Every iPhone includes an update iTunes, but this may be the last time iPhone users need the media-playing computer software.
One of the things that iTunes 10.5 brings is the iOS 5 update for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches, which will do away with the need to tether your mobile device to a computer to sync it. The new release also enables Wi-Fi syncing between the Apple mobile devices and iTunes on a PC or Mac.
In addition, the update adds some iCloud features, including iTunes Match, which will synchronize music on a user's computer with iCloud storage, even for songs not purchased via the iTunes store. Once the music is up in your iCloud, you'll be able to download it to any Apple device onto which you've logged in. The $24.99-a-year service isn't available today despite the new iTunes release, but will go live tomorrow, October 12, according to a previous Apple press release.
The related iTunes in the Cloud feature has already been available in the previous version of iTunes. This stores to iCloud any music purchased through the iTunes store either from an iOS device or a computer. The music can then be downloaded from any device on which the user has logged in to his or her Apple account.
The most notable iOS 5 additions include support for Wi-Fi syncing, iCloud, more lock-screen options, the iMessage messaging service, integrated Twitter support, and a more accessible camera app. For more, see the "Top 10 New Features in iOS 5" slideshow above.
The release notes for iTunes 10.5 include:
- iTunes in the Cloud: iTunes now stores your music and TV purchases in iCloud and makes them available on your devices anywhere, any time, at no additional cost.
- Automatic Downloads: Purchase music from any device or computer and automatically download a copy to your PC and iOS devices.
- Download Previous Purchases: Download your past music, TV, app, and book purchases again, at no additional cost. Previous purchases may be unavailable if they are no longer on the iTunes Store.
- Sync with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iOS 5.
- Wi-Fi Syncing: Automatically sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes any time they're both on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Note: iTunes 10.5 no longer requires or includes QuickTime.
You can download the Mac and PC versions of iTunes 10.5 from itunes.apple.com, and be sure to read our in-depth full review of iTunes.
For more from Michael, follow him on Twitter @mikemuch.