OS updates

[ninjapenguin]

Do you think there will be OS updates whenever you Sync up to your computer, that way no matter when you buy your iPhone it will have all of the same software as a future version. Like I know back in the day when IM on a phone was new I may get a phone with no IM capabilities and then a few months later the same model will get IM capabilities, or also maybe like there will be an update to allow 3G.

What are your guys take on this?

 

[0007776]

there will probably be some updates but major changes will be saved for future revisions.

 

[ninjapenguin]

there will probably be some updates but major changes will be saved for future revisions.

I'm just hoping like for future revisions they will have a new OS and you can upgrade your iPhone to the new OS, and that way you don't have to shell out like another 500 - 600 dollars. I mean I don't want to get an iPhone and then one year later find out there's a new big thing and can't update it, just like with the iPod.

 

[brandon6684]

My guess is that they are going to follow more of an iPod model. Small features have been added with softwware updates, but major things required a newer model. So for example we may see small rendering enhancements to the web browser or even something like flash support, but I wouldn't expect a totaly new version of the browser with tons of new feature to come in a free firmware update.

 

[Starflyer]

My guess is that they are going to follow more of an iPod model. Small features have been added with softwware updates, but major things required a newer model. So for example we may see small rendering enhancements to the web browser or even something like flash support, but I wouldn't expect a totaly new version of the browser with tons of new feature to come in a free firmware update.

Im not so sure about that. Being locked into this phone for two years is not like having an iPod you can replace every year.

 

[applehero]

I would expect that software updates (OS and enhancements) will be handled through iTunes just as it is today with the iPod. The only reason I would expect to buy a new model would be due to hardware updates, something physical like expandable memory slots, larger drives, etc... I believe Steve said the iPhone is 80% software.

 

[darwen]

My guess is that they are going to follow more of an iPod model. Small features have been added with softwware updates, but major things required a newer model. So for example we may see small rendering enhancements to the web browser or even something like flash support, but I wouldn't expect a totaly new version of the browser with tons of new feature to come in a free firmware update.

No, that is incorrect.

There was a front page about this a while back. They cannot give you more functionality on the iPod because your already bought it. For accounting reasons, they cannot give you the *new* OS because then they are giving you a free product. Hence the cost for upgrading to the new wireless card in the MacBooks that were bought before Apple officially admitted to adding the card. They couldnt give it to you even though you had it. You technically didnt buy it.

The iPhone is different though. They are spreading income over 2 years. They can re do the complete OS and sill give it to us.

Yes, we will see updates.
Yes, this will be different than the iPod.
No, Apple will not leave phone owners locked into 2 year deals missing out because they joined early.