Shortly after Apple’s ‘Let’s talk iPhone’ event yesterday, the company finally seeded the Gold Master release of its highly-anticipated iOS 5 software. Until now, you had to have your device’s UDID registered to get your hands on the software early, but that’s not the case with the GM release — anyone can download and install it onto their device.
This isn’t unusual for Apple’s iOS firmware. I distinctly remember that previous firmwares have also dropped the requirement for a registered UDID by the time they hit the Gold Master release, and as 9to5Mac notes, it’s the same case for iOS 5.
There are a few caveats, however: in order to install the iOS 5 GM, you’ll need iTunes 10.5 beta 7 or later, and, of course, the iOS 5 IPSW file. You’ll need to do a quick Google search for these — unfortunately we cannot provide the links — but they shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
Be sure that you download the iOS 5 GM release; anything earlier than this will brick your device if it isn’t registered through Apple’s Dev Center. You’ll also need to do a complete restore of your device — you cannot simply upgrade from iOS 4.
If you’re happy with those caveats, then go and download iOS 5 now — it’s awesome.
Please note: Just because I suggested you do this and told you iOS 5 is awesome, Cult of Mac accepts no responsibility for loss of data, broken/bricked devices, broken computers, over excitement, complete disappointment, or letters from Apple’s legal team as a result of installing iOS 5.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
