Apple has quietly posted iTunes 10.5 as prep for iOS 5 and iCloud. The new music jukebox app is needed for full cloud services like iTunes Match and for local syncing with the iPhone 4S. iOS 5 devices can also sync over Wi-Fi when on the same local network.
Both Mac and Windows versions are needed for the app, which still runs on PowerPC Macs along with Intel-running Macs and Windows PCs.
The release comes just a day before the October 12 iOS 5 and iCloud dates and partly corroborates rumors of early iTunes and Lion updates. Apple is coordinating one of its largest software updates in recent memory and is likely keen to stagger updates to reduce the load on its system as well as make sure new iPhone buyers are as ready as possible.
iTunes Match won’t be active until near the end of October.
