Rumor Roundup: Features in iPhone Firmware 2.2 Beta

Apple has seeded iPhone OS 2.2 beta 1 firmware to developers for "compatibility testing." Along with the new firmware they have also released iPhone SDK build 9M2611 beta. Most of the speculation circles around a few key features that were missed in the 2.1 upgrade. Of course, it seems Apple had its hands full with connectivity issues and a long list of usability problems that had to be addressed first.

Regardless of Apple's NDA it seems that one screenshot was leaked of definite improvements to the MobileSafari browser. The menu bar will more closely resemble the desktop version, placing the URL field and search field next to each other on the same line. The latest Webkits include JavaScript improvements that should also be released with 2.2. No word on whether or not the phishing vulnerabilities in MobileSafari and Mail will be addressed along with this cosmetic change.

Developers are still waiting for push notification services, and they may have to keep waiting. Apparently, Steve Jobs himself emailed a MacRumors forum member stating, "We’re running a bit late. We want to get it 100% right the first time." The API was seeded to developers in July with the second beta release of the 2.1 firmware. The services would allow apps to receive data from a third party server while the application is not running.

Rumors persist about whether or not some type of "cut and paste" functionality is in the works from Apple in firmware version 2.2. There may be (and there should be) something in the works to facilitate sending text between applications. High demand for this feature along with the recent iTunes rejection of a third party cut and paste app has kept the topic on the front burner. A perfect storm is brewing over the issue now that Google's Android software includes cut and paste functionality.

There were four beta versions of firmware 2.1. Plenty of time for more leaks, rumors, and speculation before version 2.2 is publicly released.