Fourth iPhone 2.1 beta takes out push notification feature

A new test version of Apple's next iPhone firmware update has disabled a key service that will allow background data for native apps, with no clear sign of when it will return.

While beta 4 of the iPhone 2.1 update comes with Apple's typically unspecific references to bug fixes, it explicitly withdraws support for the push notification service that will send Internet data to third-party apps even while they are shut down.

The feature has been present from beta 1 onwards and is still poised to supply directional GPS data as part of its upgrades.

Apple provides little explanation for the removal and says only that the notification code has been pulled for "further development" inside the company — with no mention of whether it will reappear in a future beta.

Taking the service out of the beta version puts non-Apple developers at a temporary loss, making it impractical for them to further development of new apps and updates that will depend on live, always-on data until the feature is returned to these handsets.

The final version of iPhone 2.1 is nonetheless planned for an appearance sometime in September.

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61 Comments

ipeon

said about 15 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Not taking a service that isn't ready or that is buggy out would have been the better solution? If the feature needs further development then why would developers want to mess with it at this point? Out sequence. First things first.

morky

said about 15 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by iPeon

Considering safari just crashed on my iPhone while I was attempting to compose a reply, I also applaud a return to releasing on reasonably unbuggy software.

colesq

said about 15 years ago

The iPhone software as it stands is the worst crap Apple's ever released, at least in my memory. The fact that thousands of people are reporting in Apple's forum alone regarding having to constantly reinstall their entire phone over an as-yet not understood app synching bug that causes each and every app to crash until a phone wipe says that the Apple has fallen a great distance from its tree. Personally, I am simply hoping for a return to the reliable, solid OS foundation that made iPhone OS 1 a joy to use for the tasks it was designed to accomplish. This is still a phone, it needs responsive menus (including contacts), and things that run on it should run like it's an appliance. This is a major differentiator between Apple products and other crap most of us were stuck with in what we thought was our past and it should be given Apple's absolute highest priority now or we'll just be dealing with another Microsoft or Sony in the eyes of the consumer the company's in the process of trying to capture. The iPhone is the first device most will use from Apple, and it will most certainly be the last if some major bugs (3G/EDGE fringe zone call handling also) are not resolved immediately and given the kind of personal attention and communication Apple reps give when you call Apple Care. Hiding in a cave and providing sparse, vague feedback won't make it go away and it won't make Apple's most loyal customers continue their allegiance.

hzc

said about 15 years ago

I'm just wondering if Apple is handpicking developers to receive the beta because I am in the iPhone Developer program ($99) and I do not see it when I log in.

Or is it just for ADC Premier and Select members?

archipellago

said about 15 years ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColeSQ

I think this more of a hardware issue.

Immature, poorly made components assembled in a hurry. I'm sure the testers are getting a lot of random results, its a product produced 'down' to a price point...with the obvious results.