Apple Confirms September iPhone Update

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

According to Macworld, Apple has confirmed (http://www.macworld.com/article/135275/2008/08/iphoneflaw.html) the security flaw that was publicized yesterday (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/27/iphone-passcode-flaw-already-addressed-for-future-firmware-update/) that could allow unauthorized individuals to circumvent the passcode locking system on the iPhone. “The minor iPhone security issue which surfaced this week is fixed in a software update which will be released in September,” Apple representative, Jennifer Bowcock, said in an email to Macworld.A fix is promised for September to address the security issue. In the meanwhile, users are being told to set their double-tap preferences to direct to the home screen rather than favorites. This will prevent the flaw from being exploitable.

The promised September iPhone update will have to live up to high expectations. The list of issues to be addressed or new features to be released is ever increasing. The list now includes this security fix, fix for iPhone app crashing (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/19/jobs-fix-for-iphone-apps-crashing-in-september/), 3G connectivity improvements (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/18/iphone-3g-connectivity-affecting-2-of-customers-software-fix-soon/?info=EXLINK) (partially addressed by 2.0.2), and "push" background services for applications.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/28/apple-confirms-september-iphone-update/)

[trunksu]

awesome ^^ hope it's next week :D

[clevin]

http://gizmodo.com/5043260/apple-acknowledges-huge-iphone-security-flaw-calls-it-minor-announces-fix

Gizmodo isn't happy with apple's action and think the security flaw is "massive" rather than "minor", and should be fixed ASAP rather than next month.

[theheadguy]

The list is growing... ugh.

Any security issues should be fixed immediately. If they have engineered the ability to "kill" an app remotely, why can't they push a security update that seems simple to fix? Also, a "minor" security issue is just PR talk. Let's call it what it is: a serious flaw that allows unauthorized access to your phone.

[nikokoren]

hope this is True!!

2.0.2 made everything WORSE!! :eek:

[zenspeaks]

I won't buy an iPhone until it is waterproof.
:cool:

[wheezy]

This better be a good update, unlike everything since 1.1.4. My contacts list still lags, I restart my phone way more often than before, backup still takes too long etc etc. I'm just not happy with it. I'm tempted to go back to 1.1.4 until they really make 2.xx worthwhile.

[rezonat0r]

I bet we'll see 2.0.3 rushed out early next month, then 2.1 with push notifications in another month or so.

Still waiting for iP3G to be unlocked, myself. :)

[bendodson]

One waterproof iPhone - http://www.extremepda.com/AQUAPACIPHONE.html - ;)

The september update certainly is going to have to be pretty impressive in order to deal with these problems that are slowly emerging. I still have problems with my iPhone 3G (now 2.0.2) slowing down so much that I can't type SMS messages - I usually have to do a restart to fix it. Also, today I had an update for an app which took about 20 minutes to install and crashed the phone twice which was particularly impressive.

I still love it though :-)

[twoodcc]

lets hope this update comes out very soon

[Mr Skills]

I have to say... this a device that is designed to be carried everywhere and contain all your personal information. It is also a theft magnet. You'd think they would be scrambling to fix such a security issue this week, not lumped in with a general update next month.

[macshill]

Oh? I'm glad to see they still publish The Journal Of Duh. ;)

iPhone updates in Sept.: The world's worst kept secret.

[Veri]

Let's call it what it is: a serious flaw that allows unauthorized access to your phone.

Agreed, and I hope RIM/Palm/Microsoft are e-mailing execs now to point out how slow Apple are at fixing critical flaws (not because I dislike Apple, but because Apple will hopefully learn from the lost sale). Still not quite as scary as a remote exploit, as I'd consider leaving an iPhone out of sight insecure anyway: if I can hold it in my hand, can I fairly inconspiciously plug it into a palmtop in my pocket running a script to copy everything off it in a few minutes?

[macshill]

One waterproof iPhone - http://www.extremepda.com/AQUAPACIPHONE.html - ;)

The september update certainly is going to have to be pretty impressive in order to deal with these problems that are slowly emerging. I still have problems with my iPhone 3G (now 2.0.2) slowing down so much that I can't type SMS messages - I usually have to do a restart to fix it. Also, today I had an update for an app which took about 20 minutes to install and crashed the phone twice which was particularly impressive.

