14 DAY TRIAL // Although numerous members of the Apple community are aware of this fact, it may be worth noting that first-generation iPhones, also referred to as iPhone 2G (in contrast with the 3G nature of the second-gen iPhone), will lack support for multimedia messaging – MMS.
Earlier this year, Apple introduced what was referred to as iPhone OS 3.0 Software. Listing key additions such as Cut/Copy/Paste and MMS, Scot Forstall (joining Phil Schiller for the Macworld keynote address) got the crowd on their feet. However, it was only later that Apple fanboys and iPhone users worldwide learned that MMS would only be supported on the 3G version of the iPhone. Readers of Apple’s press release titled “Apple Previews Developer Beta of iPhone OS 3.0” could see a small asterisk next to the term “MMS.” Further in the article, Apple would reveal the following:
*MMS messaging is available only on iPhone 3G; fees may apply. MMS may not be available in all areas.
First-generation iPhone owners are missing out on quite an important addition, this time around. Luckily, the OS 3.0 Software Update is free of charge for owners of any iPhone model. iPod touch users must pay a $9.95 upgrade fee to get OS 3.0.
Perhaps also noteworthy is that Apple not only failed to deliver MMS upon the iPhone’s debut two years ago (along with Cut/Copy/Paste, Bluetooth and other features), but now AT&T is lagging behind in delivering the new service to iPhone 3G owners and soon-to-be holders of an iPhone 3G S. Scott Forstall addressing developers and the press at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco got close to getting boo’ed as he revealed that MMS had finally arrived for iPhone, but that it would be locked until AT&T started supporting it later this year.
Listing the features soon to be available with iPhone 3G S and the new OS 3.0 software, Apple explains that users will be able to “send messages with text, video, photos, audio, locations, and contact information. You can even forward one or more messages to others.” Then, just below the text, Apple uses smaller writing with a faint grey font to mention that, “MMS support from AT&T [is] coming in late summer.”
iPhone 3G S is set to ship with iPhone OS 3.0 pre-installed on June 19. Apple touts the new OS version as “the world’s most advanced mobile operating system,” packing 100+ new additions, including those mentioned above, as well as Spotlight Search, landscape keyboard, video-editing features, a built-in digital compass for instant navigation, as well as built-in Nike + iPod support.
Do you have a first-generation handset? How do you feel about missing out on MMS?