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Apple has recently admitted its devices running iOS 5 are experiencing battery life issues, and the company is planning to launch a fix in the next iOS firmware update. iOS 5.0.1 beta has been released to developers and promises to correct several issues affecting battery life in the mobile operating system. Several iPhone 4S owners have reported less than expected battery life and are awaiting the public release of the fix.

After a period of silence, Apple has finally announced they have found a few bugs responsible for the short battery life and expect to release iOS 5.0.1 to the public within a few weeks. In the meantime, iPhone 4S users and others running iOS 5 have looked to temporary fixes to improve iPhone battery life until the official fix is released.

Sprint is no longer the only carrier to offer the iPhone 4S with unlimited data in the US. Regional carrier C Spire Wireless is poised to start selling the Apple smartphone on its network starting November 11. Subsidized prices for the device will be the same as the three major carriers, however data and voice plans are less expensive.

Once catch, the two lower unlimited data plan tiers ($50 and $70 per month) don't include streaming data, as one would use for video and music. This means that for true unlimited data usage users will have to opt for a $90 or $100 per month data and voice package. For those who aren't familiar, C Spire was formerly known as Cellular South, and covers Mississippi along with some of Alabama, Florida and Tennessee.

Last week, Apple engineers were reportedly looking into complaints about unexplained iPhone 4S battery drain. On Wednesday, the company officially acknowledged the problem and said they are currently working on a fix.

Apple told Jim Dalrymple of The Loop:

“A small number of customers have reported lower than expected battery life on iOS 5 devices. 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.”

Google has officially launched its Gmail App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The new "time-saving" app offers notification badges for new messages, easier message searching, threaded conversations, and e-mail address auto-complete.

There is also a Priority Inbox for important messages and a labeling system/spam filter. A simple swipe down refreshes your inbox, and a right swipe quickly reveals your labeled e-mails. The iPad version offers a split view for reading your messages while viewing your inbox.

Google gets credit for Gmail's sharp mobile web interface on the iPhone, however despite several native apps available from the company we have yet to see Gmail for iOS. This could all be set to change, as a Gmail app is said to be on its way to iTunes. Google has not made any official comment about a possible iPhone and iPad mail application, but observers think the time is right considering Apple's launch of iOS 5 Notification Center.

Sources have told tech reporter MG Siegler that the Gmail iOS app has already been submitted for review and should be released shortly. Besides Gmail's powerful search capabilities, push notifications would make the app infinitely more useful for iPhone owners. Unfortunately reading Gmail on the iPhone currently does not provide a push option.