Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile

Apple iOS 4.2 could grease grinding iPhone 3G gears

Molly McHugh
By

Attention all forlorn and bitter iPhone 3G users: Apple might actually have a fix for that ill-fated iOS 4 upgrade your phone was subjected to. IPhone 3G users have been complaining that the purportedly improved software is incompatible with the older models’ hardware. Actually, they are more than complaining; one iPhone 3G owner is suing Apple and accusing the company of purposefully creating software that would leave users no choice but to upgrade to the iPhone 4.

Many iPhone 3G users are echoing her accusations, so they could all be somewhat wary about trusting this supposed iOS 4.2 upgrade that could restore their phone’s former functionality. IOS 4 more or less destroyed it, and 4.1 was a mild improvement that didn’t deliver a complete fix. Not to mention that 4.1’s failure to improve issues with the iPhone 4 did little to boost consumer confidence. But now sources are claiming Apple is making amends, and 4.2 delivers.

Recommended Videos

IOS 4.2 is primarily intended for the iPad, but is compatible with the iPod touch and iPhone as well. TiPb, an Apple blog, tested the Golden Master seed (released last week to developers) of 4.2 on the 3G to vastly improved results.  In a video of the demonstration, TiPb shows that the phone is overall much more responsive – text entry and browsing capabilities are quicker and reminiscent of the phone’s promised performance.

Related

Apple’s site reports the upgrade will be available in November, and there are claims it could be as early as this week.

The question for iPhone 3G users clinging to pre-iOS 4 firmware will be: Do you take the leap of faith and upgrade to 4.2, or are you too critical of Apple and bent on avoiding the dreaded “iBrick”? The imminent release of iOS 4.2 should yield the answer.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Molly McHugh
Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
The 7 biggest features we expect to see in iOS 18
The home screen on the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

Apple revealed that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place on June 10. This is when we expect to see the next iteration of software across all of Apple’s products, including iOS 18.

From the sounds of it, we’re in for a big update with iOS 18, rumored to be one of the “biggest updates” yet. Here’s what we expect from Apple's next major iPhone update with iOS 18.
A more customizable home screen

Read more
This could be our first look at iOS 18’s huge redesign
An iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro standing upright on a desk.

While iOS 17 fell short on a visual overhaul, Apple is rumored to be working on an updated identity for its next iOS version. Previous reports have claimed that the upcoming iOS 18 will feature visionOS-like elements introduced on the Apple Vision Pro. A new report confirms this with a leaked image of the iOS 18 Camera app.

According to a report from MacRumors, the next version of the Camera app could feature visionOS-style design elements. It is based on an iPhone frame template that the publication received from an anonymous source who claimed to have received it from an iOS engineer. It is said to have been included as part of the Apple Design Resources for iOS 18.

Read more
10 reasons you should buy an iPhone in 2024
Purple iPhone 14 (left) and a green iPhone 15 in hand.

The iPhone 15 lineup — which includes the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro — is the iPhone at its best. It's the latest series of iPhones available today and the default choice if you're buying a new iPhone in 2024.

But it’s not the only choice of iPhones you can purchase. In fact, Apple still sells the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and the iPhone SE on its website. You could also find other iPhone models available – refurbished or new — from other retailers or carrier stores.

Read more