LinkedIn has for some time been the social network that everyone loves to hate, but it still has a huge number of users. Like other social networks, there has long been an iOS app available that provides access to the service – this in itself is nothing spectacular, but what was notable about the LinkedIn app was just how unimpressive it was. The release of LinkedIn 4.0 for iOS looks set to change the app’s reputation, though.

The most noticeable aspect of the updated app is that the interface has undergone a complete overhaul. Gone are the stark, bland, dated looking icons, replaced with a UI that has a distinct, well, Mac feel to it. The previously cluttered opening screen has been redesigned so that it now comprises a mere four icons which provide access to your update stream, your profile, your inbox and groups you may be a member of.

In use, LinkedIn feels much snappier and it is now faster than ever to get in touch with your contact and share updates. There are a number of nice graphical touches such as little animation when icons are tapped and overall look of the screen elements, but none of this serves to slow down the app. It would be easy to think that dramatically reducing the number of icons displayed on the start page would make things more difficult, but this is far from being the case.

The LinkedIn Today bar at the top the screen provides a constantly updated view of news you follow, and it could be argued that this could be better placed. The bar is also designed in such a way that it appears as though news stories should be navigable using a side swipe. Sadly this is not possible but hopefully it is something that will be addressed in a future update.

As things stand, LinkedIn 4.0 for iOS is a serious improvement on the previous version. You can find out more and download a copy of the app by paying a visit to the LinkedIn review page.