For those of you still interested in untethering your iPhone from its designated carrier, Gizmodo reports that the iPhone Dev Team has already managed to both jailbreak and unlock the latest iPhone 2.0 release.
The team plans on releasing their Pwnage tool so that everyone can unlock and jailbreak their iPhones.
Apple has posted an iPhone Enterprise support page to assist corporate customers looking to take advantage of the new capabilities of the iPhone 2.0 software. The page includes a link to a detailed Enterprise Deployment Guide (PDF) providing setup assistance for these enterprise users.
Apple has also released a configuration utility to assist system administrators with creating configuration profiles that will allow users' devices to communicate with their enterprise systems.
Configuration profiles are XML files that contain device security policies, VPN configuration information, Wi-Fi settings, APN settings, Exchange account settings, mail settings, and certificates that permit iPhone and iPod touch to work with your enterprise systems.
Three versions of the configuration utility are available, a standalone OS X application and web-based applications for both Mac and Windows:
- iPhone Configuration Utility 1.0 for Mac OS X (8.77 MB)
- iPhone Configuration Web Utility 1.0 for Mac (2.29 MB)
- iPhone Configuration Web Utility 1.0 for Windows (5.18 MB)
Apple has not yet officially released the final version 2.0 Firmware for original iPhone owners, but the App Store does appear to have gone live, and now appears as a link in the iTunes Store. Based on some early experiences with the App Store, we've consolidated these notes and observations.
Application screenshots can be taken by everyone running Firmware 2.0. By simply holding down the home button and the on/off button simultaneously, you will see a "flash" of white appear on the screen, and a screenshot will have been saved to your Photo roll. Simply syncing your photos to iPhoto will transfer them to your computer. Some forum members have taken advantage of this feature to create a screenshot thread in our App Store forum where they are collecting screenshots from various applications. Additional screenshots are also available at Ars Technica, OrchardSpy, Engadget and AppleInsider.
What's most interesting, however, is Phill Ryu's observation that every iTunes App publishes their download stats on their info page as seen on the iPhone. For example, AOL's free AIM client has already logged over 12,000 downloads:
Now, when we look at a highly publicized application, such as Super Monkey Ball, we see it has attracted 3927 customers at $9.99/download. This means they've netted $27,462 so far today after Apple's 30% cut. Hard to draw too many conclusions, especially since the App Store only officially launched this moment, and the official 2.0 Firmware has not been released. Meanwhile, less publicized apps have only seen downloads in the double digits so far.
Update: Sales numbers increased abruptly for Super Monkey Ball immediately after publishing, so we've adjusted the numbers.
While some of us may still be distracted by installing iPhone 2.0 software onto our existing iPhones, we should remember that the worldwide launch of the iPhone 3G is underway. iFixit.com actually flew to New Zealand to be amongst the first to buy and disassemble the iPhone 3G. They have posted a log and gallery of their trip and subsequent disassembly:
Meanwhile, according to iPhoneBuzz, the first person in line in New Zealand posted photos of the event.
Apple issued a press release today reminding us that the iPhone 3G would launch tomorrow in the U.S. Both AT&T and Apple Retail stores will open at 8 a.m. for the launch.
Once again, digging through Apple's XML files has revealed the url to the iPhone 2.0 Firmware that is presently available on Apple's servers. One of our readers found this new firmware image:
Link removed at request of Apple
This build is slightly higher than the one of the latest iPhone Firmware Beta (5A345) which was also spotted on shipping iPhone 3Gs. Despite the filename appearing in the XML file, the actual firmware has not yet been released officially. As well, the firmware carries a "1,2" designation while all previous firmwares, including the beta firmwares carried a "1,1" number.
Apple has posted an updated guide about firmware upgrades and warns:
Normally if you choose to update, the iPhone or iPod touch software is updated but your settings and media are not affected. If your device currently has a software version prior to 2.0 (1.x) and you are updating to software version 2.0 or later, all data on your device will be erased in order to perform install the new software. In this case, iTunes will offer to create a one-time media backup of your device depending on what content is on your device and what content is stored in the iTunes Library you are connected to. You should ensure that you have enough free space on your Mac or PC to accommodate a backup that matches the capacity of your iPhone or iPod touch (4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB) if you proceed with the this backup.
Be sure to fully sync prior to proceeding. In order to install this firmware, you will have to do it manually by pressing the Option key (Shift under Windows) when pressing the "Check for Update" button in iTunes version 7.7. Then select the .ipsw file manually. If for some reason your download is a ".zip" file, rename it to ".ipsw" before proceeding.
We expect the firmware to be officially released shortly and will appear in your iTunes software update. If you don't wish to wait, you can use this method, but should proceed with caution and at your own risk. That being said, there are reports of people having successfully used this firmware on the original iPhone, and are successfully downloading and running App Store apps.
Note: Can not be used for iPod touch.
- Apple TV version 2.1 is available. This update incorporates MobileMe support as well as iPhone/iPod touch Remote capabilities.
