iOS 5.1 to feature quick camera shortcut on lock screen

An internal “pre-GM” (Golden Master) version of iOS 5.1 managed to leak out, showing a new feature on the lock screen: a shortcut that gives quick access to the camera. According to the screenshots posted on Brazilian blog Blog do iPhone, the camera icon will always be shown on the lock screen, requiring a quick flip of a finger to get you ready to shoot.

It’s a minor tweak from the existing iOS version – where the camera shortcut can be enabled with a double-tap of the home button from the lock screen – but in case you didn’t know that yet, then here’s a more obvious solution to your quick-shooting woes.

The leak also confirms — provided that the screenshots are legit — something that has been mentioned in previous rumors: the iOS 5.1 update will add a Japanese language setting for Siri.

The public release for the iOS update is still unknown, but it’s expected to be rolled out alongside the next-gen iPad some time in early March.