Apple Offers iOS 5.0.1 to Some Customers

Cupertino has chosen a bunch of customers to test out iOS 5.0.1, the upcoming software update tasked with alleviating battery life woes, as well as other problems.

A program where customers are invited to test pre-release software, AppleSeed Software Customer Seeding aims to provide the company’s Software Engineering team with real-world quality and usability feedback.

Specifically, customers who complained about battery drainage have received a memo which says, “Apple invites you to participate in a software seeding project. We have selected you, based on a referral from AppleCare for participation in our program, to assist us in testing an upcoming iOS 5 Software Update.”

Users are offered a few instructions based on which they will download and install the software, but not before they learn of the implications of accepting the program.

Participants will be required to click through the Customer Seed and Confidentiality Agreement, and they are told that use of pre-release software is confidential.

Apple specifically states that “you may not discuss the seed outside the mechanisms provide by the AppleSeed Program and ApplCare.”

But probably the most important note Apple makes is this:

“Backups should be maintained to mitigate data loss 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.”

Still, customers are being assured that once iOS 5.0.1 comes out of beta, they will be able to update without a problem, to get back in line with the rest of the Apple fan base.

Before proceeding with the installation of the iOS 5.0.1 beta, testers are also warned that they won’t be able to revert to an older version of the iOS.

Visit Apple here to learn more about the AppleSeed Software Customer Seeding program

Posted in: Mobile Phone, News, Preview, Software