Apple Responds to iPhoto '11 Data Loss Issue

This weekend, Apple released an important update for current users of iPhoto ’11 and prospective buyers alike. Version 9.0.1 resolves a critical flaw in the initial build of the software that in rare cases could result in data loss. Within hours of the iLife ’11 suite becoming publicly available, Apple’s discussion boards were ablaze with reports of data loss when upgrading to iPhoto ’11. In actuality–as is often the case–the effected number of users was much smaller than it may have seemed. Akin to the “antennagate” issue which surfaced this summer, this bug while a significant problem, only effected a small population, yet spread like wildfire. Due to the severity and the irreplaceability of the data in question, the bug resulted in users condemning the entire suite, giving it a rocky start.

Thankfully, Apple has wasted no time intervening with a patch. Citing reported data loss issues in “extremely rare cases,” the 9.0.1 update is accompanied by the following set of directions:

Before you update
The library upgrade process is generally safe and reliable, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup of your library in case of unforeseen issues. Keep in mind that fully upgrading a very large library can take a long time, even up to an hour or more.

Before updating to iPhoto ’11, it is recommended that all customers download and install the iPhoto 9.0.1 software update (click to download).

If you’ve already upgraded to iLife ’11, and have not noticed any abnormalities or missing photos, you should be safe. However, if you are planning on purchasing iLife ’11 or have already but not installed it, absolutely download the patch. As long as the 9.0.1 update is applied prior to running iPhoto 9 for the first time, you should not experience any issues. As always, we recommend keeping a regular backup to protect against unforeseen issues such as this. To view our current line of available external hard drives click here

You can obtain the 9.0.1 update by either clicking the link above, or by running Software Update from the Apple menu in the top left of your screen.