iPhone 5 Release Date: Apple Releases iOS 5.0.1, First Wireless Update
Apple released iOS 5.0.1 beta, the first wireless and over-the-air update to the firmware, on Thursday evening.
To minimize download times and server load, Apple optimized and compressed the cloud update to deliver only the files affected.
“Now this is the way OTA updates should work. The Android pep squad can only dream of such perfectly integrated, timely updates,” said Apple device user Tommy Tamocha. “Apple out does Android on OTA updates too. Why am I not surprised?”
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The update also addresses security issues, with some users reporting the iPhone 4S’s Passcode Lock could be bypassed by double-clicking the Home button to activate Siri, and on an iPad 2 by confirming power off in the locked state when a Smart Cover is open, although applications cannot be launched when Data Protection is enabled.
“Just updated my iPad 2 and it was also flawless,” said Apple device user Philip Robarge. “Love the OTA updates.”
To install the update, the user must launch the Settings app, tap General, and then open Software Update. A red update notification will also appear on the Settings app. The wireless download size is 55.5 MB, but users who want to use the full features of the 5.0.1 update, which is 852 MB, will still need to download the OS installation image via iTunes directly from Apple’s servers.
Although Apple recommends that users download the wireless update with the device plugged into a power source, it will install as long as the battery is at least 50 percent charged.
Soon after the release of the iPhone 4S, iOS 5 users reported the battery drained at an alarming and unusual rate. Apple enlisted developers to help them pinpoint what was causing the battery performance issue and vowed the 5.0.1 update would resolve any problems.
“The iOS 5 has been causing my iPhone to crash while using any apps,” said Apple device user Michael Tucker. “I hope this update will help stop that.”
