Guide Note

iPhone 2.0 firmware is an updated version of the operating system for Apple's iPhone. It enables users to install new applications onto their iPhones using the iPhone App Store in iTunes. The 2.0 firmware release coincides with the release of the iPhone 3G, and is used to upgrade the previous iPhone.

Fast Facts

Originally expected in: June, 2008

Beta version released: March 6, 2008

Official release: July 11, 2008

Installer leaked a day early¹

Enables iPhone owners to install custom applications

Custom applications will not run without the new firmware

Reportedly causes unlocked or jailbroken iPhones to "brick," or malfunction¹

Firmware jailbroken on July 15, 2008²

Tools for other users to jailbreak their iPhones released on July 19, 2008³

Unlocking tool for iPhone 3G not yet released

Beta Version

Although the final version was released in July, Apple released the beta version of iPhone 2.0 firmware in March, 2008. It was bundled with the iPhone SDK in order to encourage independent developers to prepare iPhone applications before the release of the iPhone 3G.⁴

IPhone 2.0 Firmware

The Mahalo Top 7

Apple Software Update: iPhone | 2.0 Firmware Update Installer
Apple Support: Updating and restoring iPhone and iPod touch software
MacRumors.com: iPhone 2.0 Firmware (5A347) Available Early (July 10, 2008)
Gizmodo: iPhone Pwnage Tool 2.0 Now Available (Jailbreak and Unlock) (July 19, 2008)
TechCrunch: Ok, iPhone Users, We Are Ready To Roll With 2.0 (July 10, 2008)
TechCrunch: How to Fix an iPhone Caught in a Bad Reboot Cycle or That Won’t Boot (July 10, 2008)
Video: TechCrunch 2.0 Firmware Demo (Time: 5:51)