Apple: iPhone v1.1.2 update coming Friday

Apple has confirmed that it will deliver the iPhone v1.1.2 update to all users on Friday, the same day it will launch the iPhone in the UK. Although the exact time of release could not be confirmed, the report says that iPhone owners who sync their device with iTunes tomorrow in the States will be presented with the option to upgrade to the new firmware. Specifically, the update is expected to bring wider language support with international keyboards and special character keys, and access to The Cloud Wi-Fi hotspots for UK users.

Though hackers continue to refine and update their current utilities, the v1.1.2 update is also expected to resolve the recently discovered TIFF exploit that has allowed hackers to "jailbreak" their iPhones, providing access to the file system and allowing users to install third-party applications. Users who unlocked their iPhones for use on non-AT&T networks may also experience problems and are advised not to apply the update. Apple has previously warned that users who apply its updates to unlocked phones may damage their devices.

With lines already forming outside stores in the UK, network carrier O2 said that it expects to sell more than 200,000 iPhones, while some analsysts believe Apple will as many as 400,000 during the first two months.

Through end of its September quarter, Apple said it sold over 1.4 million iPhones--with about 250,000 being sold to 'unlockers'. Despite the legal controversy surrounding the policy, Apple has since restricted iPhone sales in the US due to both demand and to prevent users from reselling unlocked versions.

Apple has also threatened companies who are selling unlocked iPhones in Europe. When some French consumers have began buying unlocked iPhones -- ahead of the expected November 29 launch -- Apple quickly threatened legal action. phoneandphone.com, which started selling unlocked iPhones tied to contracts with rival operators Bouygues Telecom and Virgin Mobile, finally ceased after receiving legal threats from Apple. According to the report, the company has agreed to hold off sales of the popular until "it comes on to the European market."

Filed under: Apple