Apple has issued an iPhone software update to help fix connection problems that led to a flurry of online complaints from customers.

Apple iPhone 3G More Photos View Specs

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.

- Apple iPhone 3G Specs

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