- iTunes 7.7 was released last night.
Finally, a MobileMe Updater for Mac OS X can be found in your Software Update:
The Mac OS X Update For MobileMe is recommended for users running Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.4 and includes general system fixes that enhance your Mac for MobileMe.
For detailed information about MobileMe, please visit this website: http://www.apple.com/mobileme/
For some the update does not appear until you go into System Preferences -> .Mac -> Account Details. Then you will be prompted to go to Software Update which will show the updater.
Apple has had a busy night with multiple releases, including the partial launch of the iTunes App Store.
Update: We've received confirmation that Push services are now working under iPhone 2.0 Firmware.
Update 2: Apple pulled Me.com offline for now.
Apps have already appeared in the iTunes App Store and can be found and downloaded by searching for their names. AOL's AIM Application (iTunes Link), for example, is available as a free download.
Apple's free Remote Application (iTunes Link) is also available and allows you to "control the music on your computer or Apple TV from your iPod touch or iPhone. Play, pause, skip, shuffle. See your songs, playlists, and album art on your iPod touch or iPhone as if you were right in front of your computer. Remote works with your Wi-Fi network, so you can control playback from anywhere in and around your home."
Over 500 applications are on the iTunes App Store at launch. The App Store is not directly accessible from iTunes at this time. We've compiled a collection of iTunes links to let you browse through them. You will need to use iTunes 7.7 which was released tonight.
iTunes Links
- Top Apps
- Top Free Apps
- Other categories: Business, Education, Entertainment, Finance, Games, Healthcare & Fitness, Lifestyle, Music, Navigation, News, Photography, Productivity, Reference, Sports, Travel, Utilities, Weather
- Most Expensive App: ForeFlight Mobile - $69.99
- Notable Apps: Super Monkey Ball, Aqua Forest (demo video), Bomberman Touch (demo video), Chopper, ePocrates, Exposure, Facebook
We've started a new forum: iPhone App Store Forum to handle additional questions and discussion about the App Store.
Notes: App Store working with 2.0 Firmware. Background notifications not yet working. Apple had promised this to be coming in September. For now, AOL's AIM application only shows new messages after you relaunch the application.
Apple has released iTunes 7.7. This latest version of iTunes is required for the iPhone 3G, Firmware 2.0, App Store and MobileMe.
Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home a free download from the App Store.
It is available in your Mac OS X Software Update at this time. Apple is expected to also released the 2.0 Firmware and App Store shortly, as well as launching MobileMe.
The update description confirms the iPhone/iPod touch remote application that will be available as a free download from the App Store. At present, the App Store is not yet functional.
Update: Nike + iPod setting (screenshot) for iPhone in preference files, indicating iPhone integration for running.
Update 2: Now available for Windows.
The U.K.'s O2 has updated their site with information about the iPhone 3G launch. As previously reported, they admit that there will be very limited stock of iPhones at their O2 and Carphone Warehouse locations.
- O2 and Carphone Warehouse (CPW) stores will have limited numbers of iPhone 3G this Friday 11 July.
- On average, we will only have a few dozen iPhone 3Gs per store (some stores more, some stores less, dependant upon store size so we expect to sell out quickly). Sales of iPhone 3G will be limited to one per customer and two for business customers.
- Some O2 stores will open at 8.02am on Friday, others a bit later. Find out more
- If you do go into an O2 store you will need 2 forms of identification, a valid credit or debit card and proof of address. If you are new to O2 you will also need to pass a credit check if you sign up for an iPhone 3G contract. The average sales transaction processing time will be 20 minutes.
- Apple will be selling iPhone 3Gs in their stores, but please note that existing O2 customers can only upgrade in an O2 or CPW store.
- We are working closely with Apple to get additional iPhone 3Gs. These will be coming in on a weekly basis. We'll keep you posted on specific details by updating this web page regularly.
- We are currently out of stock of iPhone 3Gs via our on-line store, we'll update through www.o2.co.uk when more information becomes available.
- If you have an existing iPhone you can still enjoy many of the new features by upgrading your software to version 2.0 from 11 July through iTunes.
- We are sorry that we can't meet all demand as quickly as we'd like but we're sure that when you get your new iPhone 3G you'll agree it's been worth the wait.
The most important detail appears to be that while Apple Stores will have iPhone stock, they will only be able to sign up new service. Existing O2 customers who are looking to upgrade, need to go to O2 or Carphone Warehouse stores.
USA Today spoke with Steve Jobs about the impending App Store launch that is rumored to launch at 9 am PT on Thursday, July 10th.
Jobs reveals that 500 applications will be launching on Thursday and that it is "the biggest launch" of his career. Apps will be available from MySpace, Facebook, AOL, eBay, SEGA and many more companies. One called Pandora allows you to create custom internet radio stations:
Pandora is already available on other phones from AT&T and Sprint, for a monthly fee. On the iPhone, it is free. That makes it "a credible alternative to broadcast (radio)," in part because iPhones can be plugged into car stereos, founder Tim Westergren says.
