Filed under: iTunes, Software Update, iPhone, App Store
Taking the Plunge: Updating to iPhone 2.0 Software Early

As was previously pointed out here at TUAW, the 2.0 firmware update for current iPhone
In the interest of doing something so readers of TUAW won't have to take the chance of a bricked iPhone, I downloaded and installed the new firmware this morning as soon as it was available. The update process went smoothly and, as expected, all of the media was erased from my iPhone. Fortunately, once the iPhone restarted and began its first sync after the update, all of my previous media (music, podcasts, video) was restored and able to be used again.
At first glance, some of the changes included in the new iPhone interface in iTunes 7.7 include an 'Applications' tab and a button to set up your iPhone to work with Apple's new MobileMe service which, as of this moment, isn't actually up and running yet. Also, after downloading several apps from the new App Store including AIM, Facebook, Google and Twitterific Premium, the iPhone was able to use those new applications without issue.

I also downloaded and installed other applications such as Salesforce Mobile, Net News Wire and Remote but so far, have not tested those. Also, and this particular change in the iPhone 2.0 interface made me very happy, there is now a dedicated 'Contacts' button allowing you to reach your contacts without having to go through the 'Phone' button first.
So, it appears that, at least in my case, the iPhone 2.0 firmware is a success. As the day progresses I'll let you know what else I find. Meantime, if you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
Update: As pointed out by commenters, this update is for the iPhone only. The iPod touch update will be a paid download from the iTunes store for $9.95 and will include the January Update apps, as Robert noted earlier today.


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Corey A said 2:48PM on 7-10-2008
Any word on horizontal texting? Ive always hopd for this feature...2.0 maybe?
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DanMacMan said 2:36PM on 7-10-2008
I echo Chris's post. The 2.0 upgrade went flawlessly. Now if only we could get GMail to do push mail.....
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James said 2:37PM on 7-10-2008
The iPhone 2.0 upgrade has been leaked... not the iPod Touch upgrade...
Holding out on us?
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Jeff Johnson said 2:38PM on 7-10-2008
This update does not work with the ipod touch. (iPod touch users have to pay for the upgrade). I tried it anyway with my touch and it forced it into recovery mode.
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cmuska902 said 2:39PM on 7-10-2008
I just noticed that there were settings for a few of the apps that I have downloaded, and they are located in the phone's setting app. Some people had mentioned not being able to sign out of aim, and there appears to be a setting to log out on close. Just in case anyone wants to know.
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steven kappler said 2:40PM on 7-10-2008
just waiting for the official release and for mobile me
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bradenf said 2:42PM on 7-10-2008
What time on July 11 will the official update be available for iPod touches?
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Mistress said 2:52PM on 7-10-2008
and for the iphone? I'm trying to hold out as I'm too chicken to try the leaked file...
jds17j said 2:42PM on 7-10-2008
everyone try out Mail.app and see if it works. it's not working for several people i know that installed 2.0, including me...
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monkey3203 said 2:58PM on 7-10-2008
Have you found a solution to this problem with mail.app? I can't get it to work (tried two restores). I was on a jailbroken unlocked 1.1.4 and can't even edit the mail accounts now.
James Donevan said 2:43PM on 7-10-2008
Do any of the TUAW bloggers check their facts before blogging? The update does NOT work on iPod Touchs.
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Braden said 3:26PM on 7-10-2008
the update will work for ipod touches it just costs $9.95
Braden said 2:44PM on 7-10-2008
What time on July 11 will the official update be released for iPod touches?
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Andy Washkowitz said 2:44PM on 7-10-2008
will it erase my contacts and whatnot, or just my media, like my crap pod casts and videos et al?
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James said 2:45PM on 7-10-2008
Does this erase your text messages or are those retained as usual?
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Eric said 2:52PM on 7-10-2008
Mine were preserved.
Larry said 2:48PM on 7-10-2008
I too updated this morning when it became available and had no problems upgrading. It too about 30 minutes total and did wipe the phone and then after the first sync, had everything back like it was before.
The standalone Contacts button is great. Downloading software and other apps is going to be great!
While the 3G speed and GPS would be nice, the addtional cost (both up front and in monthly fees) isn't justified in my case.
Get 2.0 and never look back!
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Super-Magician said 2:46PM on 7-10-2008
Does restoring your iPhone from backup on 2.0 now take an unseemly amount of time, or is that just me?
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ansky said 2:46PM on 7-10-2008
when does 2.0 officially release?
I apologize for the stupid question
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Eric said 2:47PM on 7-10-2008
I wonder if this early, unannounced release was done to gin up hype for tomorrows 3g rollout. It certainly seems to have caused a stir across the internets. Once I show my wife some of the new apps that I've downloaded, she may drag me down to the Apple store to get her one. So far the coolest apps that I've used are Apple's Remote app and Bloomberg's finance app.
http://picasaweb.google.com/msugrad1990/IPhone20/photo?authkey=zzFdkwgh3_k#5221456885803057682
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