The iPhone 2.0.2 software update "improved communication with 3G networks," said Apple spokeswoman Jennifer Bowcock. Apple did not acknowledge a problem until Tuesday, and then provided few specifics about what, exactly, Monday evening's software update was designed to fix.
The iPhone 3G, which went on sale July 11, uses third-generation networks to deliver faster web surfing and online video viewing than the year-old original model. But some customers have complained about dropped calls and inconsistent Internet speeds, with the phone often reverting to a slower technology known as EDGE even in 3G areas.
Bowcock would not say which of the many possible parts - from the iPhone's antenna and amplifier and the radio frequency transceiver, to the baseband that processes the digital signal and sends it to the speaker or screen - were targeted with the software update.
Reports have blamed faulty software on an Infineon Technologies chip. Apple declined to comment on the report.
