As an IPhone 3G user, I have been looking forward to the OS3.0 software upgrade for weeks. What has not been made abundantly clear through Apples usually flawless marketing is the distinction between the release dates for the software upgrade and the new IPhone 3GS handset. Lets set the record straight: IPhone OS3.0 is out June 17th (today) and Im currently anticipating its arrival as this written. Friday 19th June sees the equally anticipated arrival of the IPhone 3GS. In essence, this means that current users of the IPhone 3G will be able to benefit from some software tweaks on the revitalised OS3.0 and people who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of IPhone 3GS will be able to benefit from all the wonderful new software of OS3.0 and some nifty new hardware features too.  As an existing customer, I would like to know if I am entitled to a hardware upgrade through The Carphone Warehouse. I would be prepared to pay for this, however I suspect this would be unlikely. 

Software

The new software will be available for anyone who owns either an original IPhone, an IPhone 3G or an IPod Touch. Certain features on OS3.0 will be restricted and unavailable for 1st generation IPhone handsets and IPod Touch users will be charged circa $10 for the privilege. 

The Features

While you are probably already well versed with some of the benefits associated with an upgrade to OS3.0, I thought it would be relevant to take the opportunity to cover all the features in some detail. To make things simple, rather than list all the features, Ive included a YouTube clip that should explain whats going on. 

Hardware

Whereas the software will be available today at 6pm GMT, customers will be left sweating until Friday 19th June to get their hands on the IPhone 3GS.  So what is so special about it compared to the IPhone 3G? For starters, users will benefit from superior levels of processing power, battery life, and the ability to record video, a 3MP camera with auto-focus and a compass facility. Although this is a technological leap forward, the differences between IPhone 3G and 3GS are limited compared to the abundance of functionality that was added to the hardware between the original IPhone and the subsequent 3G model. In addition, we will start to see many of your favourite applications being bolstered to keep up to speed with the new hardware capabilities. This represents exciting times for Apple and its users so leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts. In the meantime, check out this YouTube clip below for more details on the IPhone 3GS.