Quick Take: Apple iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update

On June 17, 2009, Apple will unleash the third major version of its iPhone system software, iPhone Software Update 3.0. This relatively minor update fixes a number of the issues I complained about two years ago with the initial iPhone release--including landscape support across apps like Mail and Notes--and adds a number of new features and applications. Key among these are Cut, Copy and Paste support, universal Spotlight Search, the new Voice Memos application, and the ability to purchase and rent movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store wirelessly.

Some key iPhone 3.0 features will not be made available in the US, at least not at first, which somewhat dampens the enthusiasm for this update. The first, full MMS support, is coming from AT&T "in late summer." The second and more important update, Internet tethering, will allow (non-US) iPhone users to use their iPhone as a wireless modem for their PCs, via Bluetooth or USB. No word yet on whether we'll ever get this feature, but knowing AT&T, it will come with an added monthly charge if and when it does.

 
iPhone 3.0 home screen (left); Spotlight Search screen (right).

 
Spotlight search segregates results by type (left and right).

New Voice Memos app.

 
Mail app now supports Inbox searching (left and right).

Mail (and several other apps) now work in landscape mode as well, answering an early complaint of mine.

 
You can now buy and rent movies directly from the device (left and right).

The Stocks app also picks up new functionality via landscape support.

--Paul Thurrott
June 9, 2009