iPhone OS 2.0.2

Many iPhone users have used the passcode lock feature to protect personal data. So everyone's information is safe and secure, right? Turns out it can easily be viewed without the password if the phone has been updated to firmware version 2.0.2. Even if the phone is locked, in emergency call mode a double-click of the home button brings up favorite contacts.

This alone might not be a problem, except that from this screen dialing provides access to the full contacts list, voicemail, and dial keypad. From the contacts list, sending a text opens the SMS application and text history. One click on an email address opens the mail application and all of your mailboxes. Similarly, any links in emails or contacts will open Safari, including history and bookmarks.

PwnageTool 2.0.3 for Mac OS X is now available from the iPhone DevTeam. According to their blog, this new version supports iPhone and iPod firmware 2.0.2 5C1. The latest version updates Installer.app to beta 6 and also contains a localization for Germany.

Along with the latest Pwnage tool for Mac, the iPhone DevTeam has also released the ‘150’ beta update to the Windows QuickPwn application. This update improves the user interface, provides bug fixes for YouTube, and the adds BootNeuter support for unlocking 2G iPhones.

So the downloaded apps on your iPhone stopped working. Rebooting or resetting all settings does nothing. Suddenly you notice your music is gone. What is an iPhone owner to do? Now that the dust has settled on this particular bug many workarounds have been suggested. According to Steve Jobs himself, Apple won't have a fix until September. If you can't wait that long to restore the full functionality of your iPhone, then continue to read.

Speculation about this bug is rampant in online forums. The workaround I've used with success has been described as extreme. I suffered with the app and music problem on my iPhone 3G (2.0.1) and decided I was going to deal with the issue once. So instead of trying many of the gentler methods I attacked the problem with gusto. My phone's performance has improved noticeably since the procedure, which included a 2.0.2 firmware upgrade.