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http://www.macnn.com/articles/10/04/12/sets.precedent.for.obsoleting.hardware/

Jobs: No more support for first-generation iPhone

updated 12:15 pm EDT, Mon April 12, 2010

 

Sets precedent for obsoleting hardware


Apple will no longer be providing firmware updates for the first-generation iPhone, released in June 2007, says CEO Steve Jobs. The company recently announced iPhone 4.0, a major summer firmware update that will introduce elements like folders and multitasking. Not only is this code being kept off of the first-gen iPhone, an e-mail from Jobs reveals, but Apple is effectively halting any future software support for the device.

iPhone 4.0 is the first version of Apple's touchscreen OS -- aside from the iPad-only v3.2 -- to deliberately omit compatibility with an earlier device. While some Apple handhelds do not support all features of the platform, even iPhone 3.x can be installed on any iPhone or iPod touch. With v4.0 Apple will also provide just partial functionality for the iPhone 3G and second-generation Touch, closing off multitasking.




by MacNN Staff

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 iPhone, Steve Jobs, Apple, iPhone 4.0

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Comments

  1. ziplockbag

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2009

    +7
    04/12, 12:28pm | report spam | Reply |

    No surprise

    It's been a long run for the 2G iPhone but eventually it makes sense to limit the devices you have to support. iPhone OS 3.1.3 is not a bad OS to go out on.

  1. slider

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Oct 1999

    +7
    04/12, 12:34pm | report spam | Reply |

    Not a Bad Run

    The original iPhone had a pretty good run and I think Apple did a pretty good job in supporting the device. I'm sure it'll continue to serve those that still use it quite happily. Not everyone needs the latest and greatest and if it does what they need it to do more power to them (and their wallet. The lack of multitasking up to this point certainly does not seem to have effected sales.

    Personally I'm ecstatic that my 3GS will support the new OS, but I was fairly confident it would given Apple's track record for the original iPhone.

  1. gprovida

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2006

    +3
    04/12, 12:43pm | report spam | Reply |

    iPhone 2.5 G Support

    I am not sure what support means.

    1. Does not get new features? Yup
    2. Will not run or install iPhone 4.0? Yup
    3. Will not get security updates as needed? Not so sure, e.g., Safari exploit demonstrated to access SMS etc.

  1. cmoney

    Mac Enthusiast

    Joined: Sep 2000

    +9
    04/12, 12:44pm | report spam | Reply |

    iPhone updates vs rest of the world

    Considering the iPhone is still the only phone out there that has received consistent and significant updates over the past three years, there's really nothing to be disappointed about.

  1. Flying Meat

    Junior Member

    Joined: Jan 2007

    +3
    04/12, 12:52pm | report spam | Reply |

    So I guess

    the life cycle is 4 years? That is 3 years supported, and one year swinging in the breeze?

    I wonder if/when AT&T will announce they don't support the original iPhone. Presumably it should still work as a phone for quite a while, and an iPod/game device as well...

    Batteries may become an issue?

  1. jamck1977

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2010

    +10
    04/12, 01:00pm | report spam | Reply |

    I love my 2G

    Can we have firmware that allows use on another carrier without 'jailbreaking' and unlocking?

  1. tsmelker

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2006

    +3
    04/12, 02:03pm | report spam | Reply |

    'No Support' doesn't mean 'No Good

    As with all Apple's Products, just because they aren't supported with firmware/OS updates doesn't mean they stop working altogether. My 1st Gen iPhone still functions the same, and I can survive with the functionality I have. Heck, I'm still using my iPod photo, which was released in 2005, and it hasn't received a firmware update in three years now! I have several Macs and iPods as part of my Mac Museum, and they all function perfectly.

    I'm typing this on my late 2005 Power Mac- the last PowerPC Power Mac before the switch to Intel Chips; and although Apple officially considers it 'obsolete', I'll still be using it for another couple years, when it will then find a new home in my Museum, probably along with 2G iPhone. I'm more concerned about the Internet being capped due to the lack of new IP's than I am about 'obsolete' Apple equipment. They only way I'd stop using my original iPhone is if AT&T literally stopped my service for that particular equipment.

  1. webraider

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Nov 2004

    +1
    04/12, 08:26pm | report spam | Reply |

    What this does mean....

    .. Is that new apps designed to work with OS 4 Probably won't work with this or the 1st Gen. iPod Touch. I would imagine apps that work with new features like multi-tasking etc... won't be backwards compatible. I might be wrong though. This is certainly Apple's way of encouraging you to buy a new product.

  1. IONLYUSEOSX08

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2008

    +2
    04/12, 10:24pm | report spam | Reply |

    I will use my Original iPhone 2.5G until...

    A. Apple and Verizon announce an iPhone 4G this Summer (please let it be June for my birthday)

    B. AT&T degrades Edge service to the point where I need to dump my service and I WILL go to another carrier if they do that, iPhone or no iPhone!

    C. AT&T and or Apple announce a $99 iPhone 3GS upgrade promotion for current original iPhone users. You must bring your original working iPhone in to the Applestore for the upgrade and recycling. My AT&T contract has long expired and I am waiting to pull the trigger on a new service.

    Option C. is what I want to hear from Steve Jobs next folks. That would shock me better than any keynote.

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