iPhone OS 2.1 might be coming soon

The new iPhone 2.1 firmware will apparently improve the iPhone 3G's GPS performance.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

A new firmware update for Apple's iPhone 3G is said to include improvements for its GPS functions, but it's not clear whether that software will do anything to correct the iPhone's reception issues.

GearLive reported Thursday that Apple has provided a beta version of the firmware, which is being called iPhone OS 2.1 beta 1, to developers in its program. The new software is said to provide additional features for developers who want to use the iPhone's built-in GPS chip.

If that's the case, it would alleviate some of the concerns raised by David Pogue in his review of the iPhone 3G about the GPS capabilities, that the iPhone couldn't be used for turn-by-turn navigation. But while that would be a nice improvement, that's not the main concern on the mind of iPhone 3G users.

Posters in the growing thread on Apple's discussion board complaining about iPhone 3G signal issues were excited by the possibility that the new firmware update might correct their problems. Apple has not acknowledged any issue with the iPhone 3G's ability to maintain a connection to worldwide 3G networks, but complaints have been pouring in about a higher-than-usual frequency of dropped calls and weak signals in areas that accommodate other 3G phones without problems.

As of this moment, it doesn't appear that anyone has uncovered any networking-related fix in the new firmware, but it hasn't been live for very long. If anything pops up, we'll let you know.

[eekthemouse]

This is the second report that we've seen where it's suggested that Apple and the OS might be responsible for the bad reception.

Isn't it more likely that it's ATT's issue, and it lies with the availability of a fully connected 3G fabric in these areas, isn't that a major part of the ATT upgrade this summer.

Just trying to understand....and seems that this post is again citing OS changes, whereas it may not be related.

[ywkhgqo]

It's not with ATT because everyone else who uses the 3G networks on other phones have no issues. And people are losing signals in the heart of the strongest 3G areas. I've heard the code that tells the phone to switch to the regular EDGE network when 3G isn't present isn't working properly either. Apple rushed this phone and it's coming back to bite them. Also some of the apps are really effing up the phones themselves too

[celsius0010]

most users say other at&t 3g phones work fine while the iphone will have no signal in the same area... call me crazy but my mogul on sprint works wonderfully

[mynameiscoffey]

I haven't heard any issues yet of the iPhone's reception on a world-wide scale. Is this strictly an issue with the iPhone on AT&T's US network or is it affecting users worldwide?

If there is nothing on the worldwide scale it could be an issue with AT&T's network and the iPhone not being perfectly on the same band or something. We in the US pretty much throw standards out the window so it wouldn't surprise me to see that AT&T's 3G network isn't perfectly specced to the standard.

[stop_whining]

I dont see how the 3g problems are ATT's issue, every other 3g phone works normally, this points directly to software or hardware. No need to freak out apple fanboys, every manufacturer has these issues at some time, even Apple (I know its hard to accept). Hopefully the new software can address this.

[saghirmo]

I have two 3g iPhones and all I can say is STAY AWAY! I wish I had my old sprint phone which I sold for this useless piece of crap! Even the ipod skips and doesn't play songs properly. Where there is smoke, there's a fire. Don't believe the fanboys, they will lie for Apple. They will claim that the iPhone is perfectly fine.

[saghirmo]

I have two 3g iPhones and all I can say is STAY AWAY! I wish I had my old sprint phone which I sold for this useless piece of crap! Even the ipod skips and doesn't play songs properly. Where there is smoke, there's a fire. Don't believe the fanboys, they will lie for Apple. They will claim that the iPhone is perfectly fine.

[anilsudh]

Sure I believe you!!!

[fdunn3]

The iPhone 3G issue IS NOT just an AT&T issue as it is being reported in other countries where 3G is present but AT&T is not. I read an article in Electronic Engineering Times where Apple shunned the tier 1 providers (Top providers) of the components for it's 3g iPhone:
http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=A1WJWVXKZ4NS0QSNDLOSKHSCJUNN2JVN?articleID=209100058

They passed up the quality component makers (like Qualcomm and TI who have years of wireless experience) for low ball pricing and it looks as though they may be paying for it now.

[Philstera]

Its happening in Australia too its not just a problem in the USA. This phone should be called the Ibrick.

The data charges are Iexpensive as well that is when it works.

[drmuon]

Honestly.. the phone is working fine in NYC. The only issue I'm having is the GPS locator occasionally says I'm in "Loveland" Texas. Now that's bizarre.

[zato_3]

saghirmo says: "I have two 3g iPhones and all I can say is STAY AWAY! I wish I had my old sprint phone which I sold for this useless piece of crap! Even the ipod skips and doesn't play songs properly. Where there is smoke, there's a fire. Don't believe the fanboys, they will lie for Apple. They will claim that the iPhone is perfectly fine."

A tip for you saghirmo, As soon as you say "Don't believe the fanboys, they will lie for Apple", most people will know you're a liar, because no one who would say that, would buy even one iPhone, much less two. You are one of Microsofts' gamer/haters. You hate Apple. Microsoft is your life. You spend time online lying for Microsoft probably everyday all over the internet. You would cut off one of your own testicles with a plastic fork before you would buy an Apple product. So don't tell me you own two iPhones.

[saghirmo]

Hey zato, why don't I show the world what an idiot you are: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28948177@N04/2701982987/

That's some pics of my two POS iPhone 3gs. Stay away!

[saghirmo]

PS: POS = PIECE OF SH-T

[gulfportgeek]

In my opinion it has to be something with the new software. I have the original iPhone and ever since I upgraded my os I've had nothing but dropped call after dropped call. In places I know I have been able to hold a call before my phone just drops out. Hope they fix this soon. Having worked for AT&T in the past I'm aware of what normal network problems can be like and I've never experienced anything like this.

[jargonnaut]

As this issue affects users in multiple countries, and hence, multiple carriers, it definately is an Apple issue.
I suspect that it may be from a power management issue, which has the net effect of reducing coverage on 3G networks to increase battery life.

[knock48]

knock
i got problems with signal strength and i live in direct line with a mobile tower

[rdwalton]

I switched 2 of my 5 lines from Sprint because of the pathetic customer service. My phones worked fine on the network, but I thought I'd give the iPhone a second chance. I really hate the virtual keyboard and I also can't get good reception in most places. I too thought it was the AT&T network, but two of my neighbors have AT&T and they get great reception.

I think it is an Apple issue and the Apple fanboys will defend Apple like the current administration defends the Iraq war.

Apple just needs to "cowboy" up and admint their mistake and fix it!

[mike12806]

I don't know if this has already been suggested, but a restore of the iPhone in iTunes downloads a later build of the 2.0 software that seems to improve reception.

[UKStory1355]

My reception is noticably worse since I updated to 2.0. Also every time I sync my phone up, my apps are deauthorized and I have to delete them, reset the phone, and reinstall them. This update has issues and iPhone 2.1 can't come soon enough.