Late yesterday Facebook released a brand new native app for iOS, bringing us the best mobile Facebook experience to date.

The entire app has been rebuilt from the ground up as a native iOS app. By abandoning the previous HTML5 construction,  Facebook has greatly improved the speed and performance of their extremely popular mobile app.

Posting is faster, pictures can now upload in the background, and updates and and message have completely ditched the terrible lag from the previous build.

Dan Beasley, our Head of Mobile, said, "It's a kick in the face for HTML5 and a win for native but it's exactly what users of the app have been crying out for. All around a great release from Facebook".

The update includes a number of tweaks and fixes, including:

Real-time Newsfeed - speed improves mean the Newsfeed is practically real time.

Timeline for iPad - finally, the Timeline has come to the iPad, complete with Cover Photos for Users and Pages.

Faster photo uploads - Photos upload quicker than before. Photos are also now uploaded in the background, so you can keep on browsing while you wait.

More robust photo features - The new app has features from the Facebook Camera iPhone app baked right in. Also, users can now Like comments on photos, which was not available on previous builds.

Gorgeous photo viewing - Not only is the new photo display is gorgeous, but it's easier than ever to comment or Like pictures.

Much better Messages - Facebook has integrated their standalone Messenger iPhone app directly into the main app. A better UI, quicker loading time and location-based services all make sure friends can stay in touch on the go. Facebook for iPad also features Messages in a useful drop-down display.