A number of iPhone users on Apple’s discussion boards are reporting problems with 3G network speeds and battery life issues following the installation of Software 2.2. Interestingly, while the battery life issues seem to be widespread in terms of geographic area, the majority of users complaining of slow 3G speeds are concentrated in the Orange Country area of Southern California, suggesting the problem may stem from an issue with that area’s network. For users experiencing the 3G slowdown, reports indicate that while they see full or close to full 3G coverage, and calls work fine, data connections are apparently extremely slow, being described by one user as “slower than EDGE.”
Meanwhile, a separate group of users complaining of greatly reduced battery life are reporting standby times of less than 10 hours, but not all users appear to be experiencing the problem. In addition, a user claiming to be an iPhone developer has responded in a separate 2.2 battery life thread, claiming that the problem may be related to an issue with Safari, in which the iPhone fails to properly close its network connection upon exit, causing the device to physically heat up, and also leading to reduced battery life. In this instance, both the developer and other users claim that quitting Safari by holding down the home button has successfully restored their battery life.
