New iPhone firmware available from Apple

Jan 28, 2009 08:16 GMT  ·  By

Those enjoying the benefits of using a jailbroken handset are advised against updating to the latest version of the iPhone OS, 2.2.1. Apple has recently released the software update for both variants of the iPhone and iPod touch. The firmware update is currently available for download via iTunes for everyone owning an iPhone or iPod touch.

While numerous iPhone users are happy with buying an app from the App Store every once in a while, or sticking to the carriers Apple chose to do business with, others feel that the way Apple offers these services on the iPhone brings nothing but constraints. These users have taken a different road, paved by the folks at the iPhone Dev Team. The team now urges those who own a jailbroken handset to wait for a custom firmware to update their firmware - a new version of the yellowsn0w jailbreak tool.

“There is an iPhone and iPod update available in iTunes - it is numbered 2.2.1 (5H11a). Please DO NOT update. We will investigate and report back to you ASAP,” says the team on its blog. The team also posted a video explaining what the update means.

Basically, the iPhone Dev Team will try and create a custom firmware update that delivers the benefits of the software update from Apple, but doesn't actually update the baseband of the device, be it the iPhone or the iPod touch. As such, users will be able to continue using their unlocked devices with carriers not yet supported by Apple, or download cool applications for free, from repos such as Cydia.

Softpedia doesn't condone jailbreaking / unlocking the iPhone / iPod touch or any other device. Using hacks may render your device unusable, or may considerably reduce the quality of your experience using the respective device. If you choose to download and install the jailbreak tools, you will do so at your own risk. Unlocking / Jailbreaking your iPhone may violate your warranty or the EULA with Apple and/or your cellular service provider.