Soon after the first reports of iPhone OS 2.2 beta emerged, a screenshot depicting what looks like a new version of Safari for iPhone surfaced as well. The revamped web browser seems very much like its desktop counterpart, which may lead to a much more advanced web browsing experience.

 

3G, as most of you should know, gives iPhone users fast access to the Internet and email over cellular networks around the world. iPhone 3G also makes it possible for users to do more things at the same time, like surf the web, download email, get directions using maps and watch video, even while on a call.

So, to deliver this, Safari needs to be in top shape. While there have been numerous reports saying iPhone 3G isn't half as fast as it's advertised to be, Safari isn't to blame (apparently), so Apple isn't updating its web browser because of this. The new version, however, could boost the experience a notch, nonetheless.

 

Apple announced iPhone software update 2.1 at its September 9 event (Let's Rock) in San Francisco. Steve Jobs took the stage promising to put an end to users' dropped calls and slow network speeds. By the week's end, Apple had issued the much-awaited software update and, while some reported visible improvements in the behavior of the device (while using the Internet), others continued to complain on Apple's Discussion forums.

 

It is now believed that Apple will attempt to address these issues once again, through software update 2.2. Since the first build issued to developers contains an altogether new version of Safari, we can assume it doesn't only bring a new UI, but under-the-hood improvements as well.

 

Also worth noting is that a new UI, whatever the program, generally brings new functionality too. The screenshot above, for instance, reveals that the new Safari does not use the magnifying glass and refresh buttons at the top of the screen anymore. Instead, Apple has placed the URL bar and search fields side-by-side, which is where the resemblance with the desktop version comes from. Page refreshes are now to be performed via a small icon located inside the URL bar.