14 DAY TRIAL // Developers coding apps for iPhone and iPad are being offered a new beta to work with, alongside a new build of Xcode, the coding toolset provided free of charge by Apple.
According to the Cupertino giant, “This is a pre-release version of iOS 8.1 beta 2 for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Devices updated to iOS 8.1 beta 2 can not be restored to earlier versions of iOS.”
“This version of iOS is intended for installation only on devices registered with the Apple Developer Program. Attempting to install this version of iOS in an unauthorized manner could put your device in an unusable state,” the company adds.
What’s new in iOS 8.1
Apple rarely discloses any aesthetic changes in the release notes accompanying iOS betas, and the same goes for added functionality. For one reason or another, the computer giant prefers to reveal developer-centric alterations, such as fixes in the underlying code of the software.
There are currently a lot of known issues in the software. For example, testers have discovered that Mail handoff and AirDrop will stop working (in some circumstances) after changing the iCloud password at appleid.apple.com. Apple offers a workaround: “Sign out and back into iCloud on the device.”
iCloud Backup gains some fixes in iOS 8.1 Beta 2. According to the seed notes, “After restoring from iCloud backup you may be unable to sync new music or movie content from iTunes.” That issue has been addressed, according to a developer.
Another change that may interest developers working with WebKit is that “The Navigation Timing API has been disabled only on iOS due to performance issues.”
No urgent fixes
Despite iOS 8.0.1 being a so-and-so update, Apple quickly patched things up with the user base via iOS 8.0.2. Or so we’ve heard. There are very few reports of people having problems with this new firmware, and those who are experiencing issues may simply need to install afresh.
Unlike previous years, Apple’s first point-1 update for iOS 8 doesn’t include any urgent fixes. Or at least none that we’re aware of.
Xcode 6.1 GM seed 2
The company is preparing Xcode 6.1 for release in the Mac App Store. For now, the toolset is still under development. Apple today is offering the second Golden Master build of Xcode 6.1 for building iOS and OS X apps.
Labeled as Build 6A1046a, Xcode 6.1 GM seed 2 includes the iOS SDK for coding under iOS 8.1 beta 2 and the Mac SDK for developing Yosemite (OS X v10.10) apps.
Both iOS 8.1 Beta 2 and Xcode 6.1 GM Seed 2 are available for download from Apple's iOS Dev Center.