iOS 5.0.1 to Correct iPhone 4S Battery Life, Add iPad Gestures Support for Some

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Developers are already testing Apple’s first iOS 5 update, version 5.0.1, as the company launched so far not just one but two betas of the firmware version. On top of that Apple has chosen selected consumers to test iOS 5.0.1 right away, although a public release is not yet available.

Apple fired off the email in the screenshot below, as found by 9to5mac, and invited some iDevice owners to test the “iOS 5.0.1 pre-release” software update. It appears that customers have been selected “based on a referral from AppleCare for participation in our program,” most likely after complaining about poor battery life for iOS devices, including the iPhone 4S.

Selected customers will have to agree with the “Customer Seed and Confidentiality Agreement” before testing the new software version, and once they install iOS 5.0.1 they will not be able to roll back to iOS 5, at least not officially. Here’s what Apple says in regard to upgrading to the iOS 5.0.1 pre-release version:

IMPORTANT: Backups should be maintained to mitigate data los in the event of an application or system crash. Apple is not liable for malfunctions resulting from the installation of this software. Furthermore, Apple makes no guarantee that data created or modified by this software will be compatible with future versions. You will be able to upgrade to the final version of iOS 5.0.1 once it is released but cannot re-install an older version of iOS once you have installed this pre-release software.

It appears that the upcoming iOS 5.0.1 update represents the company’s official policy regarding iOS 5 battery problem. Apple has instructed stores not to replace devices affected by battery life issues but rather tell their owners that a software fix should address the problem in the following days (see following screenshot).

Besides fixing battery life, iOS 5.0.1 will also enable multitasking gestures on the original iPad, resolve bugs with iCloud documents, fix the Smart Cover iPad 2 bug and improve the Siri experience of Australian iPhone 4S users.