MacRumors

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.

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.

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.

New MobileMe system preference icon

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

Top and bottom casing of MacBook Pro

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.

Artist rendition from AppleInsider

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.