The Apple iOS 4 upgrade has been available for a few days. If you’re like me you clicked on the “Check for updates” button in iTunes numerous times before it was finally made available.
What are the new features with iOS 4? The easiest way to answer this is to list out the new features for iPhone 3GS owners and separating features out for iPhone 3G owners. There is an obvious reduction in features for the iPhone 3G. This is largely due in part to the older and slower processor and less memory.
iOS 4 New Features for iPhone 3GS
- Multi-tasking for 3rd party apps
- Unified email inbox
- Email message threading
- Folders for app organization
- iBooks app
- Wireless keyboard support
- Homescreen wallpaper
- Screen orientation lock
- Data protection
- SMS character count
- Tap to focus video
iOS 4 New Features for iPhone 3G
- Unified email inbox
- Email message threading
- Folders for app organization
- iBooks app
So how did the update do?
Unfortunately, for me the update did not do so well and it failed on the first attempt. Luckily, the restore option from iTunes worked great and completed the update. The entire process was about two hours, over double what I had originally thought it would take.
So was the update of iOS 4 worth it on my 3G phone?
I wish I never updated my phone. The unified email inbox, email message threading, and folders for app organization are fantastic features that I use. However, the trade off for these couple of new features is great. My phone feels like it is running at half speed, sometimes even slower. Opening apps pause for multiple seconds before opening. Texting is slower. Waiting to pull up the keyboard is painful. And if battery life wasn’t bad enough before this, it’s even worse now.
So, if you have an iPhone 3G, and if you can forego the couple of new features, I’d just wait it out.
