A hack called Whited00r allows iOS 5 features to be installed on the original iPhone and iPhone 3G devices, as well as the early iPod touch models.

Whited00r will automatically jailbreak your device, and the latest version of Cydia, 1.1.3, will be installed on it. The biggest advantage of the tool, is that you will get true multitasking, and apps will keep in running state in the background.

It's as simple as running a manual IPSW install via iTunes before Whited00r takes over and installs a custom iOS firmware package. Apparently you'll be running a heavily modified iOS 3.1.3 IPSW, which is required on older iOS devices. As such, this version of iOS comes with a custom iCloud setup, and also doesn't include the new Notification Center included in iOS 5.

Source: Whited00r via AddictiveTips

iOS 5.1 beta 3, which was released to developers today, restores the missing 3G toggle Apple removed in the initial 5.1 developer beta.

The restoration of the 3G toggle will no doubt be a welcomed return for iPhone users with inadequate 3G access in their area, or for users who just want to conserve a little extra battery life.

Still, this makes us wonder why they removed the 3G toggle in the first place. Could Apple be planning to make this optional between wireless networks with a per-network proprietary carrier update file?

Thanks: @funguyom!

If you need a past or present iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV iOS 5 firmware file, we've got 'em all here. Just browse to the device you want and click the firmware file you need. Your download should automatically start. All downloads are the official Apple firmware release versions.

iPhone 4S

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1 (Build 9A406)
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPhone 4 (GSM)

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPhone 4 (CDMA)

• iOS 5.01
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPhone 3GS

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

New iPad (3rd gen) - Wifi only

• iOS 5.1

New iPad (3rd gen) - GSM

• iOS 5.1

New iPad (3rd gen) - CDMA

• iOS 5.1

iPad 2 - Wifi only

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPad 2 - GSM

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPad 2 - CDMA

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPad

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPod touch (4G)

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

iPod touch (3G)

• iOS 5.1
• iOS 5.0.1
• iOS 5.0

Apple TV 3

• iOS 5.0

Apple TV 2

• iOS 5.0
• iOS 4.4.4
• iOS 4.4.3
• iOS 4.4.2
• iOS 4.4.1
• iOS 4.4

Source: Apple.com

Wondering how to downgrade from iOS 5 to iOS 4? Maybe you rushed out to test your app on the next big thing but now have to deal with a bug in the here and now version, and you don't want to buy an additional device, or maybe you just don't have what you need yet and you'd prefer to wait for a later beta. Either way, it is possible to go back to iOS 4. Last year we showed you how to downgrade from the beta version of iOS 4 as well. I am pleasantly surprised with how good the first beta version of iOS 5 is, but if for any reason you need to go back to iOS 4, we'll show you a couple ways after the break!

I don't recommend downgrading firmware unless you really need to. It can be a painful process that most people won't like dealing with. But if you need to, it is completely possible.

Downgrade via XCode (Mac Only + dev license)

Downgrading via XCode is probably the easiest way to roll back to a previous version of iOS. The bad part is that it can sometimes put you into a never ending DFU loop. You can typically use iRecovery to kick you out of it.

1. Download the firmware version you'd like to downgrade to. For most people, this will probably be iOS 4.3.3 so simply find and download it via *iClarified*.

2. Open XCode and from the top select Window and then Organizer.

3. You should now see your device. Under software version, it will show you are on iOS 5. Choose to restore from Other Version.

4. You can then navigate to the iOS bundle you'd like to restore to that you downloaded and saved in step 1.
5. Let XCode do its thing. If you're lucky, you're done. If not, go to the next step. (aka if you get any error message or get thrown for a loop via DFU craziness.)
6. You'll need to use a program like iRecovery which is linked above. I use Faster iRecovery as opposed to the original. Also, download the libusb files for Mac as well. iRecovery uses these.
7. Simply run iRecovery after you'd downloaded the libusb files and it should throw your phone out of recovery mode.
8. After this, simply restore in iTunes and you should be downgraded. The first time you may get an error, simply restore again like you normally would and it should downgrade successfully.

As a side note, PC users can also use iRecovery and libusb if they get stuck in a DFU loop.

Downgrade via iTunes beta with TinyUmbrella (Mac and PC)

You need iTunes 10.5 beta for this, which is also available via Apple's dev portal (and maybe elsewhere if you scan the internet)

You also need TinyUmbrella

• Mac download
• PC download

This is the route PC users will have to take. Mac users may also choose to do it this way if they don't have XCode or the SDK. Start this process with your device NOT connected to your computer.