I still love it though :-)

I won't buy one until it has a parascope! :D

[gusious]

I won't buy an iPhone until it is waterproof.
:cool:

Haha!! Correct!!

Right now it's just seem to have many problems!!

[ZiggyPastorius]

I won't buy one until it has a parascope! :D

Oh yeah?! Well, I won't buy one 'til it comes with Sean Connery! :p

Bad joke, sorry. :D

[bendodson]

I won't buy one until it has a parascope! :D

One iPhone with periscope - http://blog.periscopegadget.com/2008/08/22/periscope-gadget-is-iphone-friendly-one-more-screencast/ - ;)

[szark]

I imagine that Apple isn't rushing to fix this problem because there is a simple workaround. If there wasn't any way to work around the problem, they would (hopefully) fix it more quickly.

[Riemann Zeta]

People are really over-reacting to this security flaw. Someone can look at your contacts list if you have the home-button double-click function set to 'favorites.' This doesn't seem to be a "massive," insane flaw of epic proportions. Hell, I don't even have a passcode enabled on my phone.

[happydude]

yeah, people are going to riot if the apps keep crashing/freezing and typing keeps stalling. i'll be right there in the middle.

and how about acknowledging the cracks and fixing that while we're at it, eh?

[TXCraig]

Am I the only person that does not lock his phone? Who cares about this bug? Fix my 3G!

[bigmc6000]

http://gizmodo.com/5043260/apple-acknowledges-huge-iphone-security-flaw-calls-it-minor-announces-fix

Gizmodo isn't happy with apple's action and think the security flaw is "massive" rather than "minor", and should be fixed ASAP rather than next month.

*rolls eyes*

This *is* minor - when the user can fix it in a matter of less than 1 min I'd have to agree with Apple that it is indeed minor. I mean, it's not like turning off 3G, this is a VERY small burden and secondly - I don't know a single person who locks their phone so at least for me and the 15 people I know this isn't an issue anyway.

Yeah, yeah, it's not safe, I just don't leave my phone anywhere so locking it does nothing but hamper my ability to use the phone.

[sears.d.charles]

is it just me or have the rumors slowed down a lot?? like today there were only about 3 posted.... I wounder what has been going on.... and YES!! New fix haha I didnt really care mainly cuz my iPhone 3G has been working fine:P but i just wanted to point out the facted that the rumors have slowed

[Lexoticstylez02]

This update better fix ALL of the known problems, it will have to be a tremendous update to make up for all the bad publicity Apple is getting at the moment.

[bradl]

This update better fix ALL of the known problems, it will have to be a tremendous update to make up for all the bad publicity Apple is getting at the moment.

Like.... 2.1?

BL.

[Rojo]

Argh! Who cares about the easily-fixable passcode problem?? Fix the damn apps crashing/music missing problem that so many people are having (http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1660986)!

[8CoreWhore]

It pisses me off that in order to REMOTE WIPE the iPhone in the event it goes missing, the user must have MS Exchange. We should be able to call up our carrier, jump through a few security hoops, and have them do it. Or some other way. I'd pay good money for an app that would do this.:rolleyes:

[jnc]

An iPhone update "in September" != an iPhone update in a month's time. Thought it could mean that. :p

PROTIP: September begins in 2 days.

[vandy1997]

Apple is also supposed to provide additional GPS features (that include heading and speed, I believe) in the next firmware version so that we can get a decent turn-by-turn GPS app.

Apple is stating that the security issue is minor because, by the time the thief gets into your favorites, the battery will have died, and he or she will give up and just toss out the phone. The quick battery drain is actually a security feature!! Who knew?

[iVoid]

An iPhone update "in September" != an iPhone update in a month's time. Thought it could mean that. :p

PROTIP: September begins in 2 days.

Actually, it starts in a little over 3 days (at least in Cupertino which is what matters here).

Also, Sept 1 is a big holiday here, so maybe 4 days at the earliest.

[bradl]

An iPhone update "in September" != an iPhone update in a month's time. Thought it could mean that. :p

PROTIP: September begins in 2 days.

