Apple has posted a beta of iPhone OS 2.1 to its iPhone Dev Center. The beta firmware also has a new SDK, allowing developers start working with the new functionality. However, according to several developers, only those that have paid $99 and been accepted to distribute apps can access the beta firmware and related SDK at this time.
The firmware update contains new GPS-related functionality, including tracking speed and direction. There is also preliminary support for push notification services, which Scott Forstall discussed during the WWDC keynote in June. He had said that the functionality would be available to all developers in September.
Apple warns developers that iPhone OS 2.1 beta is for development and testing only, and should not be used to develop apps intended for distribution via the App Store. And, to add yet another wrinkle, devices updated to the 2.1 beta become “‘locked’ into testing mode and cannot be restored to iPhone OS 2.0.” In other words, you’ll need separate devices to develop apps for current iPhones and for 2.1 updated iPhones.
