Apple released iOS 4.3 to the public on Wednesday afternoon. The update appeared in iTunes for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users just after 1PM eastern time, or 10AM pacific time.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs said the update would be available on March 11 when he spoke at the company’s special media event where the iPad 2 was unveiled several days ago.

Apple released iOS 4.3

iOS 4.3 includes an updated version of Mobile Safari that should offer better performance, and also uses the Nitro JavaScript engine just like Safari on Mac OS X. According to Apple, the new version offers double the performance for JavaScript compared to previous versions of Mobile Safari.

The update includes the option to use the iPad’s slider switch as a rotation lock or a mute switch, offers improved AirPlay support thanks to the addition of the ability to stream video from the Photos app, improves iTunes Home Sharing support, and more.

iOS 4.3 is available via Apple’s iTunes application

The update is available via Apple’s iTunes application. You can check to see if iOS 4.3 is available by connecting your iOS device to your computer, selecting your device from the Library list in iTunes, click Summary , then click Check for Update .

The iOS 4.3 update is free and requires an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4, third or fourth generation iPod touch, or a first or second generation iPad.