1. Install iTunes 10.5 beta and TinyUmbrella

2. Then open TinyUmbrella and click on Advanced.
3. Uncheck the box that says Set Host to Cydia On Exit.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Now plug in your device and turn back on your computer.
6. After your computer restarts, you'll need to go into iTunes. It may bring up error messages again. That's okay. Just ignore them for now.
7. You'll need to put your device into DFU mode. Refer to our DFU mode instructions if you're not sure how to do this.

8. If you don't do it correctly, just try again. When you get your device into DFU mode correctly, iTunes will pop up and tell you the device can't be used until it is restored.
9. You can now restore your device like normal.

If you downgraded successfully using one of our ways (or a different way), let us know how it went in the comments! If you need additional help, check out our TiPb jailbreak forums.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to news@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

ipswDownloader is a shining example of a great utility that allows jailbreakers to download firmware (.ipsw) files easily and quickly. On top of that, it also tells you what jailbreak utility you should use in order to jailbreak (and/or unlock) your device. This is especially convenient if you're using something like PwnageTool that requires you to have an ipsw file in order to create a custom firmware bundle. This is highly common among unlockers.

This can be great for beginner jailbreakers that may feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of jailbreak tools available. "What jailbreak utility do I need to use?" is probably the number one question we get asked here at TiPb. I really think this tool will come in handy for anyone from beginners to advanced users that really just want an easy and convenient way to download firmware files. Hit the jump for a download link and a quick walk-through.

Download ipswDownloader

ipswDownloader (Mac only as of now) - Download Link

Choose your device and firmware

Simply choose your device and your current firmware version. ipswDownloader will quickly tell you if you can jailbreak, what tool you can use, and whether or not you can unlock. You'll also see a download button in the bottom right hand corner. Click that if you'd like to download a copy of your firmware file to your computer. Choose your save location and you're good to go!

Let us know in the comments if any of you plan on using ipswDownloader!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to news@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

According to sources close to Apple, the release of iOS 4.2 for iPhone and iPad has been delayed until November 24th. The Telegraph reports:

But a source that works closely with Apple said that the company had shelved its original plan to release the software update today, and had instead pushed back the launch until later this month.

Although this isn't technically a delay (Apple officially announced that iOS 4.2 will be released sometime in November), it was thought that Apple might have been planning to release iOS 4.2 today.

Apple released iTunes 10.1 earlier today, something they usually do at least a few days in advance of any major firmware update. Additionally, devs were seeded a new GM build of iOS 4.2 for the iPad just a few hours ago which corrected the WiFi issues plaguing the previous GM build. All of this suggests to us that Apple simply wants to ensure there are no overlooked issues that need to be patched before an official release.

Regardless, we're still a little miffed about the possibility of not getting iOS 4.2 for another 12 days. How do you feel about a release on November 24th? Let us know in the comments!

[The Telegraph]

Since Apple made the Apple TV iOS 4.1 firmware available on their website, developers and hackers alike have been scouring through with a fine toothed comb. What they have found so far is quite interesting - Facetime may be coming to Apple TV via your iPhone 4 using AirPlay, there could be DVD remote support, and the device does contain bluetooth code.

Perhaps the most exciting find has been what we touched on earlier today, Apple TV is capable of being jailbroken via the Shatter exploit.

Check out the source links below for more, including Erica Sadun's comprehensive article at TUAW. Should be pretty exciting to see what this little device will be capable of in the upcoming weeks.

[TUAW, forums.mactalk.com.au via 9to5Mac]

If you need a past or present iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV iOS 4 firmware file, we've got 'em all here. Just browse to the device you want and click the firmware file you need. Your download should automatically start. All downloads are the official Apple firmware release versions.

iPhone 4 (GSM)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3
• 4.2.1
  • 4.1
• 4.0.2
• 4.0.1
• 4.0

iPhone 4 (CDMA)

• 4.3.5
• 4.2.9 - 4.2.8
• 4.2.7

iPhone 3GS

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3
• 4.2.1
• 4.1
• 4.0.2
• 4.0.1
• 4.0

iPhone 3G

• 4.2.1
• 4.1
• 4.0.2
• 4.0.1
• 4.0

iPad 2 (Wifi only)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3

iPad 2 (GSM)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3

iPad 2 (CDMA)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3

iPad

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3
• 4.2.1

iPod touch (4G)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3
• 4.2.1
• 4.1

iPod touch (3G)

• 4.3.5
• 4.3.4
• 4.3.3
• 4.3.2
• 4.3.1
• 4.3
• 4.2.1
• 4.1
• 4.0.2
• 4.0

iPod touch (2G)

• 4.2.1
• 4.1
• 4.0.2
• 4.0

Source: Apple.com

No, downloading and installing it on your iPhone 2G won't magically give it a better camera, video recording, or unicorn tear-powered 2x speed. (It will most likely give you heartache -- never mix and match firmware!) but MacRumors forum has already found iPhone OS 3.0 for iPhone hardware 2,1 lingering about Apple.com.

