Steve Jobs has confirmed to a customer that support for the first generation iPhone 2G has ceased, meaning that owners of Apple’s original smartphone will not be able to upgrade to the forthcoming OS 4.0 or any subsequent release.

As reported by MacStories, the customer known as ven000m on Twitter received a personal reply from the Apple CEO to his question asking about future support for the iPhone 2G, which simply said, 'Sorry, no'.

Soldering on

The three-year old handset was released in the US in July, 2007. Although it lacked some key features of its competitors such as 3G support, it went on to sell over six million units over the course of the year.

In July, 2008 the first generation of the iPhone was effectively made obsolete by the launch of the iPhone 3G, although the old workhorse has received updates right up to the latest version of the iPhone OS (3.1.3).

Left 4 dead

So while the numbers of first generation iPhones still in use will be relatively small compared to later models - likely much smaller due to Apple’s rebate and separate network upgrade offers - this nevertheless marks a significant decision from Apple.

To one extent, it's good for developers as they won't be expected to support new OS features on ageing devices, although it may reduce the sales opportunities for some types of apps and games.

It's not such good news for consumers however as if Apple continues such a migration plan, it will effectively make all its technology obsolete over time.

It's hardly a kill switch of course: more like a dose of slow-working poison to hasten that eventual upgrading decision.

[source: MacStories]