iPhone 2.0 free in early July for all iPhone owners, $9.95 for iPod touch
By Nilay Patel 
posted Jun 9th 2008 2:07PM
posted Jun 9th 2008 2:07PM
Looking through the gallery now live on Apple's site, there are some other changes as well: the Maps app now has a slightly different "peel back" icon, there's a new 3G icon (obviously), and the calendar app has been redesigned, probably to work better with MobileMe.
Firmware 2.0 will hit in July free for iPhone owners (we'd say July 11, when the 3G iPhone launches, is a good bet) and the price has dropped to $9.95 for iPod touch owners -- still high, but better than the $19.95 we heard in March.
iPod Touch owners still have to pay?!
Ridiculous..
"MAXIMUM STRENGTH"
*punches Steve Jobs in the face*
I'm using an iPhone 4GB I bought off Ebay for $318 (total)
Since I demand I continue to use my Cingular SIM Card (which the city pays all the fees off), I just wonder how long I'll have to wait until unlocked iPhone 2.0's begin appearing on Ebay.
considering how many turkeys still desire an iPhone, I should manage to sell the one I have for between 85% ~ 100% of the price I paid for it.
(low ranking this post changes nothing BTW)
I like the ability to draw Chinese but the sad truth is, NO PROGRAM ON IPHONE will be able to completely allow quick Chinese text messaging. Chinese people use either a Pin Yin character generator or a stroke order generator on their phones.
The Iphone, as well as the Blackberry would be TERRIBLE for that. The easiest chinese character text messaging devices are regular candybar phones that have the strokes on the keys.
If you don't believe me, try downloading iChinese from the app tap Installer. ITS HORRIBLE.
To type Chinese, I use Chinese Star 2000.
Its bout time my college Chinese lessons - and my study abraod in Shanghai/Beijing/Hang Zhou PAID OFF !!!!
voting you down does nothing but proves you're a useless tool.
You have to be joking! This goes for all the unhappy Touch users:
Your lucky to get an upgrade at all.
You don't pay $80/month to use it.
If you cant pay 10 bucks for an upgrade: what the hell are you doing with a $300 mp3 player?
No other phone/mp3 player/camera/PDA get such a substantial upgrade.
Name one or stop whining.
@MikeB
"No other phone/mp3 player/camera/PDA get such a substantial upgrade.
Name one or stop whining."
The iPod Touch doesn't have a phone or camera.
Plenty of PDAs get similar upgrades for free.
You want an example? Ok, what about... THE iPHONE.
i thought i could get a free iphone 3g and a touch for $9.95 after reading the title.
:'(
Actually Mike B., the Samsung P2 does get substantial upgrades and they're FREE!
this is crap what happened to the"early june" they told us 3 months ago?
why are the innocent ipod touch owners being charged???
they already pay a lot for that...
So do the iPhone users.
And they have to be in a 2 year contract.
And they have to be in a ridiculous 60 buck contract with only 400 mins.80 if you actually want some internet.
Be happy you can actually update the ipod touch without buying a totally new one.
I still have issues with this, but after many people here and on gizmodo explained the accounting that Apple uses (which is their choice, bound in some ways by Sarbanes-Oxley), charging for the upgrades is needed. Personally, I think Apple could find another option for not having to charge for these things. If you are looking at it from a positive perspective, I was expecting them to charge $20 for this. $10 is not perfect, but it's better.
no company charges for a firmware update on anything...be it a cellphone or an mp3 player
@ChillyWilly
Sarbanes-Oxley isn't making Apple charge for this. Sarbanes-Oxley doesn't apply to this at all.
Apple is CHOOSING to charge iPod Touch users because they know they'll pay up since they don't have any other options.
The moral of the story is to NEVER buy a 1.0 product from Apple, because they'll shaft you every chance they get.
"And they have to be in a ridiculous 60 buck contract with only 400 mins.80 if you actually want some internet."