(We're betting it's waiting in line for the hardware -- curse those pre-order limits!)

Again, we don't recommend doing anything with it -- if you're getting an iPhone 3G S it'll come pre-installed. We simply present it as another check box on the road to release, like Find My iPhone going live, and Push Notifications hitting the App Store.

Fun week ahead, no doubt!

UPDATED: According to the screenshot we just received, looks like Apple has, for the first time, re-jiggered the order of Apps on the Home Screen (previously they just added iTunes and then App Store). Now Voice Memo takes Clocks spot, Notes switches with Calculator, Clock goes where Notes was, and Calculator bumps Settings to the bottom row along with iTunes and App Store, which move left a slot to make room. Not sure about this new arrangement, what do you think?

Also, there's apparently a new Settings panel for Store, although it sounds like it's blank right now.

ORIGINAL: Sneaking in just before the end of March, Apple has released iPhone OS 3.0 Beta 2, both SDK and firmware to developers. If you're spinning apps for this summer's big release, head on over to developer.apple.com and get your download on.

TiPB has already done a fairly extensive iPhone 3.0 walkthrough of the front-facing elements of Beta 1, but we'll have to wait for the usual deep-code divers out on the internet to let us know if there's anything new surfaced in Beta 2.

With the iPhone OS 3.0 Preview coming this Tuesday, March 17, the question will inevitably become: when's it shipping?!

However, Erica Sadun over at Ars Technica, in an article designed to help developers better target their firmware requirements, shows some interesting data on what firmware releases iPhone owners are actually using... and it isn't always the latest.

iPhone users likely keep up to date more than almost any other smartphone platform on the planet simply because Apple and iTunes make it so drop dead simple to find out about, and install the OS updates. But even so, Sadun's article shows not everyone is doing it:

The data, covering one week and provided by Headlight Software, showed no one on 1.x (thank Jobs for that!), less than 2% total on 2.0.x, less than 7% on 2.1.x, 26.61% on 2.2, and a whopping 65.49% on the current firmware, 2.2.1 released January 27.

So two-thirds on the latest/greatest firmware, just over a quarter on the previous release (yellowsn0w unlockers accounting for some of that, we suspect), and few stragglers back in the stone ages of 2.0.

As important as this information is for developers trying to figure out how to target their requirements, we're also just plain curious. We figure TiPb readers are some of the smartest iPhone folks on the planet. So let us know, are you on the most recent iPhone OS 2.2.1 version, or are you deliberately staying on 2.2 for now? Anyone just not care about firmware and sticking with an older version that "just works" for you?

And how many would upgrade to 3.0 in a heartbeat the instant Apple dropped it?

Prototype as in the early engineering test unit we saw briefly on Ebay and YouTube, we're guessing. Apple had that pulled. Will they be able to pull the firmware now that it's been leaked onto the internet? Probably not, but they'll likely not be able to pull Steve Jobs and his iCommandos off the person who leaked it either...

If it's not a gag, hoax, or other form for silly fun, getting a look at the origins of the iPhone OS could potentially help some developers... and some competitors.

(via Arnold Kim on Twitter)

Out of nowhere Apple has quietly released a new firmware update for iPhone and iPhone 3G. This latest release, 2.2.1, weighing in at 246.4 MB, is said to have have improved general stability of Safari and has addressed the issue where some images saved from Mail did not display correctly in the camera roll. It is unknown at this time if Apple has snuck in any other tweaks or features, to follow along and report any findings be sure to head into our forums to the newly started thread - iPhone software 2.2.1 released?

To update simply connect your iPhone/iPhone 3G to your computer and "check for update" via iTunes.

Note to Jailbreakers/Unlockers: Do not update your iPhone/iPhone 3G until the all clear is given by the iPhone Dev Team.

[Thanks to forum member sting7k for the tip!]