Calendar tip: The USA and Canada have Labor day coming up on Monday, making this weekend a 3-day/holiday weekend. ;)

Don't expect an update in the next 2 days.

BL.

[iParis]

I won't buy one until the SMS plans come with 500 instead of 200.
And until the plans are lowered by $30.

Also, only if it comes with Ryan Ross.

[jnc]

Actually, it starts in a little over 3 days (at least in Cupertino which is what matters here).

Also, Sept 1 is a big holiday here, so maybe 4 days at the earliest.

As you missed me entirely, I wasn't saying that meant anything was coming on Sept 1. It meant people saying stuff like ...should be fixed ASAP rather than next month. and ...fix such a security issue this week, not lumped in with a general update next month. should consider September (ie next month) isn't very far off at all.

[strydi]

*sigh...

and Backup lag, updated app location jumping, moving icons from page to page easier, MMS, copy/paste, wifi syncing, bluetooth abilities every other cell phone has...

[bradl]

*sigh...

and Backup lag, updated app location jumping, moving icons from page to page easier, MMS, copy/paste, wifi syncing, bluetooth abilities every other cell phone has...

I would think that a security problem, 3G issues, and backup lag would take precedence over adding new features like MMS, copy/paste, bluetooth, etc. That waits for 2.1. What people are complaining about which are major problems NOW... that goes into this upcoming release.

BL.

[andiwm2003]

It pisses me off that in order to REMOTE WIPE the iPhone in the event it goes missing, the user must have MS Exchange. We should be able to call up our carrier, jump through a few security hoops, and have them do it. Or some other way. I'd pay good money for an app that would do this.:rolleyes:

second that. but i guess it's not only apple, it's also ATT that has to work on that. anyway, if they had optional full disk encryption with an extra password users could protect their data a lot better. it would also give you more time to remote wipe it.

[iMacoo7]

Well it seems as though since they are stating September.This actually does not mean the beginning of September.So for all we know, this next update could be scheduled just like last years September update (If my memory serves correct).But then Again there could be an update the beginning of September for the critical aspects and the feature updates in the later part of September.

[kevinwiz]

macrumors should clarify the title. i thought it was a hardware update. it should read "apple confirms september iphone firmware update"

[macshill]

macrumors should clarify the title. i thought it was a hardware update. it should read "apple confirms september iphone firmware update"

I agree.

[GutBomb]

macrumors should clarify the title. i thought it was a hardware update. it should read "apple confirms september iphone firmware update"

or maybe you should just read more than the headline.

[atvbballrob]

How about: apple confirms september update for ipods and laptops. sounds good to me

[macshill]

or maybe you should just read more than the headline.

Yeah, but the headline doesn't give you the right type of information. You should get an idea of exactly what you're going to read before you click on it. It's like saying: "Apple to release Mac update in Sept."

Well... which type of Mac computer? Update in hardware or software or firmware? ;)

[monke]

Apple just isn't making much sense to me anymore.

They release the iPhone, it's their pride and joy, it's another way to try and get people to switch over to Mac. All these new customers that are thinking about switching over to Mac see these problems. They see that Apple takes a month to come out with a crucial update. They start to think that if the iPhone is Apple's pride and joy, how long will it take for an update to be released for Mac. I just can't see it all relaying back to Apple well. Too many errors have been made since WWDC - MobileMe, iPhone 3G updates - that Apple really needs to shake the negative press off their back and surprise everyone. Of course brand new products will do it, but you still have to wonder how much longer this will carry on for.

As I said before, Apple just isn't make much sense to me anymore, it's extremely uncharacteristic of them to due what they've done. MobileMe didn't go anywhere near as planned; when has that happened before? iPhone 3G crucial updates take a month; when has that happened to another product before? Sure Mac OS X needs some crucial updates and it takes a long time and that the iPhone is essentially Mac OS X, but the fact Apple keeps waiting for the next month and doesn't release it bugs me. If something is that crucial, normally Apple has turned around and fixed it ASAP, but Apple's changed it seems.


There, I'm finished. I kinda just needed to vent on this issue and wonder if anyone else is thinking the same way.

Also, a side note, Apple's released iPhone related news at the beginning of the last few months, September 9th would fit in every way.

