It was back in October that we gave you the latest status update on the iTunes 11 release date, with Apple having to delay the release of the software in order to fine tune some features and make it a better product when it is finally ready for the public. Although not one to make public statements unless absolutely essential, Apple has stealthily been putting the final touches on iTunes 11 and has already sent out word to music labels to prepare for the release.

One German music distribution service has apparently spilled the beans a few days early, as Apple has told them to start informing artists to prepare promotional materials ready for usage on iTunes 11. In an email screenshot provided by MacRumors, Apple is asking artists to submit 1200 pixel images to be used in the iTunes 11 gallery, to which normal users will be able to browse through when selecting music to purchase.

Considering that Apple sent out word last month that iTunes 11 would be ready by the end of November, we expect these details are accurate and a clear sign that iTunes 11 will be up for download by the end of the month. The new software has apparently been stripped down to make it much easier for users to navigate around, with a new slick interface making that transition much smoother.

Are you excited about being able to use iCloud features within iTunes 11, or have you already settled for a rival music database on your computer? We’ll let you know when the download goes live, but it is looking very promising at this point.

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Unfortunately though, it’s mixed news as Apple has made a rare public statement by telling consumers that iTunes 11 isn’t ready for download yet, with consumers now having to wait until the end of November for it, when it was originally due to drop this month.

Anticipation for iTunes 11 compared to previous versions of the popular media software was arguably the biggest yet, since Apple announced during the iPhone 5 event that iTunes 11 would come with a redesigned user interface and other design improvements to add some similarities with the existing iTunes for mobile devices on iOS.

Other features that were thought to be on the way included deeper iCloud integration, but we didn’t get the expected iTunes 11 showing at the iPad mini event, which took many consumers by surprise. While a public statement about the delay is nice, there isn’t any actual sign of what issue has caused the company to delay the software.

As most consumers will be aware, Apple products are rarely delayed and it usually takes something serious for Apple to have to publicly come out and inform consumers about it. We had the recent omission from Tim Cook himself on how Maps within iOS 6 isn’t performing to the company’s high standard at the moment and it will be interesting to see if there is any link between the two issues.

On the other hand, another month of development time could be viewed as a major positive for Apple fans as it means that iTunes 11 is going to be even better and of a higher standard than if they perhaps rushed a release. It has been a long two years though since iTunes 10 arrived, so consumers are definitely eager to see what else iTunes 11 has to offer besides a new interface.

To give you an initial reminder of the first introduction to iTunes 11 at the iPhone 5 event, we’ve added the video from the September keynote below. If you are a big fan of iTunes and look forward to each release, let us know your thoughts on the delay and whether it can be viewed as a positive or not.