Uh no, ALL iPhone plans include unlimited interent, including the $60 one. It's actually everyone *except* the AT&T iPhone plans that have ridiculous prices when you add the unlimited data part.
Jackson, you don't have to do the firmware upgrade. Apple didn't have to convert it for the iPod touch. Of course you don't have any other options because you are guaranteed that when you buy that product. DUH
I don't own a single Apple product.
We iPod touch customers obviously arent valued that much. Its like we are constantly second best the the 'AMAZING' iPhone. Grrr, no doubt it will also be £12 here in the UK.
Don't play with my heart like that
"iPhone 2.0 free in early July for all iPhone owners, $9.95 for iPod touch"
Bullshit.
We have to wait till July?.... frustrating
And Apple shafts the iPod Touch users again, charging them for a relatively minor system update that would be free on practically any other Apple platform.
I called this one as soon as they wanted to charge for the elements of the system updated included in the 5 App Pack, which is why I didn't buy it.
I'll still buy Apple products, but my experience with the iPod Touch has completely soured me on ever being an early-adopter.
You're taking Apple products for granted.
98% are free, 2% are charged for.
Compare that to any other company
How about we compare it to my Samsung T2 touchscreen MP3 player... I've gotten 3 firmware updates that have added oodles of features and there's 1-2 more planned... every single one... F R E E.
Yup... keep working that Apple route folks. I'll just keep enjoying my T2.
@TimeyWimeyStuff
Jaws has it right.
I've gotten countless FREE updates for my Xbox 360 that add major new functionality (divx support for playing movies from external USB drives!) all from the big "bad" Microsoft, while Apple wants to nickel and dime me for any minor update to the iPod Touch OS.
When Microsoft is offering better customer support than Apple something is wrong in the world.
You have to pay because you don't generate any further revenue for Apple through subscriptions so it's pretty fair.
Except if they're using iTunes to purchase new music, being that it's an MP3 player and all.
I believe iPhone users also have to pay for their music.
So... your point it?
I think my £199 ($400) iPod touch has generated apple enough money, it certainly burnt a hole in my pocket. I bought it because I couldnt afford fees associated with a monthly mobile, so i thought id be safe with a one off payment.
Being greedy imo, multi billions of dollars not enough for you Apple?
@ Mike
Your not being forced to pay for an upgrade!
If you feel the upgrade is worth £7 then get it
if you don't feel like its worth it, wait for it to be hacked
My point is, that Apple made money off the initial hardware you purchased, and people then buy music and video from Apple, giving them more income on top of the initial hardware purchase. They can't throw owners a $10 bone for being loyal and to ensure that you'll keep buying their products in the future?
Unless, they feel that they invincible and everyone will keep buying their products because it has an Apple logo on it, and they don't need to maintain their customer's loyalty with good service.
"You have to pay because you don't generate any further revenue for Apple through subscriptions so it's pretty fair."
Um, no. Big evil Microsoft didn't charge us Zune owners anything for the revised firmware, and they didn't for XNA capabilities. Sure you're not forced to update your touch, but I think it's still stupid that Apple is charging for it.
I generate revenue for Apple!
How about iTunes, making people i know jealous, so they go out and buy an iPod Touch. Oh, and I forgot, um - buying a $300 iPod just to be stuck with a total of $28.95 in charges for FIRMWARE upgrades. Not to mention how much money they will suck out of me from the App Store.
Besides, the money you pay monthly goes mostly to AT&T for your service. Now, I am going to guess that the money that Apple gets from iPhone 3G users will be a lot less than the money they get out of early iPod Touch adopters.
They pulled the same shit with the maps/mail/... Making the touch owners pay for apps free on the phone. I can hear the excuse now "Accounting department requires us to screw you".
They aren't making you do anything. You have a choice whether to buy it or not. So quit bitching about it. It's 10 fucking dollars.
iphone users pay £35/month, of course theyre gonna get special treatment!!
