iPhone 5 Bug Causing Cellular Data Overage Charges

Some iPhone 5 users are finding that a bug in the software is causing their handsets to consume huge amounts of data without their knowing it.

The problem, as Apple puts it, is that "... under certain circumstances, [the] iPhone 5 may use Verizon cellular data while the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network." Typically, a smartphone will switch from cellular data to Wi-Fi when the device is near a hotspot. This is ideal, and allows the user to consume data freely. Unfortunately, the iPhone 5 is not doing that. This is causing users to unknowingly guzzle down gigabytes worth of cellular data within days, and be surprised with a massive cell phone bill and some major overage charges.

Originally, as the Apple explanation states, the problem was thought to be only on the Verizon iPhone 5. However AT&T is reported to be susceptible, too. Apple blog 9to5Mac reports that at least one user on AT&T has managed to rack up at least $100 in overage charges.

Verizon told CNNMoney that customers "will not be charged for any unwarranted cellular data usage..."

Apple released a fix directly to Verizon customers (In order to update, go to: Settings>General>About).

Carriers AT&T and Sprint have not commented on the matter.