It's been some time since the 2.2 firmware dropped, yet we have not heard of any developers getting their hands on the next version. So Dizzy wants to know, when is iPhone 2.3 firmware coming? That is a very good question, so check out that thread and let him know what you think...

Next up is a thread regarding the sharing of a single SIM card between your iPhone and another phone on the AT&T network. I've done it previously with no issues, now it seems like AT&T is tightening the screws just a bit. Have you tried sharing your iPhone SIM with another phone? Let us know how it's worked out for you.

Forum member, EnterpriseGlobe, has started a fun thread - where did you get your iPhone? I stood in line for 2 hours or so on July 11th at my local Apple store. To kill time I emailed pictures and updates to Dieter while he was in line at the Providence, RI Mall. Oh the memories.

I know what you are thinking, this is an iPhone site, so why feature a thread about the upcoming Palm Pre? We all love competition, it just makes products better. Or at least that is the idea. To cut to the chase, what are your feelings regarding the recently announced Palm Pre? Is this real competition for the iPhone or is it simply one last ditch effort by Palm to try to stay afloat?

Finally, spidermanroach wants to know, Yahoo or Gmail? Which one do you think is better and why? Get in the forums and let him know!

Remember, before you can get in on any of the TiPb forum action be sure to register! It's free and will only take a minute of your time.

See you on the forums!

Today on the forums we have a few interesting poll threads for you.

The cat is out of Apple's bag regarding the 2.2 beta firmware and we want to know exactly what feature you most want to see added??? Take a look at the options and make your vote!

In the next poll we want to know how you spend most of your time on your iPhone? Browsing the internet? Talking on the phone? Emailing perhaps? Let us know!

Are you still on the fence about jailbreaking your iPhone? hermdog started a thread that lists a few good reasons why you should jailbreak! Jailbreaking really does open your phone up to another world. So if you know of any good apps that not many people are aware of, please post it up for others to check out.

Join our growing community and get in on the conversation!

See you on the forums!

Today is a special day for all of us, so why not have a special edition of Today on the Forums?! It's pretty much a no brainer... firmware 2.1! It's finally here and the forums are buzzing!

Have the changes that Apple made improved your iPhone? Let us know how the 2.1 firmware is working for you so far!

Be sure to check out another great thread, strictly for undocumented features of the 2.1 firmware!

So get on the forums and start mixing it up with our growing community! As always, registration is free and simple. Heck, we like the back and forth so much we're going to turn off comments on this post so you can head over and get your chat on properly.

See you in the forums!

Missed all the news this morning? Well now is your chance to watch today's Keynote given by none other than Mr. Steve Jobs. And I am glad to report he is alive and well!

Head on over to Apple's web site and check it out!

After watching it let us know what you think in the comments or head over to the forums and discuss firmware 2.1 available this Friday!

Well it's finally here. Spore! The game that we've been waiting for ever since the 2.0 firmware was announced.

It was released today and can be purchased at the App Store for a cool $9.99.

TiPb will be back with a hands-on review, but I played around with it early this afternoon and I must say it is a very well polished game that is worth it's price tag.

Got Spore? Show us! Visit us on TiPb forums and show off screen shots of your Spores here!

While most of us have installed the 2.0.1 update (or, ahem, are still waiting for a backup we started last night to finish so we can install it), there's a key group of folks that should stay away: Jailbreakers and unlockers. As is always the case when a new update comes out, our advice to these users is to wait and see how the iPhone hacking community responds. Right now, according to iphone-dev [via Engadget Mobile], they appear to be responding with a teensy bit of bravado:

We don’t see any major problems with the release that Apple made, but we have not released an update for PwnageTool for it as yet and therefore PwnageTool 2.0.1 will currently not work!

Their advice is pretty sound and mirrors ours: if you never intend on leaving your carrier, feel free to update away whenever if you don't mind losing jailbroken apps. If you do (or already have), stay the heck away from updates until things clear up.

What about you? Are you law-abiding and currently enjoying a bug-free existence? Jailbreaker glancing longingly at 2.0.1's reportedly better keyboard response? Unlocker living on the periphery of the cell phone 'Verse, staring into the black and in danger of becoming a Reaver? Let us know!

One of the most important aspects of the iPhone is how it's breathed the air of change into long stodgy, backwards thinking mobile cellular providers. We can argue whether its been less effective post iPhone 3G where subsidies have returned, but either way Apple fairly neatly removed the carrier middleman from its usual intrusive position in the smartphone space. App Store is clearly the crowning example thus far, but frequent firmware updates is sometimes likewise cited.

