iPhone software 1.1.4 released: update precautions and troubleshooting

[UPDATE: See new information on jailbreaking and bug fixes for this release]

Apple has released iPhone firmware/software 1.1.4, which is now available via iTunes or as a 165 MB standalone download.

If you use the standalone download, after downloading the update, you can hold the option key on a Mac or Shift key on a Windows system, then click the "Update" button in iTunes (under the iPhone tab) and select the file to apply it.

To apply the update using iTunes, simply connect your iPhone then click the "Update" or "Restore" button.

Release notes state only that this version includes "bug fixes."

If you make use of unofficial third-party iPhone applications and would like their presence on your phone to persist, refrain from updating to iPhone software/firmware 1.1.4. Updating will erase any jailbreak and disable access to unofficial third-party applications.

Backup before applying Backup your iPhone by syncing it in iTunes before applying this update. You may be forced into restoring the device if the update fails.

Problems installing Some users are experiencing problems applying the 1.1.4 update -- especially those with jailbroken iPhones. If the update fails, you may be forced to restore the iPhone (as aforementioned). If you are experiencing similar issues, the first thing to try is simply multiple attempts. The iPhone may fail to update on the first attempt, but succeed in restoring on the second or third attempt.

Failing that, your copy of the update may be corrupt. Try deleting an re-downloading it. Either use the standalone download link and instructions above, or navigate to on of the following directories:

• ~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates under Mac OS X
• C:/documents and settings/[yourusername]/Application Data/Apple Computer/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates under Windows XP
• C:/users/[yourusername]/AppData/Roaming/Apple Computer/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates under Windows Vista

and delete the 1.1.4 update -- named iPhone1,1_1.1.4_4A102_Restore.ipsw or similar and re-attempt the update/restore.

The fix in other cases is to reinstall iTunes 7.6.1. Simply download the package, run the installer and restart.

Failing that, try deleting the following files:

• /System/Library/Extensions/AppleMobileDevice.kext
• /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DeviceLink.framework
• /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework
• /Library/Receipts/AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg

then reinstall iTunes 7.6.

Another potential fix is to put the iPhone in recovery mode then restore it.

There are several other workarounds for failure to apply updates, including connecting the iPhone directly to a computer?s USB port rather than through a USB hub; and switching USB ports if you're having problems with one. See this article for more.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.