It amazes me the amount of abuse people will take from Apple. You fan boys sound like abused wives making excuses for their husband's. They are screwing the touch owners anyway you decide to look at it.
@ Roland
I repeat, it's $10. If you can afford an iPOD touch, you can afford that...easily.
how are touch users screwed for having to pay for new features? When they bought the ipod, they weren't buying this! They were buying the ipod touch with what it had at the time. It's not like they all expected to turn on the touch and have all this new stuff on it.
@jere
I can't speak for anyone else, but I expected to get the same kind of support (free updates) for my iPhone that I do for my Powerbook and iMac, particularly since we all knew about the SDK pretty early on.
I became an early adopter based on the iPod Touch's *POTENTIAL* and not necessarily because I thought it was 100% perfect at the time.
Hmm, I didn't pay a dime for the maps and other apps they updated.
Ahh, the benefits of a jailbroken touch. I'm sure this one will be free as well.
Rabble rabble rabble!
Yeah... iPod touch owners have to pay $10 to upgrade...
Look like you're gonna have to spend your pocket money...
Looks like a way to stop people from picking an iphone v1 up cheap on ebay to me
It's pretty ridiculous that iPod Touch users have to pay, while iPhone users do not. It's almost as though Apple WANTS iPod Touch users to pirate their software. Really?
That's the most absurd argument I've heard yet. There's plenty of reasons to dislike the $10 fee for iPod Touch users, mostly based on the iPhone getting them for free. But your argument that charging for software is just asking for people to pirate it is the same as saying charging for a car is just asking for people to steal them. Two good arguments can be made against the $10, the first being that most companies provide firmware updates to their devices for free, and the second is that iPhone users get it for "free". The second one is actually not very good, because iPhone users pay for their AT&T contracts, except the jailbroken ones. The first argument is sound, but only holds if Apple is fixing things. Otherwise, selling you new apps is a normal business model. Comparing Microsoft's XBOX updates to the older iPod Touch update (I don't pay enough attention to know what's exactly in "2.0" to make it better for iPod Touch users) doesn't really work. Microsoft added features and functionality, but no new software apps. You still had to buy apps from XBL, and they charge about $10 an app. I still think the iPod Touch is expensive enough as is, they should just give the firmware updates for free for it, but I'm not really an Apple fanboy, so if they screw people, good for them. If fanboys still love them despite it, whatever.
This is great news for current iPhone users... I am waiting to here more.
Does this apply to UK owners too?
Why do they even have Chinese draw support? iPOD touch has that many Chinese Market cause iPhone is not sold there.
This is why no matter what Apple does, many people will still Jailbreak their iPod touch because of this bullshit Apple pulls every time they release a new feature. iPod classic and iPod nano users get system updates for free, so why shouldn't iPod touch users?
Early July? that suck
$10 is a little more than a pack of cigarettes and little over two gallons of gas. Hardly gonna need to break a piggy bank for that amount. I guess it's just the principle of the matter that makes people unhappy. But in this economy, the cost of everything is rising.
The problem is that every other portable electronics manufacturer is giving away their firmware updates for free. The iPhone updates are free, older iPod updates were free, the Apple TV update was free...
If someone suddenly putted up a toll gate at the end of your road and charged $5, you'd be upset wouldn't you? Having to pay for something that's usually free isn't very annoying.
I think my current iPod touch will be the last one I buy.
Do cigs really cost that much now? I am so glad I don't smoke.
True, the dollar amount is trivial compared to the price of the iPod Touch. BUT, it is about principal. There is no reason for them to charge for a firmware update. I think it is downright crazy for them to do this to Touch users again.
But as we all know, Apple is notorious for screwing their early adopters, and the early adopters are notorious for taking it and asking for more.
C'est la vie
iPod users have to pay again? That sucks.
Vote with your wallets people. No way I'm buying this crap.
