14 DAY TRIAL // The release of the third update for the iPhone is believed to be imminent, due both to missing functionality and images shown on Apple's own site. While no clear date can be given, the patch is expected to come any day now.
Like previous updates, this latest one will undoubtedly improve the overall stability of the embedded OS X and applications, as well as plug any serious security holes that the company might have discovered. While adding new features was not the main focus of the previous updates, in this case, we know there will be at least one major new feature introduced. Apple recently announced the introduction of the Wi-Fi iTunes Store for iPhones and the iPod touch, but so far, users have not actually been able to shop using the mobile version of the store. Currently, attempting to access the Wi-Fi iTunes Store from an iPhone will fail, as the current version of the firmware (1.0.2) is not supported. The resulting dialogue urges users to update their device. "You need to update your device's software in order to access the iTunes Store. Simply sync your device to your computer and click 'Check for Update' and then click this iTunes Store link again from your device when syncing is complete."
While the Wi-Fi store update is certainly in the cards, there might be more to this update than that. On its iPhone website, Apple shows images of an iPhone running firmware version 1.1.1. That firmware number hints at a much more consistent update, with more features than just the Wi-Fi store. A pleasant surprise would be the addition of Flash which was mentioned to be planned for later in the year, when the device was initially released. Unfortunately, it could also very well be that the firmware version shown is not connected to the upcoming update, being just an arbitrary number chosen by the designer for the mock-up.