Apple to release iPhone OS 3.0 update today

Apple is scheduled to release its iPhone OS 3.0 software update today--according to industry rumors, the update will be available for download at 1:00 pm EST. As usual, Apple has not confirmed when users can expect the update, but the 1:00 pm theory is supported by a ComputerWorld report that Apple's Singapore corporate website announced the iPhone 3.0 update will not be available locally until tomorrow, June 18--the report adds that the launch appears to face similar delays in other international markets in timezones far ahead of the U.S., including Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and New Zealand, which range from seven to 12 hours ahead of GMT. In addition, Engadget notes that Hong Kong operator 3 sent a nationwide text message to subscribers announcing that OS 3.0 will be available at 01:00 local time on June 18, which translates to 1:00 pm on June 17 in New York City and 6:00 pm in London. The iPhone OS 3.0 software update will be available free via iTunes for all iPhone customers--iPod touch customers will be required to pay $9.95 U.S.

Apple officially unveiled the iPhone OS 3.0 beta in mid-March, promising more than 100 new features to bolster the functionality of iPhone and iPod touch applications. According to Apple, the SDK for iPhone OS 3.0 boasts more than 1,000 new APIs, including support for apps to communicate with hardware accessories attached to iPhone or iPod touch devices. The update also includes the long-awaited Apple Push Notification service, which offers developers a channel to alert users of new information, even when your application isn't running--developers may now send text notifications, trigger audible alerts or add a numbered badge to their application icon. The latest edition of the iPhone touchscreen device, dubbed the iPhone 3G S, is slated to hit retail Friday.

For more on the iPhone OS 3.0 launch:
- read this Engadget article