IPhone

Infobox Mobile phone
name = iPhone


image-size = 200px
manufacturer = Apple Inc.
carrier = Portal:Apple Inc./iPhone Carriers
available = Original: June 29, 2007cite news|url=http://www.mp3newswire.net/stories/7002/iphone-line.html|title=Steve iPhone: Hundreds Come, Lines Orderly|publisher=MP3 Newswire|date=2007-06-29|accessdate=2008-06-06]
3G: July 11, 2008cite web|url = http://www.tuaw.com/2008/06/09/iphone-3g-announced/ |title = iPhone 3G announced - The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) |accessdate = 2008-06-10 |author = Posted Jun 9th 2008 2:39PM by Robert PalmerFiled under: WWDC |coauthors = iPhone]
screen = 480×320 px, convert|3.5|in|mm|abbr=on, color LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio
camera = 2.0 megapixel
operatingsystem = iPhone OS 2.1 (Build 5F136)
input = 4 hardware buttons and Multi-touch touchscreen
cpu = 620 MHz ARM 1176, [ [http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/01/iphone-processor-found-620mhz-arm/ iPhone processor found: 620 MHz ARM CPU] (2007-07-01 accessdate|2008-01-06] underclocked to 412 MHz [http://www.kosarit.com/apple/iphone-hardware-upgrades-v112-cpu-speed-412-mhz.html iPhone 1.1.2 update boosts clock speed] (2007-12-03)accessdate|2008-03-17]
GPU: PowerVR MBX Lite 3D [ [http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/03/20/iphone-20-sdk-video-games-to-rival-nintendo-ds-sony-psp/ iPhone 2.0 SDK: Video Games to Rival Nintendo DS, Sony PSP] accessdate|2008-05-05]
ringtone = iTunes Store via iTunes, custom creation using GarageBandcite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307108|title=How to create custom ringtones in GarageBand 4.1.1|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-12-15] or other tool
memory = 128 MB DRAM [http://www.semiconductor.com/resources/reports_database/view_device.asp?sinumber=18016 About Apple (Samsung S5L8900) applications processor with eDRAM - Semiconductor Insights] ]
storage = Flash memory 4, 8, or 16 GB
networks = Quad band GSM 850 900 1800 1900 GPRS/EDGE
3G also includes: Tri band UMTS/HSDPA 850, 1900, 2100, A-GPScite web|url=http://www.apple.com/iphone/specs.html|title=iPhone—High Technology—Tech Specs|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-09-06]
connectivity = Dock connector (with USB & FireWire adapter cables, FireWire for charging only)
Headphone jack
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
battery = 1400 mAh Lithium-ion polymer battery cite web|url=http://www.ipodbatteryfaq.com/ipodbatteryandpower.html|title=iPod and iPhone Battery and Power Specifications|accesssdate=2008-10-03]
form = Candybar Smartphone
size = Original:
4.5 in (115 mm) "(h)"
2.4 in (61 mm) "(w)"
0.46 in (11.6 mm) "(d)"
3G:
4.5 in (115.5 mm) "(h)"
2.4 in (62.1 mm) "(w)"
0.48 in (12.3 mm) "(d)"
weight = Original: convert|135|g|oz|abbr=on
3G: convert|133|g|oz|abbr=on
music = iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store
iPod
H.264 (YouTube)
related = iPod touch
other =

The iPhone is an internet-connected multimedia smartphone designed and marketed by Apple Inc. with a flush multi-touch screen and a minimal hardware interface. Lacking a physical keyboard, a virtual keyboard is rendered on the touch screen. The iPhone's functions include those of a camera phone and portable media player (equivalent to the iPod) in addition to text messaging and visual voicemail. It also offers Internet services including e-mail, web browsing, and local Wi-Fi connectivity. The first generation phone hardware was quad-band GSM with EDGE; the second generation also adds UMTS with HSDPA.cite press release|title = Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G|publisher = Apple Inc.|date = 2008-06-09|url = http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/06/09iphone.html|accessdate = 2008-06-09]

Apple announced the iPhone on January 9, 2007. [cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/54769/2007/01/iphone.html|title=Apple unveils iPhone|date=2007-01-09|accessdate=2008-04-06|first=Mathew|last=Honan|publisher=Macworld] The announcement was preceded by rumors and speculation that circulated for several months. [cite web|first=Brian|last=Dolan|title=Timeline of Apple "iPhone" Rumors (1999-Present)|url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/timeline-apple-iphone-rumors-1999-present|accessdate=2008-02-17] The iPhone was initially introduced in the United States on June 29, 2007 and is in the process of being introduced worldwide. It was named "Time" magazine's Invention of the Year in 2007. [cite news|first=Lev|last=Grossman|title=Invention Of the Year: The iPhone|url=http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1678581,00.html|date=2007-10-31|accessdate=2008-06-06] On July 11, 2008, the iPhone 3G was released and supported faster 3G data speeds and Assisted GPS.

Hardware

Screen and interface

The 9 cm (3.5 in) liquid crystal display (320×480 px at 6.3 px/mm, 160 ppi) HVGA touchscreen with scratch-resistant glasscite press release|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2007-06-18|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/18iphone.html|title=iPhone Delivers Up to Eight Hours of Talk Time] is specifically created for use with a finger, or multiple fingers for multi-touch sensing. Because the screen is a capacitive touchscreen, bare skin is required; a stylus or a normal glove prevents the necessary electrical conductivity.cite web|last=Wilson|first=Tracy|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/iphone.htm|title=How the iPhone Works|publisher=How Stuff Works|accessdate=2008-06-06] cite web|authorlink=David Pogue|last=Pogue|first=David|url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/11/the-ultimate-iphone-frequently-asked-questions/|title=The Ultimate iPhone Frequently Asked Questions|publisher="The New York Times"|date=2007-01-11|accessdate=2008-06-06] cite web|authorlink=David Pogue|last=Pogue|first=David|url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/13/ultimate-iphone-faqs-list-part-2/|title=Ultimate iPhone FAQs list, Part 2|publisher="The New York Times"|date=2007-01-13|accessdate=2008-06-06] [;cite web|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/iphone2.htm|title=How the iPhone's touchscreen Works|publisher=How Stuff Works|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Almost all input is given through the touch screen, which understands complex gestures using multi-touch. The iPhone's interaction techniques enable the user to move the content itself up or down by a touch-drag motion of the finger. For example, zooming in and out of web pages and photos is done by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading them farther apart or bringing them closer together. Similarly, scrolling through a long list in a menu works as if the list is pasted on the outer surface of a wheel: the wheel can be "spun" by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top (or vice versa). In either case, the list continues to move based on the flicking motion of the finger, slowly decelerating as if affected by friction. In this way, the interface simulates the physics of a real 3D object. There are other visual effects, such as horizontally sliding sub-selections and co-selections from right and left, vertically sliding system menus from the bottom (e.g. favorites, keyboard), and menus and widgets that turn around to allow settings to be configured on their back sides.

