iPhone 2.1 firmware specs?

Apple may already be laying the groundwork for several important updates in the next major iteration of iPhone firmware, according to multiple sources. One notes that in exploring the Localizable.strings entry under English.lproj in the current iPhone WebKit framework, there are entries for several commands the firmware does not currently support, including cutting, copying and pasting. Apple has expressed interest in adding the feature, but has not set a timeframe.

The firmware also contains a reference to a "mobile radio" function, which could indicate that Apple hopes to support native Internet radio, instead of through third-party apps.



Another source claims to have obtained a beta of v2.1 firmware, said to be in distribution for developers only. Among the features in this are alleged to be expanded Core Location items, including means for gauging the direction a person is headed, and their velocity. In theory, this could allow turn-by-turn GPS navigation. The update also appears to have an early implementation of Apple's background push notification, a means of imitating background processes without the corresponding battery drain or decline in CPU performance. Apple has said that full support for push notification will only arrive in September however, which could suggest when v2.1 will be delivered via iTunes.



In the meantime Apple is believed to be preparing a v2.0.1 update, addressing bugs only.