 11 delayed until late November

Apple has delayed the release of its iTunes 11, despite previously advertising an October launch.

The tech giant told All Things D that the next version of the music player will be available before the end of November instead.

“The new iTunes is taking longer than expected and we wanted to take a little extra time to get it right," Apple said.

"We look forward to releasing this new version of iTunes with its dramatically simpler and cleaner interface, and seamless integration with iCloud before the end of November.”

The new software is set to include a variety of welcome features including an improved mini-player, instant recommendations and preview history.

Apple's statement comes two days after the company sacked mobile software chief Scott Forstall after he refused to sign a letter apologizing for the heavily criticised mapping app.

In other Apple news, Kiwis will be the first country in the world to get their hands of the new iPad mini, released in New Zealand on November 2.

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