Apple Issues iPhone 2.0.1 Firmware UpdateApple Issues iPhone 2.0.1 Firmware Update

Apple this week rolled out a firmware upgrade for its iPhone family to fix apparent bugs within the smartphone's software.

Version 2.0.1 is available by connecting the device to its host computer, launching iTunes, and clicking the "Update" button. The iPhone 3G update can also be manually downloaded here, and the iPhone's update can be downloaded here. The 250 MB download reportedly increases backup times, improves keyboard responsiveness, and reduces lag in some applications.

When Apple released the 2.0 version for the iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch earlier this month, it enabled new features like access to the Apple App Store, increased security, and enterprise capabilities.

But many customers complained that the updated firmware lead to many freezes and crashes.

"I installed the 2.0 firmware on the EDGE iPhone on Friday," said one commenter on Apple's discussion board. "I have noticed that every once in a while the phone will re-boot itself when I click one of the new application icons ... It has happened with more than one application, so I don't know if the applications are coded wrong or if the 2.0 firmware has bugs."

Additionally, others said the 2.0 firmware was significantly slower than the previous version, and the keyboard had a noticeable lag. The 2.0.1 update is expected to correct this.

"Lo and behold, the darn bug fixes appear to have worked," said information writer Eric Zeman. "I haven't had any application crash since updating the firmware. Crashes were pretty consistent prior to updating."

The latest version is available for iPod Touch users who have already paid for the 2.0 update.