I remember this time last year writing up my own bug report on what I was experiencing in iOS 5 beta 1, it was amazing the number of people ready to jump down my throat because I dared complain about an Apple product. Be prepared defensive fanboys, I’m about to do it again.

To me, the whole point of releasing a beta is to find all the inconsistencies and services that aren’t working as they should. It’s what helps Apple to improve and get it to a stable enough state for its eventual official release later this year.

1. Passbook

Unsurprisingly, Passbook isn’t working at all, not even a little bit. Being a brand new service, I didn’t expect it to be quite ready yet. There could be many reasons for it; mainly that the companies that will be offering Passbook compatible coupons, cards and passes haven’t developed them fully yet. When I launch the program, all I get is the introduction screen.
.

2. iBooks

The worst thing about the new iBooks is that it doesn’t yet include the ability to restore old libraries, or download previously purchased content. To me – although it’s perfectly acceptable to have missing features in a beta – this is ludicrous. The ability was there in iOS 5, it’s not a new service, why not just flick the switch and allow us developers to read books we’ve downloaded?
.

3. App Store

Similar to the issue above, App Store “Genius” results don’t come through yet. Thankfully, this service isn’t one of those I deem as vital as having access to my e-books, so I can let this one go. However much I like looking through recommendations, it’s by no means a necessity. On another note, the App Store does seem a little slow, and buggy. Again: to be expected. It’s been redesigned and needs time to smooth out.
.

4. Search field alignment

I’m not sure if this is just me, or if all beta testers are experiencing this, but, on the iPad particularly, if there’s an app with a search bar in the top right hand corner, the text seems out of alignment with the search field. I’ve noticed it on a couple of apps, and could well be an issue with the particular software’s lack of compatibility with the unreleased operating system.
.

5. iMessage and FaceTime settings

Each time I go in to the settings for FaceTime or iMessage to alter the number or emails registered, the Settings menu just freezes and has to be closed and reopened using the multitasking dock.  The image above shows where it freezes, as you can see, I have selected the “Send & Receive” option and can’t get any further.
.

6. Siri

Siri sucks at getting current sport information for anyone outside the US. Sure, you get the latest scores/standings from the major leagues: English Premier League, Bundesliga, Spanish Premier League, MLS etc. But, here in England it’s incredibly frustrating to be unable to ask it any information regarding the current EURO 2012 competition, or, any divisions lower than the EPL. Hopefully, this is resolved before the new season starts in August. The screenshot above says it all…
.

There are more, I’m sure of it, but these are the bugs/lack of features that have frustrated me so far. What have you noticed? Let us know in the comments or tweet: @TiP_Cam