The display responds to three sensors. A proximity sensor shuts off the display and touchscreen when the iPhone is brought near the face to save battery power and to prevent inadvertent inputs from the user's face and ears. An ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness which in turn saves battery power. A 3-axis accelerometer senses the orientation of the phone and changes the screen accordingly. [cite news|last=Johnson|first=R. Collin|url=http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=200900669|title=There's more to MEMS than meets the iPhone|publisher=EE Times|date=2007-07-09|accessdate=2008-06-06] Photo browsing, web browsing, and music playing support both upright and left or right widescreen orientations, while videos play in only one widescreen orientation, with the home button to the left. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/guidedtour/tour/medium.html|title=iPod touch - A Guided Tour|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-09-23]

A software update allowed the first generation iPhone to use cell towers and Wi-Fi networks to locate itself despite lacking a hardware GPS. The iPhone 3G includes A-GPS but also uses cell towers and Wi-Fi for location finding.

A single "home" hardware button below the display brings up the main menu. Subselections are made via the touchscreen. The iPhone utilizes a full-paged display, with context-specific submenus at the top and/or bottom of each page, sometimes depending on screen orientation. Detail pages display the equivalent of a "Back" button to return to the parent menu.

The iPhone has three physical switches on its sides: wake/sleep, volume up/down, and ringer on/off. These are made of plastic on the original iPhone and metal on the iPhone 3G. All other multimedia and phone operations are done via the touchscreen. The iPhone 3G features a full plastic back to increase GSM signal strength. [cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10012420-37.html?tag=mncol;title|title=Apple, AT&T mum on iPhone 3G issues|publisher=CNET Networks|accessdate=2008-09-23] It also comes in white exclusively for the 16GB model.

Audio

The iPhone's headphones are similar to those of most current smartphones, incorporating a microphone. A multipurpose button in the microphone can be used to play or pause music, skip tracks, and answer or end phone calls without touching the iPhone. The 3.5 mm TRS connector for the headphones is located on the top left corner. The headphone socket on the original iPhone is recessed into the casing. The recess is narrow when compared to many headphone jacks, making them incompatible without the use of an adapter. [cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=828|title=That damned recessed iPhone headphone jack|publisher=ZDNet|accessdate=2008-06-06] The iPhone 3G has a flush mounted headphone socket.

Wireless earpieces that use Bluetooth technology to communicate with the iPhone are sold separately. It does not support stereo audio.

The loudspeaker is used both for handsfree operations and media playback, but does not support voice recording.

Composite or component video at up to 576i and stereo audio can be output from the dock connector using an adapter sold by Apple. [cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?spart=MB128LL%2FA|title=Apple Component AV Cable|publisher=Apple Inc.|work=Apple Online Store]

Battery

The iPhone features a built-in rechargeable battery that is not user-replaceable, similar to existing iPods, but dissimilar to most existing cellular phones. [ [http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-8gb-at/4505-6452_7-32309245.html Apple iPhone - 8GB (AT&T) Smartphone reviews - CNET Reviews] ] [ [http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=3526 Apple iPhone Review (MobileBurn)] ] If the battery prematurely reaches the end of its life, the phone can be returned to Apple and replaced for free while still in warranty, [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/service/faq/|title=iPhone Service Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-06-06] one year at purchase and extended to two years with AppleCare. The cost of having Apple provide a new battery and replace it when the iPhone is out of warranty is, in the United States, US$79 and US$6.95 for shipping. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/service/battery/|title=iPhone Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Program Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Since July 2007 third party battery packs have been available [cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/31/iphones-first-sketchy-battery-replacement-kit-appears/|title=iPhone's first sketchy battery replacement kit appears|publisher=Engadget|date=2007-07-31] at a much lower price than Apple's own battery replacement program. These kits often include a small screwdriver and an instruction leaflet, but as with many newer iPod models the battery in the original iPhone has been soldered in. Therefore a soldering iron is required to install the new battery. This is not the case with the iPhone 3G as it uses a different battery fitted with a connector. [ [http://gizmodo.com/5023983/the-iphone-3g-battery-is-quasi+replaceable iPhone 3G battery is Quasi-replaceable] ]

The original iPhone's battery was stated to be capable of providing up to seven hours of video, six hours of web browsing, eight hours of talk time, 24 hours of music or up to 250 hours on standby. Apple's site says that the battery life "is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles", [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/batteries/iphone.html|title=Batteries—iPhone|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-06-06] which is comparable to the iPod batteries.

The iPhone 3G's battery is stated to be capable of providing up to seven hours of video, six hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi or five on 3G, ten hours of 2G talk time, or five on 3G, 24 hours of music, or 300 hours of standby.

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a consumer advocate group, has sent a complaint to Apple and AT&T over the fee that consumers have to pay to have the battery replaced.cite news|last=Lee|first=Ellen|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/11/BUG34QU3921.DTL&type=tech|title=Will a Cheaper iPhone click before Christmas?|publisher="San Francisco Chronicle"|date=2007-07-11|accessdate=2008-06-06] Though the battery replacement service and its pricing was not made known to buyers until the day the product was launched, [cite news|last=Wong|first=May|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/08/AR2007070800562_pf.html|title=Apple Issues Battery Program for IPhone|publisher="Washington Post"|date=2007-07-08|accessdate=2007-07-08] a similar service had been well established for the iPods by Apple and various third party service providers.