On the latest This Week in Tech (TWiT) podcast, however, Digg founder Kevin Rose credited an unnamed source inside Apple as saying AT&T had to approve the next iPhone firmware update. Of course, Rose has been, er... somewhat less than accurate in regards to iPhone news in the past (including his reports that the iPhone 3G would have video iChat). In his corner this time, however, are server logs showing iPhone 2.0.1 traffic on popular Apple news sites originating from both Cupertino and AT&T HQ regions.

Has AT&T always played a role in firmware testing or is this a new factor in a post 3G world? If it's new, will it make 2.x updates take longer than 1.x did? And do international carriers like 02, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Rogers, Orange, etc. all have similar advanced testing privileges? If so, will 22+ (70+ eventually) carriers wanting to test new firmware result in huge delays or staggered launches? Or is this just another well Dugg tempest in a Royal Jasmine teapot?

On a side note, the same episode of TWiT saw the crankiest of geeks, John C. Dvorak "dot org slash blog" claim that one particularly damaging rumor circulating about Steve Jobs current health was deliberately and maliciously spread at an exclusive CEO gathering by an as-yet unnamed but well known executive with a personal grudge against Jobs and Apple. Dvorak maintains the rumor, which recent reports have indicated is false, was spread to other CEOs who then propagated it, adding to the confusion and downward pressure on Apple's stock. If he can get a second anonymous confirmation on the story, Dvorak claims he will name names in his Marketwatch column.

As a huge fan of Karma, that should make for an interesting day, and likely more than a "slime bucket" response from El Jobso.

If you need a past or present iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV iOS 3 (previously iPhone OS 3) firmware file, we've got 'em all here. Just browse to the device you want and click the firmware file you need. Your download should automatically start. All downloads are the official Apple firmware release versions.

iPhone 3GS

• 3.1.3
• 3.1.2
• 3.1
• 3.0.1
• 3.0

iPhone 3G

• 3.1.3
• 3.1.2
• 3.1
• 3.0.1
• 3.0

iPhone

• 3.1.3
• 3.1.2
• 3.1
• 3.0.1
• 3.0

iPod touch (3G)

• 3.1.3
• 3.1.2
• 3.1.1

iPad

• 3.2.2
• 3.2.1
• 3.2

Source: Apple.com

• iWork and Office document viewing
• Save images from E-Mail directly to photo library
• Contact Search
• E-Mail/SMS Bulk Delete & Move
• Scientific Calculator when switched to Landscape Mode in Calculator
• Support for a TON of languages including Chinese, Japanese

Firmware 2.0 will be available for iPhone users come 'Early July' for free and for iPod Touch users at a reduced fee (compared to the last update) of $9.95.

First up, Engadget reportedly got their techie mitts on a leaked version of the iPhone's (final?) 2.0 firmware and are kind enough to share the following juice details:

Infineon PMB6952 / S-GOLD3 six-band UMTS / HSDPA transceiver (as we'd heard)

• Murata LMRX3JCA-479 tri-band amplifier (we're assuming for the 3G)
• Sony SP9T antenna switch for GSM / UMTS dual mode
• ARM 1176JZF-S - Main CPU (same as in 1st gen iPhone)
• Skyworks 77427 chip - UMTS / HSDPA tx 1900MHz, rx 2100MHz
• Skyworks 77414 chip - UMTS / HSDPA 1900MHz
• Skyworks 77413 chip - UMTS / HSDPA 850MHz
• Internal build model number: n82ap (1st gen iPhone was model m68ap)
• UMTS Power Saving option - on or off
• Hooks for Global Locate Library (GLL), software that handles A-GPS related commands for the host processor

No processor speed bump is a downer, as everything from video size to MobileSafari rendering speeds are CPU bound tasks. Am I saying bye-bye to my 720p 480p dreams? And will Webkits spiffy new SquirrelFish Javascript engine make up for at least some of this (if it's included, come showtime?)

Next is word from Ars Technica that Apple Stores have received "secret" shipments and new display signs under strict orders (and lock and key!) not to be opened until D... er... WWDC day. Whatever it is Apple's announcing tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen, it just may be in the building...

Monday we asked you "What's the iPhone 3G Chip and When Will it Ship?". Tuesday it was "What is the iPhone 3G Going to Look Like?". Today we want to know what YOU think the iPhone 2.0 software and services are going to give us, and what surprises might they have in store?

