14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has released the sixth beta of iOS 5 to developers, alongside an updated version of iTunes, Xcode, and a second beta of iWork for iOS with iCloud support and Apple TV software beta 5.
As with the previous beta, iOS 5 Beta 6 is accompanied by a huge changelog that details everything new in this release. It may well be that the next iOS 5 seed from Apple will be the GM (Golden Master) release.
Starting with this release, Apple will be removing access to the unique device identifier on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
This is mostly likely related to privacy concerns. Here’s the company’s wording on this:
Deprecated in iOS 5.0
uniqueIdentifier An alphanumeric string unique to each device based on various hardware details. (read-only) (Deprecated in iOS 5.0. Instead, create a unique identifier specific to your app.)
Apple, however, may still use it internally for Game Center and iAds.
Starting in iOS 5 beta 6, video content in applications and websites are AirPlay-enabled by default and the software now supports AirPlay of video via AV Foundation, according to Apple.
As usual, the Mac maker recommends that developers do not use the iCloud services to store any critical data or information, as this is beta software.
“If you enable iCloud Backup, automatic backup with iTunes when syncing will be disabled. We also suggest that you manually back up your device with iTunes,” Apple says.
The company warns that backups made with earlier versions of iOS 5 beta will no longer be available, as they will soon become incompatible.
“It is strongly advised you upgrade to this version of the iOS 5 beta in order to continue backing up your devices. If you encounter errors restoring from a backup, or enabling a backup more than one hour after signing into iCloud, try deleting your iCloud account from Settings and adding it back. If errors persist, please try erasing your device and initiating the restore again,” Apple says.
“iMessage beta 1 will be unable to communicate with iMessage users on beta 2 or later,” the changelog adds.
There’s also a fix for the volume slider in the UI of applications not updating even though the volume level has changed when using the volume buttons on the device, or on headphones.
Beta 6 of iTunes 10.5 will be required to sync iOS 5 Beta 6. In the same manner, Xcode 4.2 developer preview 6 is required for compatibility with developer devices running iOS 5 beta 6.
This beta can be obtained either OTA (over the air) or from Apple's iOS Dev Center.