14 DAY TRIAL // Assuming that a finding in the latest iOS 5 beta is accurate, Apple will have a new IPSW for developers to download around this time tomorrow.
Code strings found in iOS 5 beta 5 earlier this month seem to indicate that Apple plans to roll out an update on August 18.
The next iOS 5 developer release will most likely be another Beta, not a GM (Golden Master) build as speculated by some, though GM is not entirely impossible either.
iOS 5 is scheduled to arrive this fall packing hundreds of new functions. For developers, Apple markets the software a tad differently, mentioning the updated Software Development Kit (SDK) that goes with the various iOS 5 betas, and the numerous new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
“iOS 5, the latest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system, includes over 200 new user features, and an updated SDK with over 1,500 new APIs and powerful new development tools.”
“Start developing today to take advantage of iCloud Storage, Newsstand Kit, Core Image, GLKit, Twitter and new Game Center APIs,” Apple adds.
A flagship feature in the forthcoming mobile operating system from Apple, Notification Center will deliver an innovative way to display and manage notifications without being intrusive.
Since Notification Center in iOS 5 builds on the existing (intrusive) system, an existing app’s local and push notifications will work out of the box.
iCloud Storage APIs will enable apps to store user documents and key value data, as well ass wirelessly push any changes to all a user's computers and devices automatically.
iOS 5 also includes OpenGL ES, which makes it easier for devs to code great looking games that take advantage of the latest iOS hardware. Apple’s iPhone 5 will leverage this, and other similar optimizations.