New firmware update available for iPhone / iPod touch users

Jan 28, 2009 07:51 GMT  ·  By

Apple has released the new version of iPhone firmware, V. 2.2.1, a maintenance and stability update. The release improves performance with the iPhone's web browser, Safari, and addresses issues with photos saved from the OS's Mail application.

By connecting their devices to iTunes, iPhone users will learn that the 246.4MB update “improves the general stability of Safari” and “fixes an issue where some images saved from Mail do not display correctly in the Camera Roll.” For iPod touch users, the update does the two aforementioned additions, while delivering an extra fix, correcting an issue that caused some Apple Lossless (ALAC) to skip during playback.

According to Apple, iPhone Software 2.2.1 is compatible with the iPhone 3G and the first-generation iPhone, while OS 2.2.1 for the iPod touch is compatible with both models available (first and second-generation iPod touch).

Last week, Softpedia reported that a forum poster was pointing out to iPhone OS 2.2.1 as a release due out soon. As it turned out, Apple did have iPhone 2.2.1 on the launch pad, although not packing what fans would have wanted, such as MMS, or Bluetooth support.

“Just a few days ago, it was disclosed that the 2.2.1 software for the iPhone and iPod Touch family of devices was in the final stages of testing. It is said to be released in the next few weeks. Also disclosed, was some of the new features that were to be included with it. Many of the details are vague, but essentially the 2.2.1 update doesn’t add much,” the poster explained.

The rumor said that, besides the usual laundry of bug fixes, enhancements include “slight changes to the text messaging interface” and “new e-mail support options [...] for corporate users,” the same post revealed. “There is also a new option being tested that would permit all e-mail messages to be deleted at once, instead of the need to select them individually,” the user said. Most likely, an upcoming firmware update will include these, too.