Exchange ActiveSync and the AppStore are gimmes. Enterprise features are checked. Beta leaks are everywhere. And .Mac to Mobile Me -- Don't get us started! But what else will we get? MMS? Blogging? Mobile iChat? Universal home remote control? And what about the Holy Grail... cut and paste?! What do YOU think?

To give you some help, here's a HUGE roundup of all the iPhone 2.0 software and services rumors. Epic-style. Because let's face it, roughly 0.01 seconds after Steve Jobs pulled the first iPhone from his pocket back at Macworld 2007, and someone, somewhere, put aside their childlike sense of wonder long enough think: "Nice! What's the next gen going to be like?"

Complementary, contradictory, obvious, confusing, all but confirmed or from left field via outer space, the rumors have flooded the internet ever since. It's become almost impossible to keep track of them all.

Five days from today Steve Jobs takes Moscone Center stage for the sold-out WWDC keynote, and according to everyone and their newsfeed, announces the iPhone 3G. In eager anticipation, every day this week, TiPb wil be asking you to tell us what you think the next generation iPhone will be, from 3G to GPS, release dates to price points, colors to casings, 2.0 software to .Mac .Me services, and this weekend we'll wrap it all up with a look into the WWDC/iPhone 3G Crystal Ball, and a roundup of the very best of YOUR predictions.

So come on, let's get in on!

WWDC -5 and Counting: iPhone 2.0 Software & Services

The iPhone's interface quite literally took the smartphone world's breath away. Some of us watched the Macworld 2007 demo over and over again -- watched as Jobs slid, flicked, pinched, spread, and otherwise touched his way around a set of mobile applications so good looking they were positively "lickable". We got SMS, Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube(!), Stocks, Maps, Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Phone, Mail, Web/Safari, and iPod/Media Player, and Settings for all of them. The wait for release day was torturously long.

Apple also showed an unprecedented ability to upgrade and add functionality via firmware updates handled by iTunes. Minor things included double-clicking the home button to bring up Phone Favorites or the Currently Playing controls on iTunes, and double spacing to add periods. On the major side, the iTunes WiFi Music Store made its debut in the fall alongside the introduction of the iPod Touch, CoreLocation made Google Maps so much more useful, and WebClips and "jigglies" allowed for custom SpringBoards (home screens). All in all, we got updated 1.1.1, 1.1.2, 1.1.3, and 1.1.4. And then came the Apple SDK Roadmap Event and the debut of 2.0 (Beta).

Let's start there, at the beginning and work our way forward. Please note, 2.0 has been in beta since early March, and that beta has been updated 6 times already, so developers have had ample opportunity to dive into the code for hidden strings and other goodies, making many of these rumors as close to fact as possible:

March 6, 2008: Apple held their iPhone SDK Roadmap Event.

While this event was primarily focused on the SDK and 3rd party apps (which we'll get to tomorrow!), it also unveiled firmware 1.2.0 (which soon after became 2.0). What did that mean for 1st party iPhone software and services? Phil Schiller, VP of Marketing announced Cisco IPsec VPN, authentication and certs, enterprise/University compatible WiFi (802.1x), security policies, enterprise configuration tools, and "remote wipe". But none of that was the big news. The big news was that Apple had licensed Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync technology. Not any locked-in application, but the technology itself. And they were going to be integrating it into MobileMail, Mobile iCal, and the other built-in iPhone apps for "push" based enterprise support. What's more, ActiveSync was given first-class status, even over Apple's own .Mac and existing partners Yahoo! and Google.

In addition to the event proper, Apple snuck a few more goodies into the press release:

[T]he beta iPhone 2.0 software provides several new Mail features such as the ability to view PowerPoint attachments, in addition to Word and Excel, as well as the ability to mass delete and move email messages.

Eagle-eyed viewers, like our own Chad Garrett, also spotted icons that provided the first hints of Event Invitations and Contact Search.

March 17, 2008: Hax0rs extraordinaire, the unofficial iPhoneDevTeam found the Parental Controls settings when they managed to get their hands on a pre-release of the 2.0 software.

March 18, 2008: Apple released Safari 3.1 with built-in support for advanced CSS, including animation, and HTML 5.0, including video and audio tags, as well as key technologies for offline interactivity, including SQLite databases. Based on the same WebKit framework, and big brother to the MobileSafari browser, could the same feature set be making its way to the iPhone?

March 25, 2008: Though his predictions about the first generation iPhone proved completely wrong, on his monstrously popular Diggnation podcast Kevin Rose claimed that iPhone 2.0 would include iChat video conferencing.

