Apple Thoughts: iPhone 3.0 Release Date

"At WWDC, Apple revealed a few new details related to its iPhone 3.0 operating system update for existing iPhone and iPod touch users, including its release date set for June 17, 2009. Meanwhile, new information clarifies why U.S. wireless carrier AT&T has delayed support for tethering and MMS features of the software."

To go along with the new iPhone 3G S, you have to have new software right? But it isn't just for the new iphones. Even though some of the features of the OS 3.0 update will only work on the new iPhone 3G S (voice control, camera improvements, video capture, compass support and Nike + iPod support), there is still plenty to be excited about by current iPhone 3G owners.

Cut, copy and paste is a big improvement, something that should have been included in the original. But it is here now, or at least it will be when the software is released on June 17th so I shouldn't complain. To go along with this, landscape typing ability has been added to Mail, Messages, Notes and Safari. A few of the other features of OS 3.0 are voice memos, improved spotlight search, MMS messaging, enhanced stock application and an improved calendar. You will also be able to download movies, TV shows, videos and audiobooks from the iTunes Store right to your iPhone.

One of the features, MMS, won't be fully functional until late summer '09 due to delays on AT&T's side of things. That is also why you won't see tethering available initially, but some AT&T sources cited on other websites and blogs have said that it will happen roughly around the same time that MMS is turned on. That one I won't hold my breath on. All in all though, a nice update with some overdue features. If you have an iPhone 3G, the update won't cost you anything. For the iPod Touch owners out there, its going to cost you $9.95 USD like the last one did.