According to Jobs, at launch, 25% (~125) of the apps will be free while 90% of the remaining applications will be $9.99 or less. Meanwhile, New York Times has a similar article and pinpoints that one third (~166) of the apps will be games. A new site called TouchArcade.com is specifically covering iPhone and iPod touch gaming and has already covered some interesting possibilities.
Update: The New York Times hosts videos of some upcoming iPhone applications: Tap Tap Revolution, Twinkle, and FriendBook.
MacRumors will cover many of the new applications on launch. Developers should submit information, links and screenshots webmaster@macrumors.com. No application information will be published prior to the App Store launch.
Stuff.tv provides a nice video review of the iPhone 3G. The video compares it to the original iPhone and covers the basic new features.
Over the next 48 hours, there is going to be an avalanche of news releases and reports regarding the iPhone 3G, MobileMe, App Store, and individual application launches. As always for launch events, MacRumors will accelerate news coverage to report each of these items with some detail.
The first iPhone 3G launch will take place in New Zealand on July 11th at one minute past midnight local time. This translates to July 10th at 5am Pacific Time. The crew at iFixit actually flew to New Zealand to stand in line in order to disassemble the iPhone 3G immediately after its release. They are #4 in line. Other lines have already formed in Japan, Sydney, Boston, USA, and New York, USA. Readers are continuing to organize meetups with others in their area.
Forbes believes that Apple is planning to launch the App Store on Thursday, July 10th at 9am Pacific Time. This means the non-disclosure agreement preventing developers from publicizing their apps and publishing screenshots will be lifted. MacRumors will be covering iPhone launch applications in some detail, initially on the front page, and later in our iPhone subblog. Developers who wish this additional exposure should send their information, links and screenshots to webmaster@macrumors.com in a timely manner. No application information will be published prior to the App Store launch.
AT&T has started receiving iPhone 3G shipments and have posted a Youtube video (via Adam Jackson) showing them receiving iPhone 3Gs and stocking them. Employees have received training on iPhone activations and are humorously instructed to allow the customer to "enjoy the feel of the phone in their hand" (image) before proceeding with activation.
Update: .Mac is down for the transition to MobileMe.
Update 2: Vodafone Australia posted rate plans for iPhone 3G
Update 3: Stuff.tv video review of iPhone 3G
In delving into the XML file that Software Update uses to check for available updates, edibiase found that a MobileMe Updater is online. Forum member, FreeState installed it, and found that it changes all instances of ".Mac" to "MobileMe" and also provides a pretty new icon for the MobileMe service.
cWeems has posted some photos of the new iPhone 3G dock. The new dock is sculpted to fit the new iPhone 3G and no longer comes bundled with the phone.
David Pogue of the New York Times has posted his iPhone 3G video as a followup to his original iPhone: The Musical from last year.
Not quite as entertaining as the original iPhone musical, but worth a watch.
Submitted by kjs862
Although the enclosure shown in the photo appears to be a slightly dated prototype that has somehow found its way into the wild, casings currently sitting in Apple's labs are said to be nearly identical, as the overall design has not changed.
According to their sources, the battery will take up the the remainder of the bottom casing and the rectangular recess is a latch to release the battery. Taking up 25% of the bottom of the case, the battery compartment will also provide easy access to its hard drive.
Apple has been rumored to be working on new aluminum MacBook Pro designs that will adopt features of the current iMac and MacBook Air.
Update: A time lapse video showing the complicated procedure of how to replace a hard drive in the current MacBook Pro.
Rogers issued a press release today announcing a last minute special promotional offer for the iPhone 3G in Canada.
Effective July 11, and as a limited time promotional offer for customers who activate by August 31 on a three year contract, a data-only offering of 6GB of data for $30 per month is being made available that can be added to any in-market voice plan. For example, with 6GB of data, iPhone 3G users can visit 35,952 web pages, or send and receive 157,286 emails, or watch 6,292 minutes of YouTube videos each and every month.
The rate plan appears to be in response to the overwhelming consumer outrage at the original iPhone plans announced two weeks ago. Initially, data plans for the iPhone topped out at 2GB for the highest $115/month plan which also came with 800 voice minutes + unlimited voice nights/weekends.
Select Rogers stores in Canada will open at 8 a.m. on July 11th for the iPhone 3G launch.
Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 26, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.
Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
Upgrade to A17 or newer chip with Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's new N1 wireless networking chip.
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
3 weeks ago by Juli Clover
3 weeks ago by Joe Rossignol
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
Our comprehensive guide highlighting every major new addition in iOS 26, plus how-tos that walk you through using the new features.
Apple's four new iPhones feature more differences between the latest models than ever before, so which one should you buy?
Upgrade to A17 or newer chip with Apple Intelligence support, plus Apple's new N1 wireless networking chip.
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
3 weeks ago by Juli Clover
3 weeks ago by Joe Rossignol
3 weeks ago by Tim Hardwick
