iOS 5 beta 5 now available

Apple's latest beta build of iOS 5 is now available. Identified as iOS 5 beta 5, the newest build comes only two weeks after beta 4 launched. Like the upgrade between beta 3 and beta 4, upgrading from beta 4 to beta 5 can be done 'over-the-air'. In short, it can be updated without connecting the iDevice to a PC or Mac and updating through iTunes. As iThinkDiff reports, iOS 5 beta 5 build ID is 9A5288d.

Upgrading between beta 4 and beta 5 can only be done with devices that are not jailbroken. Jailbroken devices must be updated using iTunes on a Mac or PC. If you're eligible for 'over-the-air' updates then you can get updated via Settings, then General, and finally 'Software Update'.

iOS 5 will be leaving some older Apple devices behind, as has been the case for other builds of the mobile OS. The latest version of the operating system is compatible with the following Apple devices:

• iPhone 4 (GSM & CDMA)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPod Touch 3G
• iPod Touch 4G
• iPad
• iPad 2

Changes made between beta 4 and beta 5 are available via Boy Genius Report. Most changes will remain insignificant for those who purchased access to the iOS 5 beta, though for the developers who have legitimate claims it may be of more importance. In short, iOS 5 beta 5 will eradicate some links with older betas (such as restricting usage of iMessage to others with iMessage beta 2) while also establishing some new features awaiting in the fall release of iOS 5.