Steve Jobs has confirmed to a customer that support for the first generation iPhone 2G has ceased, meaning that owners of Apples 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 Apples 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]
News
Will's obsession with gaming started off with sketching Laser Squad levels on pads of paper, but recently grew into violently shouting "Tango Down!" at random strangers on the street. He now directs that positive energy into his writing (due in no small part to a binding court order).
Top Stories
News
1 hour, 36 minutes ago
App Store developers can start nominating their games for featuring later this year
News
2 hours, 51 minutes ago
Apple joins generative AI revolution with Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT support
News
7 hours, 49 minutes ago
Royal Match takes a sweet lead over Candy Crush as Honkai: Star Rail zooms by Genshin Impact
News
9 hours, 51 minutes ago
Devsisters’ Chris O’Kelly talks upselling IP to fans across multiple games without cannibalization
Feature
Jun 10th, 2024
Hot Five: Squad Busters’ supercharged launch, Pokémon’s record revenue, and Star Wars: Hunters finally hits the target
Events
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |
Steam Next Fest: June 2024 Edition | Jun 10th | |
WN Conference Istanbul 2024 | Jun 11th | |
GamesForum Hamburg 2024 | Europe | Jun 11th |
ESI London 2024 | Europe | Jun 13th |
Game Con Canada (GCC) 2024 | North America | Jun 14th |
Indie Dev Play 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |
DevGAMM Vilnius 2024 | Europe | Jun 14th |