14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released iOS 5 beta 4 for developers this week. The IPSW is available through the iOS Dev Center as an IPSW file labeled 9A5274d, and as an over-the-air (OTA) update, marking the first time Apple pushes an iOS software update that doesn’t require tethering the iPhone / iPod touch / iPad to a computer.
Supporting iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4, as well as iPod touch 3rd and 4th generation players, iOS 5 Beta 4 is the first OTA iOS update from Apple.
As usual, developers can grab the bits from the iOS Dev Center, alongside iTunes 10.5 Beta 4, Xcode 4.2, and the iOS SDK.
iOS 5 beta 4 can be received as an OTA update on devices that are currently running iOS 5 beta 3 and have access to a wireless Internet connection, whether on WiFi, or 3G.
To access the OTA update, devs must access Settings > General > Software Update in iOS 5 beta 3.
“iOS 5 Beta 4 can be installed using over the air software update from devices that have iOS 5 beta 3 installed,” Apple informs on the iOS Dev Center via a readme note.
“Over the air software update can be initiated by choosing General > Software Update in Settings,” the Mac maker explains.
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant asks developers to note that “If you are doing a OTA software update from beta 3 to beta 4, you will need to re-sync your photos with iTunes.”
Apple also notes on the iOS Software Update screen that “This beta version of iOS 5 contains bug fixes and improvements, and is the first version available for over the air software update.”
Devs are encouraged to visit http://developer.apple.com/ios5/releasenotes/ for more information on what this update brings to the table.
This beta version of iOS 5 should only be deployed on devices dedicated for iOS 5 beta software development, according to Apple.