troubleshoot

We previously covered an issue apparently caused by iPhone OS 2.0.2 in which some third-party applications crash or do not launch, for many users. We've now received reports indicating that the problem is almost universally eliminated by reducing the number of applications installed on the iPhone.

Reader David Sternlight writes:

"After reviewing this further and discussing it with Apple support, it appears the quit on launch after splash screen problem with iPhone 3rd party apps is caused by a bug triggered by having 'too many' such apps on the iPhone. Reducing the number from 6 pages … Read more

While Apple officials now claim that iPhone OS 2.0.2 delivers "improved communication with 3G networks" in an attempt to fix widespread reception/connectivity issues, users are mixed on the subject; some report slightly enhanced 3G reception, a minority report worse 3G reception, and most report no change.

iPhone Atlas reader Reader Chasulme is in the mild-improvement camp:

"The upgrade to 2.0.2 has made my iPhone 3G go from a completely inoperable 3G mode (had to be kept off or disabled), to be pleasingly functional (all things considered). In testing since the upgrade, I … Read more

iPhone OS 2.0.2 is causing a serious issue, in which some third-party applications crash or do not launch, for many users. This problem is generally accompanied by another in which music and other media are erased from the iPhone.

The simplest fix to try: erase one application, then re-download it. Apparently this process can correct DRM issues that occur after the update.

Failing that, the following fix will may for this problem: Connect your iPhone to your computer then select "Restore" in iTunes. When prompted, choose to set up the device as a new phone. You … Read more

Users are reporting erratic behavior of the iPhone 3Gs battery meter, specifically an issue in which the battery indicator reports a full charge and then suddenly drops unexpectedly along with a warning message indicating that the phone should be charged soon. Usually the meter at the upper right of the iPhones screen does not match the large red or green battery indicator displayed with the low battery warning or when charging.

In-house, we've noted discrepancies in the green battery meter while charging the iPhone 3G. Usually the green battery meter shows a great remaining battery capacity than the smaller … Read more

Apple's Discussion boards are buzzing with a huge problem affecting many users of iPhone OS 2.0 and 2.0.1. People are starting to call it: "White Apple Logo Screen of Death."

The problem manifests itself during an app install or update. During either process something interrupts the iPhone and/or iTunes from completing the task. Then the iPhone spontaneously reboots. The screen goes dark, comes back on, displays the Apple Logo, and at some point the iPhone boots and it's file system mounts. The file system mounting is noted by two short vibrations, beeps … Read more

Like most iPhone OS updates, version 2.0.1 will trigger an update to carrier settings. However, under iPhone OS 2.0.1, when iTunes attempts to perform the carrier update, users may receive an error message, and the process may repeat itself every time the device is synced.

The other problem is that customers of carriers like Vodafone, which are offering unlocked phones, are experiencing problems connecting back to company's services. Following the update users in these cases are receiving a "0xE8000001" error message on both Windows and Mac versions of iTunes.

Reports of this issue … Read more

Disable airplane mode before installing Prior to installing the iPhone OS 2.0.1 update, make sure that Airplane mode is not enabled on your iPhone. Having Airplane mode turned on can result in a non-functional phone when the update is applied. You may receive the error message:

"Information for activation cannot be obtained from the iPhone"

Fortunately, you can disable Airplane mode from the emergency screen if your iPhone is put into an inactivated state by a problematic update.

"iTunes could not update the carrier settings on your iPhone" Several users are receiving the error … Read more

In August 2007, we first reported on an issue where certain spots on the iPhone?s MultiTouch screen ? particularly a strip about 1/2 inch in height somewhere below the top of the screen ? will not accept input. Hope held that this issue was restricted to a bad run of touchscreens and slowly disappear. Unfortunately, users are still reporting the issue, even with recently purchased iPhones, in droves.

Now users are reporting manifestation of the dead touchscreen issue days or weeks outside Apple's 1-year warranty, necessitating costly replacement or out-of-pocket repairs.

One iPhone Atlas reader writes:

"I have … Read more

We previously reported inordinately sluggish system performance from the iPhone 3G, particularly with regard to scrolling, text input, and return to the home screen. The issue appears to be endemic to iPhone OS 2.0, as users of first-generation phones who have updated to the new software are also experiencing lag.

Lag is especially apparent in the contacts application, which can exhibit slow scrolling, delays in switching between panes and more.

iPhone Atlas reader Jeff reports that he has resorted to Google's third-party application (see our review), which can search the iPhone's contacts faster than Apple's own … Read more