Apple has just released iTunes 10.5, an updated version of their media management software that adds support for iCloud and iTunes Match, as well as support for the iPhone 4S and other devices running iOS 5.
iOS 5 will be released to the public on Wednesday, October 12th, and iTunes 10.5 will be required in order to sync with devices updated to the new firmware. Also, while iTunes 10.5 does enable iTunes Match, the service will not publicly launch in the US until the end of October.
iTunes 10.5 now has full 64-bit support, as well as full support for iCloud and iTunes Match. Some notable changes that come with iTunes 10.5’s new iCloud support are the ability to re-download all prior iTunes purchases of songs, TV shows, apps, and books for free, and the ability to automatically download new purchases made on your iOS device.
iTunes 10.5 has been in testing with developers since June, with Apple releasing a total of 9 developer previews leading up to the launch. iCloud will launch alongside iOS 5 on October 12th, and both of these will be required to take full advantage of the new features in iTunes 10.5.
From the release notes:
What’s new in iTunes 10.5
• 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 Mac 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.
For information on the security content of this update, please visit: support.apple.com/kb/HT1222
iTunes 10.5 is available now from Apple’s iTunes page, and will be available through Software Update later today.