Today, only two days before iOS 6.1 beta 4 is scheduled to expire (January 28th), Apple has seeded iOS 6.1 beta 5. This new beta build comes as somewhat of a surprise, considering many were expecting Apple to issue the Gold Master (GM) edition of iOS 6.1, which typically precedes major releases. However, in this instance, it’s highly probable that the final 6.1 release will transcend the Gold Master testing phase and and the fifth 6.1 beta could very well be the last. Furthermore, i0n1c (a well-known iOS hacker who’s been fundamental in the development of past Jailbreak utilities) noted on twitter that iOS 6.1 beta 5 carries the build identification of a finalized, public version – not that of a beta.
Interesting thing about the iOS 6.1 Beta 5 release is that it has the build ID of a final, not that of a beta.
— Stefan Esser (@i0n1c) January 27, 2013
Similar to previous versions of 6.1, the new beta introduces an implementation method for Apple’s iOS 6+ mapping services, includes minor changes to Safari and enhances Passbook’s boarding pass management system.
Please remember that this version of 6.1, like any other beta firmware, requires that an iOS-based device’s UDID is registered through Apple’s developer program before an official restore can be preformed.
Update: According to a tweet MuscleNerd retweeted, iOS 6.1 beta 5 activates without the need to have an iDevice’s UDID registered through Apple’s developer program, it truly is the last developer release prior to the public version.
Looks like iOS 6.1b5 isn’t a beta, it activates without developer registration and has no ReleaseType lockdown keys.
— winocm (@winocm) January 27, 2013
Despite the odd beta naming, as @winocm discovered, this is actually releaseable as public 6.1 at Apple’s will.Good!Home stretch….
— MuscleNerd (@MuscleNerd) January 27, 2013
For those who are waiting on an Untethered iOS 6 Jailbreak, today’s new beta means we’re that much closer to the official release of 6.1. Once the forthcoming firmware is made available to the public, the iOS security experts and hackers who have been diligently working on an Untethered Jailbreak solution for iOS 6 will have what the need to complete their work. Stay tuned for complete coverage on Apple’s upcoming 6.1 public firmware and any news regarding the status of the iOS 6 Jailbreak.