IM card

The SIM card is located in a slot at the top of the device, which can be ejected with a paperclip or a SIM card ejection tool which is included with the iPhone 3G. [cite news|last = Diaz|first = Jesus|title = iPhone 3G's New SIM Ejector Tool Makes It Instant Must-Buy|language = English|publisher = Gawker Media|date = 2008-06-09|url = http://gizmodo.com/5014767/iphone-3gs-new-sim-ejector-tool-makes-it-instant-must+buy|accessdate = 2008-06-24] In most countries, the iPhone is usually sold with a SIM lock preventing the use of SIM cards from different mobile networks.

torage

The iPhone was initially released with two options for internal storage size; either a 4 GB or 8 GB flash drive (manufactured by Samsung) model was available. On September 5, 2007, Apple announced they were discontinuing the 4 GB models. [cite web|url=http://www.iphoneatlas.com/2007/09/05/apple-kills-4gb-iphone-cuts-8gb-price-to-399/|title=Apple kills 4 GB iPhone, cuts 8 GB price to $399 - iPhone Atlas|date=2007-09-05|publisher=iPhone Atlas] On February 5, 2008, Apple announced the addition of a 16 GB model to the iPhone lineup. [cite news|http://www.macworld.com/article/131959/2008/02/iphoneipodtouch.html|publisher=Macworld|title=Apple offers 16GB iPhone, 32GB iPod touch|date=2008-02-06] The iPhone does not contain any memory card slots for expanded storage.

Included items and accessories

Both the iPhone and the iPhone 3G came with a series of included accessories and items when purchased.

Items common to both versions

*Documentation
*Stereo headset with microphone
*Dock connector to USB cable (standard USB cable for connection)
*Cleaning/polishing cloth

Original iPhone

*Dock
*Standard USB power adapter

iPhone 3G

*SIM ejector tool
*Mini USB power adapter (North America)
*Standard USB power adapter (Everywhere except North America)

Software

iPhone OS is the operating system that runs on the iPhone and iPod touch. It is based on a variant of the same basic Mach kernel that is found in Mac OS X. iPhone OS includes the software component "Core Animation" from Mac OS X v10.5 which, together with the PowerVR MBX 3D hardware, is responsible for the smooth animations used in its user interface. The operating system takes up considerably less than half a GB of the device's total 8 GB or 16 GB storage.cite web|last=Haslam|first=Karen|url=http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itunes/news/index.cfm?newsid=16927|title=Macworld Expo: Optimised OS X sits on 'versatile' flash|publisher=Macworld|date=2007-01-12|accessdate=2008-06-06] It is capable of supporting bundled and future applications from Apple, as well as applications written by third-party developers and published through the iTunes Store.

Like an iPod, the iPhone is managed with iTunes version 7.3 or later, which is compatible with Mac OS X version 10.4.10 or later, and 32-bit Windows XP or Vista. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305703|title=iPhone: Minimum system requirements|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-07-13] The release of iTunes 7.6 expanded this support to include 64-bit versions of XP and Vista, [cite web|title="Apple's iTunes 7.6 plays nice with 64 bit Vista"|url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/apples-itunes-7-6-plays-nice-with-64-bit-vista/|publisher=Engadget|date=2008-01-15|accessdate=2008-01-22] and a workaround has been discovered for previous 64-bit Windows operating systems. [cite web|url=http://www.planetamd64.com/index.php?showtopic=35132&st=0&p=327771&#entry327771|title=iTunes is now 64-bit|publisher=PlanetAMD64]

The iPhone's applications cannot simply be copied from Mac OS X and have to be written and compiled specifically for the iPhone. Additionally, the Safari web browser supports web applications written with AJAX.

Applications

There are several applications located on the Home screen: Text (SMS messaging), Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps (Google Maps), Weather, Clock, Calculator, Notes, Settings, and iTunes (store). Four other applications, docked at the base of the screen, delineate the iPhone's main purposes: Phone, Mail, Safari, and iPod. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306003|title=iPhone Applications|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2007-07-11|accessdate=2007-11-04]

The YouTube application streams videos over Wi-Fi, 2G, or 3G after encoding them using the open H.264 codec, to which YouTube has converted about 10,000 videos. As a result, the YouTube application on iPhone can currently view only a certain selection of videos from the site. [cite press release|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/20youtube.html|title=YouTube Live on Apple TV Today; Coming to iPhone on June 29|publisher=Apple Inc|date=2007-06-20|accessdate=2008-06-06]

At WWDC 2007 on June 11, 2007 Apple announced that the iPhone would support third-party "applications" via the Safari web browser that share the look and feel of the iPhone interface. On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs, in an open letter posted to Apple's "Hot News" weblog, announced that a software development kit (SDK) would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008. Due to security concerns and Jobs' praise of Nokia's digital signature system, it was suggested that Apple would adopt a similar method. The SDK has also allowed application development for the iPod touch. [cite web|last=Jobs|first=Steve|url=http://developer.apple.com/iphone/devcenter/third_party_apps.php|title=Third Party Applications on the iPhone|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2007-10-17] The iPhone SDK was officially announced on March 6, 2008, at the Apple Town Hall facility. [cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/live-from-apples-iphone-press-conference/|title=Live from Apple's iPhone SDK press conference|publisher=Engadget|date=2008-03-06] The SDK will allow developers to develop native applications for the iPhone and iPod touch, as well as test them in an "iPhone simulator". However, loading an application onto the devices is only possible after paying a Apple Developer Connection membership fee. Developers are free to set any price for their applications to be distributed through the App Store, of which they will receive a 70 percent share [cite news |first=Michelle |last=Quinn |title=Apple will open App Store in bid to boost iPhone sales |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-iphone10-2008jul10,0,3798678.story |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2008-07-10 |accessdate=2008-07-10] . Developers can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any costs to release or distribute the application beyond the membership fee. The SDK was made available immediately, while the launch of applications had to wait until the firmware update which was released on July 11, 2008.cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/06/09iphone.html|title=Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G|quote=iPhone 2.0 software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via iTunes® 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers|work=Apple Inc.|date=2008-06-09] This update is free for iPhone users and there is a charge for iPod touch owners.

