By AppleInsider Staff

Published: 01:15 PM EST (10:15 AM PST)

Developers who plan to test the newly released iOS 4.2 beta must also be running the latest beta software development kit of Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6.5, to ensure compatibility with AirPrint shared wireless printing.

People familiar with Apple's first iOS 4.2 beta say that it requires the latest Mac OS X 10.6.5 pre-release build, also issued to developers this week. Builds of the latest security and maintenance update from Apple have seen regular releases to developers in recent weeks. The requirement means the latest beta of Snow Leopard has now been made available to iOS developers as well.

Because of bugs and issues, Apple has reportedly recommended that developers only install the iOS 4.2 beta on devices that will be used exclusively to test the software. It is advised that the early beta not be installed on devices that will be needed for other, day-to-day uses.

iOS 4.2 is known as build 8C5091e, and is said to be already compatible with a handful of HP printers with ePrint support. And, with a Mac running 10.6.5, the software also allows printing through a shared printer.

iOS 4.2 is also said to include other new features, such as the ability to import .ics calendar files directly for events.

The iOS 4.2 beta was released to developers on Wednesday, with its largest feature being AirPrint, the name of Apple's wireless printing standard for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. With AirPrint, users will be able to send text, photos and graphics to some compatible printers directly over Wi-Fi.

In addition, a range of ePrint-compatible printers from HP will offer direct printing through built-in AirPrint support.

The latest beta of Mac OS X 10.6.5 was delivered to developers this week with no known issues. People familiar with the latest version said it is known as build 1H542.

Set for release in November, iOS 4.2 brings a number of new features, particularly to the iPad. Apple's touchscreen tablet will gain the multitasking and folders features that iPhone and iPod touch owners already enjoy.

People familiar with the first beta said it carries a number of known issues related to device activation and the Springboard home screen, which could cause restarts and crashes with the software. It reportedly has other issues as well, including the fact that MobileMe e-mail is not currently pushed to devices.