Apple has begun issuing the iOS 5.0.1 update to a limited number of end users, reports 9to5Mac. The update contains minor bug fixes, as well as addressing battery life concerns in iOS 5, which Apple recently confirmed.
The update is being seeded as part of the AppleSeed consumer testing program, in which Apple invites certain users to test pre-release products in order to gain feedback. It’s likely that Apple is simply trying to gather responses from everyday users before releasing the update to the masses.
Previously, Apple has provided registered iOS developers with two separate iOS 5.0.1 beta for testing, and builds so far have consisted of the following:
- Fixes bugs affecting battery life
- Adds Multitasking Gestures for original iPad
- Resolves bugs with Documents in the Cloud
- Improves voice recognition for Australian users using dictation
- Contains security improvements
Apple confirmed that there were issues with the iPhone’s battery last week after it had begun using a small selection of users to track down the potential problems. It’s assumed that it is using the same pool to push out the fix.
An internal memo has also been issued to Apple Retail Stores detailing how service and support should be handled for users complaining about battery issues. Apple employees are instructed not to issue replacements for battery issues, but instead to inform employees that a software update is on the way.