Once a developer has submitted an application to the App Store, Apple holds firm control over its distribution. For example, Apple can halt the distribution of applications it deems inappropriate as has happened with a $1000 program that has as sole purpose to demonstrate the wealth of its user.cite web|url=http://wsj.com/article/SB121842341491928977.html| title=IPhone Software Sales Take Off: Apple's Jobs |accessdate=2008-09-03 |archiveurl=http://justamp.blogspot.com/2008/08/iphone-software-sales-take-off-apples.html|archivedate=2008-08-11] More strikingly, Apple also installs a "kill switch" in the programs it distributes through the App store: all applications can be remotely disabled at Apple's command. The company considers it irresponsible not to have this kind of control over the software the user runs.

Many third-party Safari "applications" and unsigned native applications are also available. [cite news|last=Healey|first=Jon|title=Hacking the iPhone|publisher="Los Angeles Times"|date=2007-08-06|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oew-healey6aug06,0,3456267.story|accessdate=2008-06-06] The ability to install native applications onto the iPhone outside of the App Store will not be supported by Apple. Such native applications could be broken by any software update, but Apple has stated it will not design software updates specifically to break native applications other than applications that perform SIM unlocking. [cite web|url=http://www.gearlog.com/2007/09/apples_joswiak_we_dont_hate_ip.php|title=Apple's Joswiak: We Don't Hate iPhone Coders|date=2007-09-00|publisher=gearlog.com] As of September 15, 2008, iPhone software version 2.1 is still "exploitable" by the same method that enabled unsigned applications in software versions as early as version 1.1.3, indicating that Apple is making good on their promise not to intentionally cripple unofficial development.

oftware updates

Apple provides free updates to the iPhone's operating system through iTunes, in a similar fashion to the way that iPods are updated. Security patches, as well as new and improved features, are released in this fashion. [cite news|laste=Kharif|first=Olga|url=http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2007/07/coming_soon_iph.html|title=Coming Soon: iPhone Software Updates|publisher=BusinessWeek|date=2007-07-10|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Features

The iPhone allows audio conferencing, call holding, call merging, caller ID, and integration with other cellular network features and iPhone functions. Voice dialing and video calling are not supported by the iPhone.

The iPhone includes a visual voicemail feature allowing users to view a list of current voicemail messages on-screen without having to call into their voicemail. Unlike most other systems, messages can be listened to and deleted in a non-chronological order by choosing any message from an on-screen list. AT&T, O2, T-Mobile Germany, and Orange modified their voicemail infrastructure to accommodate this new feature designed by Apple. A lawsuit has been filed against Apple and AT&T by Klausner Technologies Inc. claiming the iPhone's visual voicemail feature infringes two patents. [cite news|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/071203/20071203005976.html|title=Apple Inc. Sued for Patent Infringement on iPhone by Klausner Technologies, Inc.|publisher=Yahoo!|work=Yahoo! News|date=2007-12-03] Dead link|date=June 2008

A music ringtone feature was introduced in the United States on September 5, 2007. For a fee equal to the price of the song on iTunes, the user is allowed to create their custom ringtones. It is not yet available in all countries where the iPhone has been released. The ringtones can be from 3 to 30 seconds in length of any part of a song, can include fading in and out, can pause from half a second to five seconds when looped, and never expire. All customizing can be done in iTunes, and the synced ringtones can also be used for alarms on the iPhone. Custom ringtones can also be created using Apple's GarageBand software 4.1.1 or later (available only on Mac OS X) and third-party tools.cite news|last=Gilbertson|first=Scott|title=How to Make Custom IPhone Ringtones Without Paying Apple $2|url=http://www.wired.com/software/coolapps/news/2007/09/ringtone_hacks|work=Wired magazine|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|date=2007-09-12|accessdate=2008-03-08]

Multimedia

The layout of the music library is similar to iPods and current Symbian S60 phones, with the sections divided more clearly alphabetically, and with a larger font. Just like iPods, the iPhone can sort its media library by songs, artists, albums, videos, playlists, genres, composers, podcasts, audiobooks, and compilations. Cover Flow, like that on iTunes, shows the different album covers in a scroll-through photo library. Scrolling is achieved by swiping a finger across the screen.

The iPhone supports gapless playback. [cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1797|title=What is Gapless Playback?|accessdate=2008-05-13|publisher=Apple Inc.]

Like the fifth generation iPods introduced in 2005, the iPhone can play video, allowing users to watch TV shows and films. Unlike other image-related content, video on the iPhone plays only in the landscape orientation, when the phone is turned sideways. Double tapping switches between wide-screen and full-screen video playback.

The iPhone allows users to purchase and download songs from the iTunes Store directly to their iPhone over Wi-Fi with the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, but not over the cellular data network. [cite web|url=http://daringfireball.net/linked/2007/september#thu-27-wifi|title=The Reason It’s Called the Wi-Fi Music Store|date=2007-09-30|accessdate=2008-01-06|first=John|last=Gruber|publisher=Daring Fireball|authorlink=John Gruber|work=Linked List]

Internet connectivity

Internet access is available when the iPhone is connected to a local area Wi-Fi or a wide area GSM or EDGE network, both second-generation (2G) wireless data standards. The iPhone 3G supports third-generation UMTS and HSDPA, but not HSUPA networks. Steve Jobs had stated in September 2007 that 3G would need to become more widespread in the United States and 3G chipsets would need to become much more energy efficient before inclusion in the iPhone. [cite web|url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/09/18/jobs.uk.cell.carrier.qa/|title=Jobs: battery life issues delaying 3G iPhone|publisher=MacNN|accessdate=2008-06-06] It is not clear whether it supports HSDPA 3.6 or HSDPA 7.2.Fact|date=June 2008 By default, the iPhone will ask to join newly discovered Wi-Fi networks and prompt for the password when required, while also supporting manually joining closed Wi-Fi networks. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306249|title=iPhone: About Connections Settings|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-11-04] When Wi-Fi is active, the iPhone will automatically switch from the EDGE network to any nearby previously approved Wi-Fi network. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305711|title=iPhone: Connecting to the Internet with EDGE or Wi-Fi|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-11-04] 802.1X is supported by the iPhone OS version 2.0, which is used by many university and corporate Wi-Fi networks.cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/au/iphone/enterprise/|title=Apple - iPhone - Enterprise|publisher=Apple Inc|accessdate=2008-06-11]

