The iPhone / iPod touch 2.0.1 software update should not be mistaken for the 2.1 build issued to developers two weeks ago. 2.0.1 is, however, out in the wild and ready to hit your iPhone / iPhone 3G / iPod touch to make your device work a tad better, and faster.

To download and install the 249.2MB update, connect your iPhone or iPod touch to your Mac or PC and select it in iTunes. Then hit the "Check for Update" button. iTunes will initiate a grueling backup of your existing iPhone's software before installing the the update.


While no one could confirm that the two major problems are fixed after installing the update, AppleInsider has posted some user-discovered changes in iPhone/iPod 2.0.1 which include the following:


  • You can now drag an app icon across multiple pages in one motion, rather than having to drag it, drop it, pick it up again and drag it over to next page, and repeat.
  • Contacts are now more responsive.
  • After installing 2.0.1, each successive backup is much faster.
  • Apple may have changed the calibration of the iPhone's reception "bars" while connected to a 3G network to reflect a stronger signal than before.
  • Keypad loads quicker.
  • Screen rotation in Safari appears to be smoother.
  • Some apps may ask to be updated after the firmware upgrade.


To download and install iPhone / iPod touch 2.0.1, connect your device to your computer, select it in iTunes and click on the "Check for Update" button. Prior to installing the new software, iTunes will back up your data.