Likewise one of the longest and most confusing debacles of the first generation came to a head with rumors that politics and positioning would make 1st party Flash support in the iPhone unlikely even for 2.0.

March 27, 2008: iPhone SDK Beta 2 is released by Apple, changing the release numbers from 1.2.0 to 2.0, superficially with a YouTube plugin for Safari, and VPN, mail, and ActiveSync tweaks and re-org’s.

Over at Apple Insider, a very interesting Apple DVR patent was uncovered. More than just a TiVo-style device, it suggested the iPhone could work as a remote manager, scheduling recordings while you're out, and syncing them so you could take them with you on the go. Was Apple poised to free your TV, with the iPhone as its key?

March 28, 2008: iPhone Alley dug into the Beta 2 frameworks and found the first references to expanded .Mac services and syncing in 2.0:

Syncing with this Dot Mac account will turn off syncing for other Dot Mac accounts and delete any existing synced data.

March 30, 2008: Not tiring of the seemingly endless soap opera, Gizmodo brought word (again), that Flash would be coming to the iPhone with firmware 2.0. Unfortunately, they mistook embedded YouTube support in MobileSafari for Flash. More likely, it's a mere extension of existing MP4 H.264 video support already found in the YouTube App proper.

April 8, 2008: Engadget leafed through their WWDC course program and found hints at a MobileSafari update bringing CSS transformations and animations. Could it be getting the same ultra-modern love desktop Safari 3.1 got?

April 9, 2008: iPhone SDK Beta 3 was dropped, with the before-rumored Contact Search and Event Invitations activated.

April 14, 2008: More from Beta 3, as Gizmodo's anonymous tipster discovered the ability to save images directly from MobileSafari to the iPhone Photo Album.

Meanwhile, Roughly Drafted speculated that ActiveSync itself could be a trojan horse for more open, standards-based "push" protocols like IMAP IDLE and CalDAV. Could Apple get a gorgeous iPhone interface in front of users, while they worked behind the scenes on technologies already supported in Leopard Server as part of the .Mac revitalization for consumers?

April 17, 2008: Apple Insider shone the light on an Apple patent for an iTunes-like iCarrier store for selecting carriers based on up-to-second rate information. This would remove lock-ins to the extent where the big telcos would "bid" for users by offering the best price/performance deal in real time. Unlikely any time soon, given the existing carrier agreements already in place, but one day?

April 22, 2008: Ever watchful Apple Insider revealed a patent filing that held tantalizing potential for a Mobile iChat, and also much-improved MMS and SMS applications. Multi-tasking 3rd party app restrictions may one day have a 1st party solution?

April 24, 2008: iPhone 2.0 SDK Beta 4 hits, with mucho developer tool fixes, updates, and enhanced functionality.

April 27, 2008: Deep code diving on Beta 4 had TUAW bring word on iController, an Apple project that would allow the iPhone to connect to shared iTunes libraries to browse and play media, similar to how the Apple TV functions.

April 28, 2008: TUAW's tipster returns to reveal that the Beta 4 holds evidence of Jabber/XMPP protocols for instant messaging. Mobile iChat again moves from future potential to present possibility.

May 5, 2008: MacRumors reported that Apple had quietly added Chinese "handwriting" support to 2.0. Not only the key to a massive Asian market, the idea of handwriting recognition itself was huge. Could non-ideographic language support follow?

May 7, 2008: iPhone 2.0 Beta 5 landed with not much new, it seemed, but dev tools and tweaks.

A TUAW tipster soon brought word of .Mac "push" Settings. The buzz of a .Mac ramp up continued, even if on the email-only side. Still, could this be an effort to deliver something akin to ActiveSync functionality to non-business users?

May 8, 2008: Following up on their .Mac "push" email story, TUAW reported that the entire .Mac service would be revamped along with the iPhone 2.0 release at WWDC. Full wireless (wifi + cell) calendar, contacts, and email sync for both Mac and Windows (?!) users.

May 12, 2008: Apple Insider brought word of developers discovering strings that indicated 3G data support. While some controversy surrounding fake/mocked-up screenshots distracted from the news, this was the first software confirmation of the much-anticipated iPhone 3G.

May 22, 2008: Apple Insider again delivers the goodies, this time from "private" updates to "select developers" that showed support for Geo-Tagging. Although not necessarily bound to GPS (Google cell tower and SkyHook Wi-Fi triangulation are already on the iPhone), Geo-Tagging is typically used to add location-based data to photographs.