The ubiquitous Internet connection offered by the iPhone has been widely utilized by users. According to Google, the iPhone generates 50 times more search requests than any other mobile handset.cite web|last=Lane|first=Slash|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/02/14/google_iphone_usage_shocks_search_giant.html|title=Google iPhone usage shocks search giant|publisher=AppleInsider|date=2008-02-14|accessdate=2008-02-18] According to Deutsche Telekom CEO René Obermann, "The average Internet usage for an iPhone customer is more than 100 MBytes. This is 30 times the use for our average contract-based consumer customers."cite web|url=http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=144563&f_src=unstrung_gnews|title=iPhone Data Booms at T-Mobile|publisher=Unstrung|date=2008-01-30|accessdate=2008-02-18]

The iPhone is able to access the World Wide Web via a modified version of the Safari web browser. Web pages may be viewed in portrait or landscape mode and supports automatic zooming by pinching together or spreading apart fingertips on the screen, or by double-tapping text or images. [cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305899|title=iPhone: Zooming In to See a Page More Easily|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2007-11-04] The web browser displays complete web pages similar to a desktop web browser and supports zooming by double-tapping the screen. [cite web|url=http://solution.allthingsd.com/20070626/the-iphone-is-breakthrough-handheld-computer/|title=The iPhone Is a Breakthrough Handheld Computer|author=Mossberg and Boehret|quote=The iPhone is the first smart phone we’ve tested with a real, computer-grade Web browser, a version of Apple’s Safari. It displays entire Web pages, in their real layouts, and allows you to zoom in quickly by either tapping or pinching with your finger.|date=2007-06-26]

The iPhone does not support Flash [cite web|last=Chartier|first=David|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/12/its-official-no-flash-support-on-the-iphone-yet/|title=It's official: No Flash support on the iPhone (yet)|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|date=2007-06-12|accessdate=2008-06-06] nor Java technology [cite web|url=http://www.ericklein.com/2008/03/btw-i-love-apple.html|title=BTW, I love Apple!|date=2008-03-09|accessdate=2008-05-07] . However, starting in firmware version 2.1, the iPhone supports SVG and the HTML Canvas. The SVG support currently features scripting but no SMIL animation.

According to AT&T, the iPhone 3G has a maximum download rate of 1.4Mbp/s. [ [http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iPhone.jsp] ]

Apple developed an iPhone application for accessing Google's maps service in map, satellite or hybrid form, a list of search results, or directions between two locations, while providing optional real-time traffic information. During the product's announcement, Jobs demonstrated this feature by searching for nearby Starbucks locations and then placing a prank call to one with a single tap.cite web|last=Block|first=Ryan|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/live-from-macworld-2007-steve-jobs-keynote/|title=Live from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynote|publisher=Engadget|date=2007-01-09|accessdate=2008-06-06] Though Flash isn't supported in Safari on the iPhone, Apple also developed a separate application to view YouTube videos on the iPhone, similar to the system used for the Apple TV.

E-mail

The iPhone also features an e-mail program that supports HTML e-mail, which enables the user to embed photos in an e-mail message. PDF, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint attachments to mail messages can be viewed on the phone. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/iphone/questionsandanswers.html|title=iPhone—Questions and Answers|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-06-06] Apple's MobileMe platform offers push email, which emulates the functionality of the popular BlackBerry email solution, for an annual subscription. Yahoo! offers a free push-email service for the iPhone. IMAP (although not Push-IMAP) and POP3 mail standards are also supported, including Microsoft Exchangecite news|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|last=Mossberg|first=Walter|coauthor=Boehret, Katherine|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118289311361649057.html|title=Testing Out the iPhone|publisher="The Wall Street Journal"|date=2007-06-27|accessdate=2008-06-06] and Kerio MailServer. [cite web|first=Anthony|last=Frausto-Robledo|url=http://www.architosh.com/news/2007-07/2007a0724_an-kerioiphone.html|title=Analysis: Kerio MailServer delivers email to Apple iPhone|date=2007-07-24|accessdate=2008-06-06] In the first versions of the iPhone firmware, this was accomplished by opening up IMAP on the Exchange server. Apple has also licensed Microsoft ActiveSync and now supports the platform (including push email) with the release of iPhone 2.0 firmware. [cite news|url=http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/03/06/apple-iphone-sdk-event/|title=iPhone to support Exchange|date=2008-03-06|publisher=Barron's|work=TechTraderDaily] The iPhone will sync e-mail account settings over from Apple's own Mail application, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Entourage, or manually configured using the device's Settings tool. With the correct settings, the e-mail program can check almost any IMAP or POP3 account. [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/getready.html|title=iPhone—Get Ready|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Camera

The iPhone features a built in 2.0 megapixel camera located on the back for still digital photos. It has no optical zoom, flash or autofocus, and does not support video recording.

The iPhone includes software that allows the user to upload, view, and e-mail photos. The user zooms in and out of photos by "unpinching" and "pinching" them through the multi-touch interface. The software interacts with iPhoto and Aperture software on the Mac and Photoshop software in Windows. In version 2.0 of the iPhone OS, users can choose to allow location data to be embedded in the pictures producing geocoded photographs (geotagging).

Others

The built-in Bluetooth 2.x+EDR supports wireless earpieces, which requires the HSP profile, but notably does not support stereo audio (requires A2DP), laptop tethering (requires DUN and SPP), or the OBEX file transfer protocol (requires FTP, GOEP, and OPP). The lack of these profiles prevent iPhone users from exchanging multimedia files with other bluetooth-enabled cell phones, including pictures, music and videos.

Text messages are presented chronologically in a mailbox format similar to Mail, which places all text from recipients together with replies. Text messages are displayed in speech bubbles (similar to iChat) under each recipient's name. The iPhone currently has built-in support for e-mail message forwarding, drafts, and direct internal camera-to-e-mail picture sending. However, it does not yet have capabilities for delivery reports, MMS, or copy/cut/paste. [cite web|last=Ricker|first=Thomas|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/27/iphones-missing-ichat-mms-etc-coming-via-software-updates/|title=iPhone's missing iChat, MMS, etc. coming via software updates?|publisher=Engadget|date=2007-06-27|accessdate=2008-06-06] Support for multi-recipient SMS was added in the January 2008 (v1.1.3) software update.

