Apple stores start iCloud, iOS 5 training

In yet another sign of an imminent launch of Apple Inc.’s iCloud service and iOS 5 mobile operating system, the tech giant’s stores have begun to provide training programs for the two upcoming offerings. Apple enthusiast site 9to5mac.com cited sources who said training with retail store employees has started on the iOS 5 and iCloud. “Training is done through a new section inside of the company’s recently released internal RetailMe application," it cited the sources as saying. The site noted Apple typically rolls out major iOS releases in the days surrounding new iPhone launches. On the other hand, Apple Stores usually begin training of new software in a couple of weeks leading up to a respective product launch. “Apple beginning their iOS 5 training within the last few days could mean a launch sooner than the recently rumored dates of mid-to-late October," it said. Yet another “evidence" of Apple nearing completion of iCloud is a pickup of iCloud for Mac and Mac OS 10.7.2 betas to developers, the site said. It likewise cited Apple’s recent betas of iOS 5 that focused on performance, speed, and the removal of bugs. Also, the site noted Apple Store employees have begun receiving detailed information on Apple’s upcoming iCloud service. It said Apple had originally said iCloud would be launching alongside iOS 5 – a necessary move because of iCloud’s integration into the next-generation iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch devices and the Apple TV operating system. “If anything, this iOS 5 and iCloud training news helps support our original report of late September iPhone 5 pre-orders and an early October launch," it said. — TJD, GMA News