[Rybold]

The list now includes this security fix, fix for iPhone app crashing (http://www.macrumors.com/iphone/2008/08/19/jobs-fix-for-iphone-apps-crashing-in-september/), 3G connectivity improvements (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/18/iphone-3g-connectivity-affecting-2-of-customers-software-fix-soon/?info=EXLINK) (partially addressed by 2.0.2), and "push" background services for applications.
Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/08/28/apple-confirms-september-iphone-update/)

Don't forget the keyboard lag and the contacts lag !
These are strictly software and should be the easiest to fix out of all the reported problems.
.
.

[born4sky]

http://gizmodo.com/5043260/apple-acknowledges-huge-iphone-security-flaw-calls-it-minor-announces-fix

Gizmodo isn't happy with apple's action and think the security flaw is "massive" rather than "minor", and should be fixed ASAP rather than next month.

can't agree ... I don't think a lot of people using pas code anyway .....

[retroneo]

Still waiting for iP3G to be unlocked, myself. :)

Mine took 5 days to get unlocked. The carrier promises 10 days for the unlock to be processed.

A friends took 12 days and still wasn't unlocked - still "This is not an authorised SIM" after restore. Called the carrier up to complain and he just went over to a computer connected to the iTunes server, did a restore and the iPhone was unlocked straight away

The whole waiting game they make you do for the unlock is just a game - it can be done instantly.

[daneoni]

Hmm...dunno i just have this weird feeling the september update will disappoint. Hopefully i'm wrong

[sk3pt1c]

i think if someone gets their hands on your iPhone and wants to steal information, no security patch from Apple is going to stop them!
the thing that bugs me the most is the lag in apps, keyboard, contacts and so on some times...
and the one feature i really want them to incorporate in the next update is
COPY / PASTE !!!!
guys, this is major business, we're supposed to have a kick-ass mobile computer, yet you can't eg. take a note and then copy/paste it to another app?!
wtf?!?!

[SchneiderMan]

Hmm...dunno i just have this weird feeling the september update will disappoint. Hopefully i'm wrong

same here

[Cannons]

Apple has said there won't be "Push" notifications in this release.
Fix the article.

[bytethese]

Don't forget the keyboard lag and the contacts lag !
These are strictly software and should be the easiest to fix out of all the reported problems.
.
.

Wait a s...ec, what....lag? I've never had a prob....*Safari crashes*

[Bubba Satori]

Jeebus, how about some freakin' computer updates. Stoopit phone. :mad::rolleyes:

[binaryskies]

Must Haves..
MMS support..one question. why wasn't this included in the beginning
copy and paste functions..I hate having to grab a note pad to write down the username and password just to check a picture message that someone sent me.
SMS/Contact Lag fix..annoying. enough said
3G connectivity fix..frustrating. paying for 3G speeds..getting EDGE speeds and missing calls when in 3G service
Background Application "Push"..it would be nice to have AIM running all the time instead of only when it's open..

Can Wait For..
Sync time fix..it is annoying but oh well.
Bluetooth update..so it's actually useful
turn by turn GPS capabilities..it would be nice since I do a lot of driving, but I can use an old fashion map and get by for now.

[clevin]

*rolls eyes*

This *is* minor - when the user can fix it in a matter of less than 1 min I'd have to agree with Apple that it is indeed minor.

haha, see how many of 4 million users will fix it by themselves. or even know there is a security risk? Does reality matter at all to you and apple?

Last time I checked, Minor or major is defined by the severity of possible damage, not by the possibility of if user can fix it by themselves.

[The Tall One]

Glad I haven't gotten an iPhone yet. Should I wait until after MacWorld expo 2009? I think so. BUT I WANT ONE SO BAD.

[Mindflux]

Must Haves..
MMS support..one question. why wasn't this included in the beginning
copy and paste functions..I hate having to grab a note pad to write down the username and password just to check a picture message that someone sent me.
SMS/Contact Lag fix..annoying. enough said
3G connectivity fix..frustrating. paying for 3G speeds..getting EDGE speeds and missing calls when in 3G service
Background Application "Push"..it would be nice to have AIM running all the time instead of only when it's open..



MMS. You can email from this phone, furthermore you can email pictures from the phone which in essence is 'free' on a data plan, not requiring texting fees.