Text input

For text input, the device implements a virtual keyboard on the touchscreen. It has automatic spell checking and correction, predictive word capabilities, and a dynamic dictionary that learns new words. The predictive word capabilities have been integrated with the dynamic virtual keyboard so that users will not have to be extremely accurate when typing—i.e. touching the edges of the desired letter or nearby letters on the keyboard will be predictively corrected when possible. The keys are somewhat larger and spaced farther apart when in landscape mode, currently available using the Safari web browser and certain third-party applications with Landscape Mode support. A lack of focus on text-messaging is widely considered a chief weakness of the iPhone, although a large number of users evidently have no issue using the device for this purpose.cite news|authorlink=John Markoff|last=Markoff|first=John|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/13/technology/13phone.ready.html|title=That iPhone Has a Keyboard, but It’s Not Mechanical|publisher="The New York Times"|date=2007-06-13|accessdate=2008-06-06] The lack of a physical keyboard allows for the keyboard to be optimized for different applications and languages via software changes only, instead of requiring a costly additional fabrication process.

Accessibility

According to Apple's accessibility statement "effective use of the iPhone 3G requires a minimal level of visual acuity, motor skills, and an ability to operate a few mechanical buttons. Use of iPhone 3G by someone who relies solely on audible and tactile input is not recommended." The iPhone 3G can be used with external TDD/TTY devices using a separately purchased adaptor cable. The iPhone 3G has not been rated under the United States Federal Communication Commission guidelines for hearing aid compatibility at either level M3 or T3. [ [http://images.apple.com/accessibility/pdf/iPhone_vpat.pdf iPhone 3G Voluntary Product Accessibility Template] ]

History and availability

The genesis of the iPhone began with Apple CEO Steve Jobs' direction that Apple engineers investigate touchscreens.cite news|last=Cohen|first=Peter|url=http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/01/09/liveupdate/index.php|title=Macworld Expo Keynote Live Update|publisher=Macworld|date=2007-01-09|accessdate=2007-02-01] Apple created the device during a secretive and unprecedented collaboration with AT&T Mobility—Cingular Wireless at the time of the phone's inception—at a development cost of US$150 million by one estimate. During development, the iPhone was codenamed "Purple 2". [cite news|last=Vogelstein|first=Fred|title=The Untold Story: How the iPhone Blew Up the Wireless Industry|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_iphone|work=Wired News|publisher=Condé Nast Publications|date=2008-01-09|accessdate=2008-01-10] The company rejected an early "design by committee" built with Motorola in favor of engineering a custom operating system and interface and building custom hardware.

The iPhone went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007. Apple closed its stores at 2:00 pm local time to prepare for the 6:00 pm iPhone launch, while hundreds of customers lined up at stores nationwide. Apple sold 270,000 iPhones in the first 30 hours on launch weekend.cite web|url=http://images.apple.com/pr/pdf/q307data_sum.pdf|title=Apple Inc. Q3 2007 Unaudited Summary Data|accessdate=2008-06-06|date=2007-07-25|format=PDF|publisher=Apple Inc.|quote=Consists of iPhones and Apple-branded and third-party iPhone accessories.] In 2007, 8 million iPhones were sold in the U.S. according to the Entertainment Software Association. [cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/pc-game-sales-bring-us-industry-to-1885-billion-in-07/ |title=PC Game Sales Bring U.S. Industry to $18.85 Billion in '07 |accessdate=2008-07-17 |author=James Brightman |date=2008-01-24 |work=GameDaily |publisher=AOL] The original iPhone was subsequently made available in five other countries: Ireland, the UK, France, Germany, and Austria.

On July 11, 2008, Apple released the iPhone 3G in twenty-two countries, including the original six. Forty-eight more are expected to follow in the months afterwards. The first iPhone 3G in the world was sold in Auckland, New Zealand to Jonny Gladwell, a 22-year-old student, at one minute past midnight NZST. [cite web
url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/497100/1901369
title=Auckland man snaps up first new generation iPhone
publisher=TVNZ
date=2008-07-11] On the iPhone 3G release date in the United States, many units initially failed to activate because Apple's iTunes servers were overloaded. [ [http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91RQIPG1&show_article=1 Software problems bug Apple's launch of new iPhone] ] Apple sold 1 million iPhone 3Gs in its first 3 days on sale. [cite web
url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/07/14iphone.html
title=Apple Sells One Million iPhone 3Gs in First Weekend
publisher=Apple, Inc.
date=2008-07-14]

pecifications

Features common to both versions

* Screen size: convert|3.5|in|mm|abbr=on
* Screen resolution: 480×320 pixels at 163 ppi, with 3:2 aspect ratio
* Input devices: Multi-touch screen interface plus a "Home" button
* Built-in rechargeable, non-removable battery
* 2 megapixel camera
* Location finding by detection of cell towers and Wi-Fi networks
* Samsung S5L8900 (412 MHz ARM 1176 processor, PowerVR MBX 3D graphics co-processor) [cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/news/semi/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=200900740|title=Update: U.K. graphics specialist confirms iPhone design win|publisher=EE Times]
* Memory: 128 MB DRAM
* Storage: 8 GB or 16 GB flash memory
* Operating System: iPhone OS
*Quad band GSM / GPRS / EDGE: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
* Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
* Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR

Original model

* 4 GB model (discontinued after two months) or 8 GB model
* Size: 4.5 inches (115 mm) "(h)" × 2.4 inches (61 mm) "(w)" × 0.46 inch (11.6 mm) "(d)"
* Weight: convert|135|g|oz|abbr=on
* Battery has up to 8 hours of talk, 6 hours of Internet use, 7 hours of video playback, and up to 24 hours of audio playback, lasting over 250 hours on standby.
* Headphone jack (recessed)
* Digital SAR of 0.974 W/kg [cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-8gb-at/4505-6452_7-32309245.html|title=Apple iPhone Reviews—CNET editors' review|publisher=CNET|date=2007-06-29|accessdate=2008-06-06] [cite web|url=http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/ViewExhibitReport.cfm?mode=Exhibits&calledFromFrame=N&application_id=268052&fcc_id=BCGA1203|title=OET Exhibits List|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|accessdate=2008-06-06]

