After acknowledging the battery depletion problem that generated customer complaints, Apple Wednesday introduced a beta version update of its iOS 5 operating system (iOS 5.0.1) to developers that promises to fix battery life problems with the new iPhone 4S as well as other devices.

The beta version of iOS 5.0.1 will update problems ranging from battery life, iCloud, Siri and other updates specific to the first-generation iPad. 9to5Mac reported that password vulnerability for the Smart Cover on iPad 2 will be also be fixed.

According to developers, iOS 5.0.1 will:

* Add multitasking gestures for the first-generation iPad

* Resolve syncing problems with documents in iCloud

* Improve voice recognition of users with Siri, particularly for Australian users

* Improve security

Multitasking gestures, currently only available for the iPad 2, will allow original iPad owners to activate the app switcher, return home to the springboard and swipe between apps while running an application.

While it is not known what the security improvements will be, some say the security of Siri will be improved, since many have cited Siri working overtime as a personal assistant when the iPhone is in lock mode, such as when making calls and texting. Siri will also begin using dictation for Australian users to better recognize voices.

Security issues with the iPad 2 will also most likely be addressed in the iOS 5 update, since users found ways to bypass using a passcode through a Smart Cover hack, giving access to the last app open before the device was locked. The update will fix security, one of Apple's top priorities.

Other reports suggest any devices experiencing errors running iOS 5, including the iPhone 4 and 3GS and iPad, will also be fixed in the update. Some blogs say universal Siri support, rumored as part of this update, will be included in the next update, iOS 5.0.2.

Currently only available to developers within the iOS Developer program, sources say the update will be available as early as this weekend, to smooth over some of the issues.

The iOS 5 update follows an outcry from customers who purchased the new iPhone 4S released a month ago and other users who updated to iOS 5 when it came out on Oct. 12.

Most of the customers reported excessive battery life drain for iPhone 4S, which some attribute to the Time Zone Setting function. User complaints show up to 15 percent of battery life lost per hour, though Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., hyped the iPhone 4S as having up to eight hours of talk time on the 3G network.

However, Apple issued a statement acknowledging the shortcomings of its new iPhone 4S and iOS 5 users and promising a solution.

A small number of customers have reported lower-than-expected battery life on iOS 5 devices, Apple spokeswoman Natalie Harrison said in a statement. We have found a few bugs that are affecting battery life, and we will release a software update to address those in a few weeks.

While no reason for the problem has been given, the iOS 5 update will undoubtedly fix battery life problems with the iPhone 4S. Until the update comes out, which is rumored for a release this weekend, users have said disabling the Setting Time Zone helps to improve battery life.

contact Nadine DeNinno at n.deninno@ibtimes.com

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