iPhone OS 2: The App Store Revolution Begins

iPhone OS 2: Announced on March 6, 2008 and released to the public on July 11, along side of the launch of the iPhone 3G — iPhone OS was a featured packed update that turned what essentially was one one of most advanced cellphones ever into a full fledged app platform thanks to the introduction wheelhouse known as the App Store. This one step changed how software was deployed on a mobile device and set the stage for our current-day mobile ecosystems.

The update was available for free to original iPhone owners, while iPod touch users had to purchase it was a paid upgrade because of significant changes at the system level.

App Store, the dawn of mobile software revolution

The biggest new feature in iPhone OS 2 was by far the App Store, which:

Explore, directional transfer and self-install third party applications from the device.

Gain an under-the-hood perspective as you watch the two iPhone SDKs (Software Development Kit) be used to create apps.

Enjoy apps, both free and paid, all curated by Apple.

Although the App Store launched with only 500 apps, it placed handsets in the hands of developers who quickly turned out applications that numbered in the thousands. The Android application had one billion downloads in less than a year.

That was the dawn of the contemporary app economy and as such — iPhone OS 2 was, at its moment in, the most important patch ever.

iPhone SDK: Empowering Developers

Apple came out with the iPhone SDK to help to support their App Store, and that basically gave developers access to great tools and APIs like:

Core Location (for GPS-based apps),

Multitouch gestures,

Accelerometer input,

Push notifications (announced in iPhone OS 2, but formally introduced with the iPhone OS 3),

Secure sandboxing and code signing.

This effectively tore the platform open to third-party developers, resulting in a developer frenzy that continues unabi8ted.

iPhone 3G and Enterprise Support

Apple iPhone 3G with iPhone OS 2:

Runs on 3G cellular networks for improved internet speeds.

An integrated GPS for more accurate tracking and mapping.

Additionally, in white (as well as black).

iPhone OS 2 also brought the first sweeping enterprise features which in theory, made the iPhone a truly business device:

Push email, calendar, and contacts exchange support for Microsoft Exchange.

Support for Cisco VPN, WPA2 Enterprise Wi-Fi and remote wipe

IT supported secure authentication and encryption functionalities.

These changes promptly transformed the iPhone into a legitimate competitor to BlackBerry for business use.

Built-In App Enhancements

Native applications were improved in iPhone OS 2, and even so some of these menory was added eso were added to the operating area.

It added support for push email, and improved attachment viewing.

Broke contacts out into it’s own app (used to be a part of Phone)

Maps was improved and included GPS on the iPhone 3G.

When turning the calculator to landscape, it got a scientific mode.

Better JavaScript support on Safari (performance and stability)

It made my iPhone feel more capable and efficient.

Other System Features and Improvements

Multiple-language and keyboard support (Including Chinese, Japanese input).

Take screenshots by pressing Home and Sleep/Wake together.

Delete Multiple Photos Or Emails At Once

Provision for sorts of Parental controls (Restrictions) to prevent using specific apps or content.

Thinner new keyboard and other UI tweaks across the OS

These improvements in small ways made it more of a user platform.

Device Compatibility and Performance

Available for: iPhone 1.0, iPhone 3G 1.0 and iPod touch (1st generation)

It came pre-installed on the iPhone 3G and as a free upgrade for original iPhone users.

Because of accounting rules at the time, iPod touch users had to pay a fee (about $10).

The new iPhone handled performance well with a less than a second per iPhone 3GS after applications that ran smoothly in the terminators, though the bottlenecks occur within typically normal applications on account of what is effectively reduced strain on strictly limited single-core (first-generation) processors.

iPhone OS 2.x Updates

iPhone OS 2.1 (Sept 2008): Better battery life, decreased dropped calls, faster backups and app installs

iPhone OS 2.2 (Nov 2008): Google Street View in Maps, Direct podcast downloads, Improved stability.

In January 2009, iPhone OS 2.2.1 was the last version to be released and was focussed on bug fixes and stability improvements with this generation of iOS devices, as new updates would require new generation of hardware with enough horsepower to handle the latest features[]

In Summary

The launch of App Store with iPhone OS 2 is a milestone in the history of mobile, as it also marked the first time that the walled garden around iPhone was partially opened to developers. This turned the iPhone from a discreet cool phone into an open mobile operating system. And with enterprise features, GPS, support for 3G data speeds and the ability to handle hundreds of apps, iPhone OS 2 became the platform that would secure Apple’s place at the top of the smartphone mountain and lay down some very basic footprints on path toward a trillion-dollar app economy.

1. When was iPhone OS 2 released?

iPhone OS 2 was announced at Apple’s special event in March 2008 and released to the public on July 11, 2008, alongside the iPhone 3G. This update was hugely important because it marked the beginning of the App Store, transforming the iPhone into more than just a phone.

2. Which devices supported iPhone OS 2?

It supported the original iPhone (2007) and the newly released iPhone 3G (2008), as well as the first iPod touch. Unlike today’s wide range of supported models, back then the ecosystem was very small, but this update laid the foundation for future device support.

3. What was the biggest new feature in iPhone OS 2?

The biggest feature was without a doubt the App Store, which launched with around 500 apps. For the first time, developers could create apps for the iPhone, and users could download them easily. This completely changed mobile technology and turned the iPhone into a platform rather than just a device.

4. How did the App Store impact the iPhone?

The App Store turned the iPhone into a revolutionary device. Users could install apps for productivity, entertainment, education, and more. This made the iPhone customizable and much more useful. Within a year, the App Store had over 10,000 apps and more than 500 million downloads, showing its massive success.

5. What new apps or services were introduced in iPhone OS 2?

iPhone OS 2 introduced Apple’s built-in App Store app, Contacts app (separate from Phone), and Scientific Calculator in landscape mode. It also included Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support, allowing business users to sync email, calendar, and contacts, making the iPhone attractive for enterprise use.

6. What improvements were made for email and productivity?

Email in iPhone OS 2 gained support for push email, multiple email selection, and contact search. With Exchange ActiveSync, it became easier for professionals to use the iPhone as a work device, helping Apple break into the corporate market dominated by BlackBerry at the time.

7. How did iPhone OS 2 improve security?

Apple added new enterprise-level security features such as remote wipe, which allowed users or companies to erase an iPhone if it was lost or stolen. This made the iPhone more appealing to businesses that required strong data protection.

8. What changes were made to performance and usability?

iPhone OS 2 improved performance by making the user interface more responsive and adding contacts search, email search, and bulk message management. While small compared to later updates, these refinements made daily use much smoother.

9. What was the role of third-party developers in iPhone OS 2?

For the first time, Apple opened up the iPhone to developers with the iPhone SDK (Software Development Kit). This allowed third-party developers to create apps using Apple’s tools. The launch of the App Store with iPhone OS 2 was the beginning of the mobile app economy, which would grow into billions of dollars.

10. How was iPhone OS 2 received overall?

iPhone OS 2 was a game-changing release. While it didn’t bring as many built-in features as later updates, the introduction of the App Store made it one of the most important updates in Apple’s history. It redefined what smartphones could do and set the stage for the iPhone’s dominance in the mobile industry.