Sucks that I have to pay for the update.. but really $10 isn't going to hurt anything.. and if you're in a situation where $10 is going to f*ck your budget up, then maybe you shouldn't have that fancy iPod touch in the first place? Now the principle of it.. well that's a different story.
Steve Jobs: Bend over!
Millions of apple fanboys: Yes master.
You think $10 isn't much? It isn't, but if people keep paying, apple is gonna keep charging - they might raise the price or they might start charging for every little updated, big or small. Whichever you look, if people keep taking shit from apple, it'll keep giving it.
I promise you I will get the 2.0 update on my iPod touch without paying a dime. The same suckers who pay for music will be the ones who pay for the upgrade.
How do you plan on getting it for free?
The 5 App Pack was never successfully cracked (without jailbreaking and voiding warranties), and I doubt that the 2.0 version will be cracked either.
im with you bro. Itll be on installer 2 weeks after its released. I WILL NOT BE PAYING THE $10.. And i will teach ever person i kno how to do it for free.
Can't pay 10 bucks? Could probably mow you parents yard for that much.
What about the MMS? Will i still have to log onto to an att site to view an mms?
Perhaps someone can build an app for that!
You may think that it is BS to charge the iPod Touch users, but the fact is, users of that device aren't a guaranteed source of income for Apple, iPhone users are. Also, you will probably spend $10 on music anyway in the near future (assuming you don't pirate all of your music), so, if it is worth it to you, you can buy the software update instead of a new album on the iTS.
No mention of cut and paste, unless I missed it while dosing off after all of the demos they went through.
Did they mention copy/paste?
Of course they are going to charge for an update. If every shmoe off of the street could afford to use an iPhone then it would have nothing to say with how cool I am or the size of my penis just for owning an iPhone.
Seriously its not about the amount of money that pisses me off. its the fact of I HAVE NEVER EVER heard of paying for a firmware update that adds more features.. Its a common practice that you add more features for FREE so you can futher push the value of your product to the customer. If MS tried to charge me to be able to play XVID,AVI files on my 360 i would personally start pirating..
i dont condone that option at all. but in this day i will not be taken for a ride.. Thats utter BULLSHIT my touch cant get 2.0 free.
Ill wait 2 weeks for the HACK to come out and ill just install it myself..SCREW YOU APPLE.
Crybaby / Thief. Name another MP3/Phone/PDA/Smart device that gets a firmware upgrade that ANYONE remembers? Talks About?
Pay the 10 beans or steal? You probably stole the Touch your using.
"Name another MP3/Phone/PDA/Smart device that gets a firmware upgrade that ANYONE remembers?"
Windows Mobile 6.1, Zune 2.0, PSP, or ANY other update to any other MP3, PDA, Phone, etc device has been free. The ONLY company that charges for a firmware update is Apple, unless they deem your product good enough, then you can have a free update. It's just amazing how a company can sell 2 devices that are basically the same thing, except one has phone functions added, and they treat one customer like gold, and the other like piece of crap who owes them the world for the privilege of getting an update.
Did I miss the part where the ipod Touch got a price drop? With the Iphone being 299.00 for 16gb and 199.00 for 8gb no way they can keep selling the touch at 499 for 32gb and 399 for the 16gb right...RIGHT!!!!!!
Oh well guess I'll bite the bullet and shell out for a 32gb Touch, no way I'm waiting until January of 2009 to get my hands on that puppy...now to figure out which store has the extended warranty where you can return for any reason...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. You know just in case the touch gets a price drop between now and this time next year.
You won't like the sound of this, but it's effectively the truth.
Apple feel that if you were willing to go out and spend X amount on your Touch (probably a high amount, regardless of what X was), you can afford to pay them more money without a gripe.
It's bullshit to say the least - having been the owner of more than a dozen types of PDA's and MP3 players, they have go to be the first company with the audacity to charge for upgrades everyone else would give out for free.
http://www.blarnee.com
Who gets upgrades?
