Apple Shows Off Next Version of iPhone Software

Robert Galbraith/Reuters Scott Forstall, senior vice president for iPhone software at Apple, discusses the new iPhone OS 3.0.
CUPERTINO, Calif. — In a shot across the bow of other mobile phone makers that are rushing to emulate aspects of its popular iPhone, Apple on Tuesday previewed some features that are due out in the next version of the phone’s software.
IPhone OS 3.0, as Apple calls it, will allow developers to create multiplayer games that work over a local wireless connection, better integrate the maps that Apple and Google have developed for the device, and “push” messages to users through their programs.
That last improvement could unleash a new wave of creativity on the iPhone. Companies like ESPN.com can send score updates to sports fans, and instant messaging can now become far more practical on the device. Programs can solicit the attention of users with either a pinging sound or a text message. Apple said it was late developing such “push notifications” because of the challenge of preserving battery life and processing power.

iPhone OS 3.1 also includes these features and updates:

iPhone OS 3.1 also includes these features and updates:
Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos1
iTunes U content organization1
Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store
Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store
Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll
Option to "Save as new clip" when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS
Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on

Enhanced Stocks Application

Enhanced Stocks Application
Get more at-a-glance information and view charts in landscape.

iPhone OS 3.1 Software Update

The free iPhone OS 3.1 Software Update includes some great new features, as well as all the features from previous updates. iPhone OS 3.1 gives you Genius recommendations for apps, lets you download ringtones wirelessly, offers a new way to organize apps on your iPhone, and more.

Apple - iPhone - New features in the iPhone 3.1 Software Update.

Cut, Copy & Paste
Quickly and easily cut, copy, and paste text from application to application. Select entire blocks of web text with a tap. Copy and paste images from the web, too.
Landscape Keyboard
Want more room to type? Rotate iPhone to landscape to use a larger keyboard in Mail, Messages, Notes, and Safari.