Need to Know: iPhone 3.0 OS

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The iPhone 3G S looks great doesn’t it?

It’s ‘the fastest iPhone ever’ courtesy of a speedier processor and more RAM – the only problem is that if you’ve got an iPhone 3G already, you’re likely to be tied into a contract for a few months at least. And if you’re not, it’s still a touch expensive.

But fret not. The good news is that from today, Apple will be rolling out the iPhone 3.0 OS update. This will come pre-installed on the iPhone 3G S but will also come as a free update for iPhone 3G owners – and even for iPod touch owners too – though unfortunately if that’s you then you’ll have to fork out the equivalent of $9.95 – about £6.

So what exactly is iPhone 3.0?

Like computers, all phones run an operating system and the one on the iPhone is called iPhone OS. For the release of the iPhone 3G Apple released the second version, a major update with new features such as support for Microsoft Exchange and support for third part apps – both of which have been a very big deal for the iPhone.

To coincide with the iPhone 3G S, Apple has released iPhone 3.0, bringing a whole host of new enhancements and new features. It’s almost like getting a new phone, without having to upgrade – so great news it you can’t actually upgrade.

What will I miss out on if I don’t get the 3G S?

The actual hardware changes you’ll be missing out on if you stick with the iPhone 3G, or indeed your first gen iPhone, are as follows:

• 3 megapixel camera with autofocus, with ‘tap to focus’ feature
• Video recording, with on-board editing
• Faster overall performance
• Voice control
• Compass
• Longer battery life
• White backing – 3G now only available in black

These are all welcome changes, but not necessarily absolutely essential.

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