With the Apple iPad Mini and Apple iPad 4 almost ready for public consumption Apple seams to be working on improving their software in preparation of their newest devices. First they released the iOS 6.0.1 software update and now they have followed that up by releasing the first beta of iOS 6.1 to developers registered in Apple iOS developer program.The update carries build number 10B5095f and can be downloaded to compatible iPhones, iPads or iPod Touches as long as you have a valid developer account. There is no information on the features and improvements available with iOS 6.1 and we suspect developers are required to sign a NDA to prevent discussing what's been included in the latest version of the software.
In addition to iOS 6.1 Beta 1, Apple has also released Xcode 4.6 and the iOS 6.1 SDK beta to developers through the portal. XCode 4.6 developer preview 1 offers a number of enhancements such as support for auto layout of interfaces on iOS and OSX as well as improved support for Retina display on the MacBook Pro models.
From a development perspective, Apple has made some changes and improvements to how developers can use and integrate the new mapping technologies into their applications. The beta along with its corresponding beta development tools also include improvements to how passes are handled in the new Passbook app along with some minor changed to Safari for mobile. Apple has also included some APIs for developer which allow enhanced searching with apps that include the new vector based Apple Maps.
If you are registered developer you can download iOS 6.1 Beta 1 from the Dev Center right now.
Its good to see that Apple is actively updating their iOS software, and hope that they will have a comprehensive fix for Apple Maps by the time iOS 6.1 is ready for public release.