3G model

* Color: Black (8 GB or 16 GB) or white (16 GB)
* Size: 4.5 inches (115.5 mm) "(h)" × 2.4 inches (62.1 mm) "(w)" × 0.48 inch (12.3 mm) "(d)"
* Weight: convert|133|g|oz|abbr=on
* Headphone jack (non-recessed)
* Battery has up to 10 hours of 2G talk, 5 hours of 3G talk, 5 (3G) or 6 (Wi-Fi) hours of Internet use, 7 hours of video playback, and up to 24 hours of audio playback, lasting over 300 hours on standby.
* Tri band UMTS / HSDPA: UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100
* Assisted GPS, with preference to location based on Wi-Fi or cell towers
*Digital SAR Rating: 1.38 W/kg

Patents, copyrights, and trademarks

Apple has filed more than 300 patents related to the technology behind the iPhone. [cite news|last=Ishimaru|first=Heather|url=http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/business&id=4920783|title=Apple Options Not An Issue At Macworld|publisher=abc7news.com|date=2007-01-09|accessdate=2007-01-11] [cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/index.html#technology|publisher=Apple Inc.|title=iPhone - Features - High Technology|accessdate=2008-06-06]

LG Electronics claimed the iPhone's design was copied from the LG Prada. Woo-Young Kwak, head of LG Mobile Handset R&D Center, said at a press conference, “We consider that Apple copied Prada phone after the design was unveiled when it was presented in the iF Design Award and won the prize in September 2006.”cite news|url=http://www.applematters.com/article/the-iphone-lawsuits/|title=The iPhone Lawsuits|publisher=Apple Matters|first=Aaron|last=Wright|date=2007-02-20|accessdate=2007-06-25]

On September 3, 1993, Infogear filed for the U.S. trademark "I PHONE"cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=74431935|title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 74431935 (I PHONE)|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office|date=2007-01-12|accessdate=2008-06-06] and on March 20, 1996 applied for the trademark "IPhone".cite news|authorlink=Ryan Blitstein|last=Blitstein|first=Ryan|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/16430057.htm|title=Cisco sues Apple over iPhone name|publisher="San Jose Mercury News"|date=2007-01-10|accessdate=2007-01-10Dead link|date=January 2008] "I Phone" was registered in March 1998, and "IPhone" was registered in 1999. Since then, the I PHONE mark had been abandoned. Infogear's trademarks cover "communications terminals comprising computer hardware and software providing integrated telephone, data communications and personal computer functions" (1993 filing), and "computer hardware and software for providing integrated telephone communication with computerized global information networks" (1996 filing). [cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75076573|title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 75076573 (IPHONE)|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office|date=2006-07-31|accessdate=2008-06-06] Infogear released a telephone with an integrated web browser under the name iPhone in 1998.cite news|last=Needle|first=David|url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9906/10/iphone.idg/index.html|title=InfoGear upgrades phone of the future|publisher=CNN|date=1999-06-10|accessdate=2007-01-27] In 2000, Infogear won an infringement claim against the owners of the iphones.com domain name.cite web|url=http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/94369.htm|title=InfoGear Technology Corporation v iPhones|publisher=National Arbitration Forum|date=2000-04-13|accessdate=2008-06-06] In June 2000, Cisco Systems acquired Infogear, including the iPhone trademark.cite news|last=Kawamoto|first=Dawn|url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6153865.html|title=Cisco faces iPhone trademark challenge in Canada|publisher=ZDNet|date=2007-01-26|accessdate=2008-06-06] On December 18, 2006 they released a range of re-branded Voice over IP (VoIP) sets under the name iPhone. [cite news|last=Smith|first=Tony|url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/12/18/linksys_launches_iphone/|title=iPhone launched … but not by Apple|publisher=The Register|date=2006-12-18|accessdate=2008-06-06]

In October 2002, Apple applied for the "iPhone" trademark in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union. A Canadian application followed in October 2004 and a New Zealand application in September 2006. As of October 2006 only the Singapore and Australian applications had been granted. In September 2006, a company called Ocean Telecom Services applied for an "iPhone" trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, following a filing in Trinidad and Tobago. [cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E5341301|title=Case details for Community Trade Mark E5341301|publisher=UK Intellectual Property Office|accessdate=2008-06-06] As the Ocean Telecom trademark applications use exactly the same wording as Apple's New Zealand application, it is assumed that Ocean Telecom is applying on behalf of Apple. [cite web|url=http://10layers.com/2006/10/apple-filing-for-iphone-trademarks-worldwide/|title=Apple filing for iPhone trademarks worldwide|publisher=10layers.com|date=2006-10-17|accessdate=2007-01-28] The Canadian application was opposed in August 2005 by a Canadian company called Comwave who themselves applied for the trademark three months later. Comwave have been selling VoIP devices called iPhone since 2004.

Shortly after Steve Jobs' January 9, 2007 announcement that Apple would be selling a product called iPhone in June 2007, Cisco issued a statement that it had been negotiating trademark licensing with Apple and expected Apple to agree to the final documents that had been submitted the night before.cite news|authorlink=Owen Thomas (journalist)|last=Thomas|first=Owen|url=http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/09/technology/apple_jobs/index.htm|title=Apple: Hello, iPhone|publisher=CNN Money|date=2007-01-09|accessdate=2007-01-27] On January 10, 2007 Cisco announced it had filed a lawsuit against Apple over the infringement of the trademark iPhone, seeking an injunction in federal court to prohibit Apple from using the name.cite press release|url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/corp_011007.html|title=Cisco Sues Apple for Trademark Infringement|publisher=Cisco Systems|date=2007-01-10|accessdate=2008-06-06] More recently, Cisco claimed that the trademark lawsuit was a "minor skirmish" that was not about money, but about interoperability. [cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1047_3-6153339.html|title=Report: Cisco CEO calls iPhone suit 'minor skirmish'|publisher=News.com|author=Reuters|date=2007-01-25|accessdate=2008-06-06]

