Guide Note

Apple announced in March, 2008 that it would soon be releasing a software update for its line of iPhones. The update enhances the device's wireless connectivity capabilities and security features, and also adds support for more productivity software like Microsoft Office and iWork. The 2.0 software update also includes the iPhone SDK, tools to help developers design iPhone Applications. The update was finally released in July, 2008 as the iPhone 2.0 firmware update package.

Fast Facts

1. Announced: March 6, 2008
2. Initial release date: June, 2008
3. Delayed to July, 2008
4. Official release date: July 11, 2008
5. Released as the iPhone 2.0 firmware upgrade
6. Apple released an early beta version for independent developers to create iPhone applications
7. Beta version was unlocked within hours of its release
8. Group responsible: iPhone Dev Team

1. Access to iPhone SDK tools
2. Content controls for parents
3. Integration with Apple's MobileMe service
4. Support for ActiveSync's calendar-sharing, photo-sharing and push mail functions
5. Full support for iWork documents
6. Full support for Microsoft Office documents
7. Bulk e-mail deletion and moving capabilities
8. Secure VPN service from Cisco
9. TypePad for the iPhone
10. Scientific calculator function¹
11. Chinese and Japanese character recognition²