Apple pushes software update to Verizon iPhone 5 customers

Apple has issued a software update for the Verizon iPhone 5 users that fixes a problem in which the iPhone 5 continued to use data from the Verizon network despite being connected to a Wi-Fi network. Apple did not provide more details about the bug, saying only that it happened “… under certain circumstances.”

The update to iPhone 5 comes as people have filed complaints in the Apple forums that they were using lot of data when on a Wi-Fi network. The problem could potentially increase iPhone 5 users’ monthly bills if they incorrectly exceeded the data allowance allowed by Verizon’s new Share data plans.

Apple has published a guide on how to install it:

This carrier settings update resolves an issue in which, under certain circumstances, iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network. Follow these instructions to install the update.

• Tap Settings > General > About.
• Wait for the following alert to appear: (top right)
• Tap OK to install the update.
• Hold the Sleep/Wake button down until you see “slide to power off”.
• Slide to power off.
• After the device powers off, hold the Sleep/Wake button to turn your phone back on.

Note: To finish the installation of the update, your iPhone 5 must be turned off and then on again. After your iPhone restarts, tap Settings > General > About, then scroll down to Carrier and verify that “Verizon 13.1″ is displayed.

Apple advises that while the update its delivered via over-the-air(OTA), users have to manually reset their iPhone 5 for the software update to take effect.