iPhone 3G OS update question

[Mark II]

Hi. I have an iphone 3g that I bought in MK at the Sincere building secondhand. It is currently running os 3.1 and I would like to upgrade.

Is there a way I, who has no idea or interest in finding out how to manipulate all this software/hack/jailbreak stuff, can find out if upgrading would lock up my phone? I had this happen with my old original iphone, don't want to repeat.

I seem to remember the guy at the shop saying that the 3g's can upgrade no problem, but would like to make sure. Any advice?

[fth]

Look here

Apple - iPhone - New features in the iOS 4 Software Update.

You might not get all the features on your 3G

[fth]

On the jailbreak, check if you have a program called Cydia or Icy installed on your phone. If you have it has been jailbroken and if you want to upgrade you will have to redo it.

If you phone has a network lock, it means that you can't change the SIM card for another carrier. This wasn't done in Hong Kong but was done in other countries in Europe and North America. If the shop in MK removed this on a non-HK phone you find a package called either yellows0w/redsn0w/ or ultrasn0w installed when you open Cydia.

For more info on jailbreaking etc look here Dev-Team Blog and here JailbreakMe

[BenderBends]

All iPhone 3G can be jb and unlocked with a snap of a finger... No worries.
Posted via Mobile Device

[TaLL|dUdE]

better not upgrade to iOS4 yet. the iPhone3g still has problems. not sure about the newly released firmware that just came out early today though.

[Beuze]

I ll recommande not to install IOS4 on a 3G if you want to continue using it. A lot of problem, very slow phone, many feature not working and a lot of complain from 3G owner since Ios4.

[Mark II]

On the jailbreak, check if you have a program called Cydia or Icy installed on your phone. If you have it has been jailbroken and if you want to upgrade you will have to redo it.

I have neither of those programs on my phone. If I do they are hiding.

If you phone has a network lock, it means that you can't change the SIM card for another carrier.

I have no problem changing SIM cards.

You might not get all the features on your 3G

That's ok, I just want to run some apps that have updated and no longer work for me.

better not upgrade to iOS4 yet.

Ok, is there a somewhat more recent OS I can upgrade to? Does itunes offer an option?

[BenderBends]

I have no problem changing SIM cards.

you have no problem now...but you wont know if there is a problem until you restore or update your iOS. Thats when the JailBreak is lost and any Unlocks as well. But as i said, fret not since you have a 3G...its in the clear...

Ok, is there a somewhat more recent OS I can upgrade to? Does itunes offer an option?

go to iClarified.com
this will have firmware files to download any and all iOS versions, as well as instructions for installing the iOS, and JailBreaking/Unlocking process if necessary.

for example:
iOS downloads HERE
1. plug the phone into iTunes, backup
2. option+mouse click on restore
3. choose your downloaded iOS file
4. Wait until phone finishes restoring and unplug/plug iPhone back into itunes to activate
5. if it activates with your sim card inside...you are good to go with JailBreak as an option
6. If it fails to activate, then you must JailBreak and Unlock...following these guides for MAC and WINDOWS

[fth]

Go to Settings -> General -> About.

There you will see lots of different things, find the Version which will read something like 3.0 (7A341). That first number is the current version of the iOS installed on your iphone. You will also find another line near the bottom called modem firmware.

If you are at 3.1.3 that was the last version before they hit 4.0. There is a link claiming to link to the file here. Which you USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Download iOS Firmware| Download iPhone, iPod Touch Firmwares | IPSW Files | iPhoneHeat

Once downloaded you have to do a custom installation in itunes using the file you downloaded rather than letting itunes do everything automatically. You will also need to backup any data on your phone before trying anything else.

I'll let someone else go through the instructions as I did something different for my jailbroken phone.

[fth]

Just as a follow up. I have managed to upgrade my iphone (3G, O2 UK network locked) using a MacBook Black, on iTunes 9.2.1. This is how:-

1. Sync Phone and backup contacts

2. Download iphone OS 4.0.1 (iPod, iPhone and iPad Firmware Download). YOU MUST DO THIS AS THE OS 4.0.2 CAN'T BE JAILBROKEN AT THIS TIME.

3. Insert old O2 sim card into iphone, connect with computer

4. Click on "Restore" in iTunes holding down the option key, select the iphone firmware you downloaded earlier. YOU MUST DO THIS AS THE OS 4.0.2 CAN'T BE JAILBROKEN AT THIS TIME.

5. Let apple do its magic

6. Ignore carrier settings upgrade invite for now

7. Go to network settings and connect to your wireless network

8. In the iphone safari, go to jailbreakme . com follow the instructions

9. Once jailbroken, go to cydia and install ultrasn0w

10. During the reboot, change your SIM card to your normal one

11. Ater the restart, allow for the carrier settings upgrade to be installed (It installed CSL not O2)

12. Do a full sync to get your tunes, contacts etc back on the phone.

After having done this I had the bonus of the GPRS finally working properly!