Although iOS 5 isn’t expected to be released until this fall, Apple has already begun approving apps for iOS 5 compatibility in the App Store. This suggests that iOS 5 could drop as soon as next month, perhaps strengthening rumors of a September launch for the iPhone 5!
iOS 5 was announced this June at WWDC 2011, and should be a pretty spectacular update that brings a host of new features (iMessage, NewsStand, over-the-air updates and a revamped notification system, just to name a few), as well as performance enhancements.
Last week, the popular Camera+ app ($1.99, App Store Link) was updated, with the release notes detailing “compatibility with that upcoming OS That Must Not Be Named.” Mashable’s iPhone app (Free, App Store Link), on the other hand, was updated yesterday, and was much less subtle, specifically stating iOS 5 compatibility.
The fact that Apple is already approving iOS 5 compatible app updates is a good sign, and likely means that iOS 5 will be coming our way sooner rather than later. The iOS 5 beta is currently on its 4th developer beta release, and while there are still a few issues in the firmware, it’s largely stable, and could easily be ready for prime time by next month.