The rest, Yeah. Uh.. please add/fix soon.

[gmeddles]

For the initial market (iPhone 1.0 was almost exclusively end-consumers) the risk is relatively minor. The largest emphasis of the 2.0 beta and marketing was to steal RIM/WindowsMobile marketshare in the enterprise space. Thinking along those lines, this is a completely unacceptable security flaw. To go from locked phone to reading potentially sensitive email in less than a minute is utterly unacceptable. IT departments don't care if there is a work-around if the user base must be expected to implement it. That's about as likely to happen as an AA meeting in a frat house.

Apples security posture needs to be significantly rethought if they want to continue their growth from end-consumer into the corporate and enterprise realm. Their slow release of the DNS-poisoning patch, flippant attitude towards this problem, their repeated losses in the pwnage contests, and their general secrecy on all things security related are not consistent with the more open, forthright, and timely response to security concerns that are prevalent throughout the industry. Apple products have enjoyed a reputation as being secure due largely to their small penetration rate, but Apple's mindset hasn't evolved sufficiently as their marketshare has grown. Unfortunately it may take a serious security incident to change that, but at that point their reputation will be in tatters.

[bradl]

You know, I really don't get some of you here that are asking for yet EVEN MORE ADDITIONAL FEATURES to be added that could cause even more problems than the problems we already have that need to be fixed. Why would you want to add MORE to this pile of smeg that we have, than spend the time to fix the problems we have, get them stable, then introduce more features? Do you want the entire iPhone to crash and burn altogether because the new feature you want is now there and just as buggy or dependent on code that is there and extremely buggy?

Fix problems first. Then introduce new features. Always has been a proven method of smart coding, and that is what is needed now.

BL.

[t0mat0]

Must Haves..
MMS support..one question. why wasn't this included in the beginning
copy and paste functions..I hate having to grab a note pad to write down the username and password just to check a picture message that someone sent me.
SMS/Contact Lag fix..annoying. enough said
3G connectivity fix..frustrating. paying for 3G speeds..getting EDGE speeds and missing calls when in 3G service
Background Application "Push"..it would be nice to have AIM running all the time instead of only when it's open..

Can Wait For..
Sync time fix..it is annoying but oh well.
Bluetooth update..so it's actually useful
turn by turn GPS capabilities..it would be nice since I do a lot of driving, but I can use an old fashion map and get by for now.

AT&T at least could work out so you could receive MMS. Bit unfair O2 can get some sort of act together about it more so than AT&T.
As much the carrier as Apple on MMS

Copy & Paste - in the works by Apple

SMS/Contact lag - presumably in the works, or on the list of things to do

3G connectivity - much more on the Carrier's side. The US has poor levels and densities of 3G masts. Apple'll try there end, but this is on the carriers side in the major part.

Background app push - in the works.

[MartiNZ]

Am I the only person that does not lock his phone? Who cares about this bug? Fix my 3G!

I'm with you. Can't be bothered having it so I have to enter a code all the time for it. Certainly more interested in getting other bugs/lags/crashes sorted :).

[Marshall08]

I want additonal options in the brightness menu, for screen tempreture adjustments :(

[WindowsGuy]

Glad I haven't gotten an iPhone yet. Should I wait until after MacWorld expo 2009? I think so. BUT I WANT ONE SO BAD.


Speaking from a guy who owns the 2G & 3G versions of the iPhone I would say WAIT. Apple has gone to hell with customer support and the 3G 2.0x software is so full of bugs that it isn't worth the time. Returning mine. Fortunately I have 30 days and there is no way in hell I'm paying the restocking fee.

I'll get on the class action law suit before that happens.

[kabunaru]

I am surprised that Apple actually confirms an update. Apple hardly every confirm any updates.

[MartiNZ]

I wonder if they are going to push out the 2.1 update, the rumoured iTunes 8 update, the OS X 10.5.5 update and the rumoured new iPods and/or other hardware all on the same day ... or if they really have learnt something in the last month :).

[gusious]

Glad I haven't gotten an iPhone yet. Should I wait until after MacWorld expo 2009? I think so. BUT I WANT ONE SO BAD.

Me too but i am willing to wait for a while!:p