Apple's one-two punch for improved iOS functionality and cloud services integration will emerge tomorrow, October 12. iCloud will serve as a giant cloud based backup, messaging, sharing and secure storage system that unifies all of Apple's mobile and computer product lines and makes them one connected entity. iOS 5 is the much awaited update to the iOS iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad operating system now with new features like improved notifications, iMessage and numerous refinements on every level of the operating system.
To best prepare for the new cloud ecosystem and iOS update, Apple has started rolling out iTunes 10.5 (get it now) in anticipation of the iPhone 4S release this Friday. All existing iOS users whose devices can take iOS 5 will need to back up their devices (possibly for the last time since iOS 5 ushers in PC-Free syncing!) and then upgrade their devices as soon as the iOS update rolls out.