Apple iPhone Software 2.0 Upgrade Experience Preview

Wondering what the experience is going to be like next week when Apple makes its long-awaited iPhone Software 2.0 (see my preview) available? Well, wonder no more: I've gotten my hands on near-final versions of iPhone Software 2.0 and the Windows and PC versions of iTunes 7.7, and can show you the install experience as well as some of the MobileMe and Microsoft Exchange integration pieces. Let's jump right in.

Note: This is a first look only and should not be construed as a review of any kind. I will be reviewing iPhone Software 2.0, the iPhone 3G, and Apple MobileMe separately in the weeks ahead.

Upgrading to iPhone Software 2.0

You install the iPhone Software 2.0 upgrade via iTunes as you do any other iPhone upgrade. (Note that iTunes 7.7 or higher is required.) This is a multi-step and time-consuming process but is largely hands-off.

Meanwhile, on the iPhone

Once the iPhone Software 2.0 upgrade is loaded and installed on the iPhone, you'll notice a few obvious changes. There's a new App Store icon on the home screen, for example, and the Mail application includes prominent links to Microsoft Exchange and MobileMe account types.

Some iTunes 7.7 changes

Though some of these features are not available yet in the prerelease Windows version of iTunes 7.7, on the Mac version, you can see some interesting differences. The old iPod Games entry in the Source list has changed to App Store, for example, though selecting it now, before the July 11 launch, displays only whatever iPod Games you've purchased. There's also the rumored feature where you can use your iPhone (or iPod touch) as a remote.

iPhone configured for Exchange

iPhone configured for MobileMe

App Store

iPhone and iPod remotes

Final thoughts

Obviously, we'll need to wait for the public availability of the Apple's iTunes-based App Store to fully appreciate what's happening in this update. But even this early peek provides an intriguing glimpse into what's coming. (For example, if you have a .Mac account, you can configure it via the MobileMe functionality on the iPhone.) I'll have a lot more to say about this impressive upgrade in the weeks ahead. So far, so good.

--Paul Thurrott
July 5, 2008

Related reading: Apple iPhone

iPhone 3G S/iPhone 3.x
Quick Take: Apple iPhone 3G S
iPhone OS 3.0 Software Update

iPhone 3G/iPhone 2.x
Saying Goodbye to the iPhone
Apple iPhone 2.1 Review
Apple iPhone 3G Review
MobileMe Review, Part 1
MobileMe Review, Part 2
MobileMe Review, Part 3
MobileMe Review, Part 4
First Looks: Apple iPhone 3G...
Apple iPhone 3G Launch Photos
iPhone Application Store Shots
iPhone Software 2.0 Screenshots
Apple iPhone Software 2.0 Upgrade Experience Preview
Apple MobileMe Preview
Apple iPhone 3G Preview
Apple iPhone 3G Photo Gallery
iPhone, Welcome to Enterprise
Apple iPhone 2.0 Preview

Original iPhone/iPhone 1.x
How Apple Can Fix the iPhone
Apple iPod touch Review
Apple iTunes 7.4 Review
The iPhone is Not a Smartphone
Apple iPhone Review, Part 8
Apple iPhone Review, Part 7
Apple iPhone Review, Part 6
Apple iPhone Review, Part 5
Apple iPhone Review, Part 4
Apple iPhone Review, Part 3
Apple iPhone Review, Part 2
Apple iPhone Review, Part 1
Apple iPhone First Impressions
Apple iPhone Photo Gallery
Apple iPhone Gallery: Activation
Apple iPhone Gallery: Config
Apple iPhone Preview

iPhone on the SuperSite Blog
My iPhone blog posts

See it yourself

Watch the WWDC 2008 keynote address (Apple.com). Also available via iTunes.