May 28, 2008: Less than three months in, and Apple released iPhone 2.0 Beta 6! This could well be the final beta going in to WWDC. Any last minute surprises?

May 30, 2008: Coding Robots went through OS X 10.5.3 and found that .Mac was .missing. Seems the name had been replaced with a string variable that would allow Apple to change it. Could the rumored revamp include brand new branding as well?

At the same time, Apple Insider's patent watchers found a filing for a system to warn users of impending system loss, and another to help locate missing Blue Tooth enabled or tagged items. While iPhone users had been hankering for better BT support, stereo headset and keyboard-style peripherals were no doubt higher on the list... Could they, at least, be headed for 2.0?

May 30, 2008:The missing .Mac mystery deepened as DaringFireball suggested an old Apple trademark may be the new online services marquee: Mobile Me. Howls of grief and confusion echoed through the interweb pipes for days.

June 1, 2008:Dot Mac-Gate continued when DaringFireball brought word that Apple might skip the Mobile and go straight to Me.com (later reports suggested even .Me with a newly established Top Level Domain scheduled). DNS listings, hosts, and domain name ownerships were transferring left and right. And we still weren't happy with the branding...

June 3, 2008: Those of us who use it found the .Mac email service down. Was Apple shuffling things behind the scenes in preparation for WWDC?

June 4, 2008: TUAW continued their .Mac scoopage with word that the new "MobileMe" service would include all new, all snazzy web interfaces that better resembled the desktop iCal, Address Book, etc. (Even for Windows users?)

Also from TUAW came word that, due to carrier "first look" agreements, the 2.0 firmware gold master from this week would require 1-2 weeks of testing before it could be released to the public, pushing it back as far as end of June/early July.

UPDATED:

June 4, 2008: A Gizmodo reader found icons for the iPhone (and iPod Touch) in a place typically reserved for Bonjour-capable devices. Apple's implementation of the zero config networking system, iPhone integration could allow for wireless syncing.

June 5, 2008: WWDC banners unfurl, highlight a branding change to iPhone OS X, the World's Most Advanced Mobile Platform.

Your Turn!

So there you go. We already know what Casey's top ten most wanted features are, now it's your turn. Tell us what surprises YOU think the iPhone 2.0 software and services bundle will have for us. Tasks? Consumer-oriented "push" mail/contacts/calendars? Even more Google or Yahoo integration? Custom Widgets? MMS? iChat 3D? Photo Speed Dialing? ... Cut and @#$% paste?!

And after you're done telling us, don't forget to head over to our iPhone Blog's super Wait-a-Thon spectacular where you could win an iPhone 3G of your very own, whatever it looks like, on the very day it's released!

Go back and read Part 1: What's the iPhone's 3G Chip and When Will it Ship?
Go back and read Part 2: What’s the iPhone 3G Going to Look Like?
Continue reading Part 4: What 3rd Party iPhone SDK Apps Will Be Available Launch Day?
Continue reading Part 5: What Will the iPhone 3G’s Hardware Features Be?

So either Gear Live somehow managed to snag a leaked version of 1.1.3 or they've perpetrated perhaps the greatest "gotcha" in recent memory. Probably the former, as it's looking more and more like 1.1.3 is the real deal. So what's coming (and what's likely to get a mention at MacWorld) is pretty neat:

• Ability to add bookmarks to the SpringBoard (homescreen)
• Ability to rearrange programs via the nausea-inducing "jiggle mode"
• Ability to (finally!) send SMSs to multiple people
• Google Maps gains the neat tower-triangulation Tower Tagging* location trick, plus a hybrid satellite/map directions

Of course, there are some things that we figured would be easy adds that a missing - namely Stereo Bluetooth support. Still and all, it looks like a decent enough upgrade and it's clearly a step towards getting the iPhone ready for that upcoming SDK. As for when the rest of us will get to take this 1.1.3 step, that's still shrouded in mystery.

*Edit: not triangulation, but 'tagging.' See comment by Archie (and septimus, in a minute). Thanks!

Apple has confirmed to pocket-lint.co.uk that the next firmware update, version 1.1.2, will be available tomorrow. The update brings several internationally-themed updates like international keyboards. UK users also get access to free wi-fi via The Cloud.

This update will fix the TIFF vulnerability, meaning that users can browse a bit safer. However, the closing of this security vulnerability means that the extremely easy AppSnapp method of installing 3rd party apps found at jailbreakme.com will cease to work.