What’s new in the iPhone Update 1.0.1

Apple started pushing out an update to the iPhone software a few hours ago. I’m in the process of installing it right now, but I’ve been reading on other people’s experiences. This is a run down on what’s changed:

Apple’s release notes for Update 1.01 only lists three of security fixes for Safari and the WebCore and WebKit components it makes use of, but users are reporting other improvements.

Apple’s security fixes address vulnerabilities discovered by independent security researchers last week, including, cross-site scripting, malicious code execution, and phishing attacks using masqueraded URLs.

The update is only 7.1MB, but Apple has incremented the Software, Firmware & Modem Firmware. Users on Howard Forums, Apple’s own discussion forums, and comments on various blogs report other improvements and enhancements, which I’m summarizing below (even if I’m not entirely sure what a few of them are really describing).

The list of files changed by the update that Nate True compiled shows that lots of software on the iPhone was changed. So far, these are the changes people have observed:

Update 8/1/07: I’m a little skeptical about some of the improvemnts people are reporting based on my own experience. I’m making notes in parenthesis)

Bug Fixes:

• Safari stability may be enhanced, particularly with javascript heavy pages (Perhaps, but I had safari crash twice within 5 minutes of each other after applying the update).
• iPod music playback, which would often die if you were browsing web pages at the same time, now seems more robust (But I’ve still had it crash on me, post-update).
• IMAP users who couldn’t see all their mail folders now report they are able to do so. People using Microsoft Exchange via IMAP also report this improvement.
• YouTube app Most Viewed, All and Today options now appear to provide more variety (YAY. I couldn’t believe how useless it was before the update).
• Calculator resets display when launched
• Google Maps app no longer jumps to a new location if you touch the bottom command bar while zooming (I’m not sure what caused it, but I’ve had the location jump after only a minute or two of use, post-update).
• VPN settings now remember security level settings and passwords in between sessions. There is also a button to abort a hung VPN connection attempt and PPTP VPN works with encryption enabled.
• Battery meter now shows full charge, for people who had been having problems (Interestingly, it now seems to take longer for my phone to show full charge).
• Remembers and automatically rejoins WiFi networks with hidden SSID
• Some people think performance and switching between apps is generally faster (something I think I’ve noticed too). Also, that there is less lag during typing. It can still lag horribly during typing.
• Mail messages seem to load and display more quickly.
• One user reported that it now works with an external FM transmitter (Griffin, if I remember right.
• Another reports that it now correctly outputs audio to his Belkin iPod car adapter.
• It isn’t clear if the low headset and speakerphone volume many people (including me) have been experiencing during calls (but not during media playback) has been addressed. A number of people think their phone is louder, but many others report no change. I haven’t been able to try it myself. One thing is that people were already reporting that doing a full restore on their iPhone fixed the volume issue, even before this update came out, so any improvement could just be a side effect. Update: One user checked it with a audio meter and measured a 6-8db improvement after the update.
• At least one person who had a problem with “speckles” on his screen reports the problem is gone.

Enhancements:

• Passcode Lock feature now lets you chose 5, 10, 15, or 30 minute delays before locking, in addition to the 1 minute and immediate options offered before.
• Mail settings now allow you to Bcc yourself a copy of messages, rather than Cc them.
• Ability to turn off audio alerts for calendar items (may or may not be new)
• Now allows more contacts in your favorites list.

Caveats and Clues:

• People who have used various hacks to install custom ringtones, etc, are reporting that they get an error during the update and are forced to restore. Once the iPhone has been restored and updated, the hacks can be reapplied successfully.
• Some people report that they have lost a number of entries in their contact list. Doing another sync may restore them from backup.
• Musicians (and everyone else) can still only SMS one person at a time.
• You can install the update from any machine running iTunes. You don’t have to be at the machine you sync with, though I’d be worried that there won’t be an up to date backup unless you do the update from the machine you sync your iPhone with.

So, that’s everything I’ve been able to discover on my own or find in discussion boards. If you have any additions, or corrections, please leave a comment.

Other coverage:

• CNET
  
• iPhone Central