As of 1:00 p.m. PST the "More Languages" link still isn't working here:
http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/
@daniel: Lots of Chinese-language users live in countries (like the US) where iPhone *is* available, and have been waiting for Chinese language support. (I'm married to one.)
Looking forward to seeing the details, eventually.
So, you have to use you finger to write with?
I swear I saw a "contacts" home screen icon on a leaked version of the 2.0 software a while back....where did it go? I would LOVE to not have to go into the phone app to search for a contacts address or whatever.
Can you still update with the iPhone 2.0 software update for $9.95 on the iPod touch without the January Update? I did not pay $19.95 to get those. Can I skip them? Or do I have to update with the January before the iPhone 2.0? Meaning, do I have to pay $29.90?
Ummm... What is an iTouch?
What I hate is all the accessories that are for the iTouch wont work on my iPhone!
Paying for an update is stupid. Since I am on the iPhone side of the fence and paid such a hefty price ($300 more than the new 3G iPhone now coming out), I want an Apple butler to answer my phone for me!
Will iPod Touch owners who buy this also get google maps and the other stuff form the last upgrade if we didn't buy that upgrade for 20 bucks?
That is the same question I asked too. I am hoping that the $19.95 ($20) and $9.95 ($10) January and July updates are not attached to each other, or else, I am just keeping my iPod touch the way it is. Adding essentially $30 more to the cost (or a 10% increase) is ridiculous. I will just save my money and keep my cheap Sprint plan, use my iPod Touch, and wait until Summer 2009 and get the next iteration iPhone.
good question pumapayan
Any one noticed that the line in Chinese that appeared in the image reads "I can't wait to tell you that Apple..."? With the last syllable/character "guo" (meaning "fruit" alone) being writting. The subject reads "Let's have lunch together (today)".
i cant wait to get the new iphone, i just sold my old 8g iphone for $300, good move!!!! ....its a good thing i know someone at at&t because i know there is going to be a lot of people in line. sorry for all the people that cry for a $10 increase in service or the itouch upgrade but....who cares!!!???if you want something just pay the price even if you are making someone else rich
does anyone know if the $299 ipod touch will trade for the 16gb ($299) iphone 3g? or will the $299 ipod touch only trade for the 8gb model ($199)?
i hope for the former!
Why are there 1 million post about the iphone all in a row wtf is wrong with engadget enough with iphone jesus
wait, so i don't get it -- does this mean that push email is only going to work with microsoft exchange and mobileme?
i thought they were saying push email would be the standard email technology (such as blackberries) so that for instance, say if i wanted to add my gmail account, it would automatically be push instead of this "wait 15 minutes" crap.
Will this $10, 2.0 update include the App Store for the iPod Touch? Or is that another purchase?
yep. My 16 gb touch is definetly the last Apple product I purchase. And I'm not gonna fall for their student discounts either when Dell has WAY better deals for college students and their laptops are customizable...in color...for no extra fees. How about them Apples, huh? (no pun intended ;)
I'd have to disagree with that.
I think Apple cares for its Mac customers, at least more than their iPod Touch customers. But, when it comes to computers and laptops for that fact, Mac's are the best. They are actually carving out a huge chunk in the market for college students.
By the way, I used to be just like you. You have to realize that companies are in the business of making money. I used to think Dell was great - turns out they include spyware in their computers, make it hard to remove, then charge $40 in virus removal service - its just a way to make money!
To all of you who want to know why someone who would shell out 400 for an ipod touch would complain about having to pay an extra 10 for the upgrade, well, I actually won my ipod in a contest. I'm a single mom with two kids and there's no way I would have been able to buy something like that had I paid for it out of pocket. So yes, I was disappointed when I found out I'd have to pay for it. In my opinion the best argument for Apple not charging for the upgrade would be the app store. True, there are many more enhancements besides that, but without the upgrade you can't use the app store and give Apple more money! Just my two cents.