On February 2, 2007, Apple and Cisco announced that they had agreed to temporarily suspend litigation while they hold settlement talks, [cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003552200_iphone02.html|title=Cisco, Apple decide to talk over iPhone|first=May|last=Wong|work=Associated Press|publisher=The Seattle Times|date=2007-02-02|accessdate=2008-06-06] and subsequently announced on February 20, 2007 that they had reached an agreement. Both companies will be allowed to use the "iPhone" name [cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117211001262715655.html|title=Apple, Cisco Reach Accord Over iPhone|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|publisher="The Wall Street Journal"|format=fee required|date=2007-02-22|accessdate=2008-06-06] in exchange for "exploring interoperability" between their security, consumer, and business communications products. [cite news|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/02/21iphone.html|title=Cisco and Apple Reach Agreement on iPhone Trademark|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=2007-02-21|accessdate=2008-04-01]

Restrictions

IM Lock removal

While initially iPhones were only sold on the AT&T network with a SIM lock in place, various hackers have found methods to "unlock" the phone; more recently some carriers have started to sell unlocked iPhones [cite news|url=http://www.pcretailmag.com/news/29052/Orange-to-sell-iPhone-SIM-free-for-749|title=Orange to sell iPhone SIM-free for €749|date=2007-11-29|accessdate=2008-01-06|publisher=PC Retail Magazine] . More than a quarter of iPhones sold in the United States were not registered with AT&T. Apple speculates that they were likely shipped overseas and unlocked. [cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7214873.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=2008-01-28|title=Quarter of US iPhones 'unlocked'] AT&T has stated that the "iPhone cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract". [ [http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=61097&isSrch=Yes AT&T Mobility Answer Center: "What is the unlock code for my iPhone?"] ]

On November 21, 2007, T-Mobile in Germany announced it would sell the phone unlocked and without a T-Mobile contract, caused by a preliminary injunction against T-Mobile put in place by their competitor, Vodafone. In Germany, a company is not allowed to lock the SIM card to itself. [cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSWEB918820071121|title=T-mobile to sell Iphone without contract|publisher=Reuters|date=2007-11-21|accessdate=2008-06-06] On December 4, 2007, a German court decided to grant T-Mobile exclusive rights to sell the iPhone with SIM lock, overturning the temporary injunction. [cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/T-Mobile-Germany-stops-selling-unlocked-iPhones/2100-1039_3-6221306.html?tag=nefd.top|title=T-Mobile Germany stops selling unlocked iPhones|publisher=CNET|date=2007-12-04|accessdate=2008-06-06] In addition, T-Mobile will voluntarily offer to unlock customers' iPhone after the termination of the contract. [cite news|url=http://www.betanews.com/article/Hamburg_court_relocks_iPhone_in_Germany/1196796105|title=Hamburg court re-locks iPhone in Germany|date=2007-12-04|accessdate=2008-06-06]

On carriers where removal of the iPhone's SIM lock is allowed the carrier can submit a request to Apple which will then remove the carrier locking on the next restore of the iPhone through iTunes. Customers of the carriers Optus and Vodafone in Australia, and Netcom in Norway, have so far been successful in unlocking their phones to work on any network. Fact|date=October 2008

Activation

The iPhone normally prevents access to its media player and web features unless it has also been activated as a phone with an authorized carrier. On July 3, 2007, Jon Lech Johansen reported on his blog that he had successfully bypassed this requirement and unlocked the iPhone's other features with a combination of custom software and modification of the iTunes binary. He published the software and offsets for others to use. [cite news|url=http://nanocr.eu/2007/07/03/iphone-without-att/|title=iPhone Independence Day|publisher=nanocr.eu|first=Jon Lech|last=Johansen|authorlink=Jon Lech Johansen|date=2007-07-03|accessdate=2008-06-06]

Unlike the original, the 3G iPhone must be activated in the store in most countries. [cite news|url=http://www.maclife.com/article/iphone_3g_in_store_activation_only|title=iPhone 3G - In-Store Activation Only|publisher=Mac|Life|first=Roberto|last=Baldwin|date=2008-06-09|accessdate=2008-06-13] This need for in-store activation, as well as the huge number of first-generation iPhone and iPod Touch users upgrading to iPhone OS 2.0, caused a worldwide overload of Apple's servers on July 11, 2008, the day on which both the iPhone 3G and iPhone OS 2.0 updates were released. After the update, devices were required to connect to Apple's servers to authenticate the update, causing many devices to be temporarily unusable. [cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/business/12iphone.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin|title=iPhone Users Plagued by Software Problems.|publisher=New York Times|first=John|last=Markoff|date=2008-07-012|accessdate=2008-07-13]

However, on the O2 network in the United Kingdom, users can buy the phone online and activate it via iTunes, as with the previous model. [ [http://www.o2.co.uk/iphone/paymonthly Pay Monthly - iPhone - O2 ] ] Likewise, in Australia, iPhones purchased as a pre-paid kit do not require in-store activation, but require activation online at the Optus website and iTunes. [Optus iPhone Pre-Paid - Start Up Guide] On the Movistar network in Spain, users can activate it via iTunes also. However for their convenience, shops usually offer to activate it for them.

Third party applications

The iPhone's operating system is designed to only run software that has an Apple-approved cryptographic signature. This restriction can be overcome by "jailbreaking" the phone [ [http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9806428-37.html iPhone jailbreak for the masses] ] , which involves replacing the iPhone's firmware with a slightly modified version that does not enforce the signature check. Doing so may be a circumvention of Apple's technical protection measures [ [http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/commentary/circuitcourt/2007/08/circuitcourt_0829 Legal or Not, IPhone Hacks Might Spur Revolution] ] , which in the United States would be legal under special provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that allows for circumvention for the purpose of connecting a wireless telephone to a wireless telephone communication network [ [http://www.copyright.gov/fedreg/2006/71fr68472.pdf Exemption to Prohibition on Circumvention of Copyright Protection Systems for Access Control Technologies] ] .

ee also

*Timeline of Apple products

References

External links

*
*
* [http://www.apple.com/iphone/ Apple's iPhone website]
*dmoz|Computers/Systems/Handhelds/Smartphones/iPhone|iPhone