iPhone OS 3.0.1 fixes SMS threat, maybe more? [updated]

On Friday, July 31, 2009, Apple released iPhone OS 3.0.1 for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3GS in order to patch up an SMS vulnerability in response to the threat’s prominent exposure at the Black Hat hacker conference in Las Vegas, NV. The researchers who discovered the vulnerability prior to the conference said they let Apple know about 30 days prior with the warning that it would demonstrated at the conference on Thursday, July 30, 2009.

It is slightly alarming to me that Apple waited to patch this until push came to shove. Perhaps they were hoping to just be able to roll the fix into OS 3.1, which is currently in private beta with developers.

When Apple rolled out the new update to OS 3.0 on Friday, it listed a sole item in the release notes: Fixes SMS vulnerability. However, I have noticed other improvements over 3.0 since installing it on my iPhone 3G.

Faster Syncing

After installing OS 3.0 in June, syncing had slipped into taking close to 4 minutes. Most of that was in the backup process. Now, backup takes less than 10 seconds.

Faster Shutdown/Startup

With iPhone OS 3.0, shutting down took nearly one minute and starting up about three minutes. Now, with 3.0.1, shutting down takes about 20 seconds and starting up about 45 seconds.

Much Improved Battery Life

I have said many times on this blog that my iPhone 3G had it’s best battery life under OS 2.2, and had dropped with 2.2.1, and then plunged to a near ridiculous level with OS 3.0. After a couple days with 3.0.1, I can say that my iPhone is at least back up to 2.2.1 levels. I no longer have to seek out a charging source every 4 or 5 hours.

Improved Wi-Fi Reception

Ever since day one with my iPhone, I have had great wi-fi signal throughout my apartment. This was quite necessary from July to November 2008, as my city did not have 3G service during those months. I noticed that immediately after updating to 3.0, I no longer could receive wi-fi signal in my bedroom nor kitchen, the two rooms farthest from my AirPort Express (about 25 feet). After installing 3.0.1, I now have full bars throughout the apartment.

So, those are a few things I have noticed. Have you noticed anything new (good or bad) with OS 3.0.1. Be sure to also say which model of iPhone you are using, as there are three flavors now.

Update: Added Improved Wi-FI Reception.