Apple iPhone

Quick Links
Introduction
System Requirements for Syncing the iPhone
Additional Information & Resources
iPhone Security Alerts
Configure iPhone's e-mail client to access my RU e-mail
Configure iPhone to connect via F5 Edge Client (SSL VPN)
Configure iPhone to connect to RUWirelessSecure wireless network
Add LDAP Directory Lookups for iPhone / iPod Touch

On Friday, June 29th, 2007 Apple released the first generation iPhone. The iPhone is a smartphone device that offers multimedia, web browsing, e-mail and other features. The iPhone is available from Apple retail and online stores, and from AT&T, initially only in the US. iPhones are available in many international locations. The iPhone is a multi-band phone models using 3G UMTS/HSPDA and EDGE/GMS networks (no third-party SIM cards). In the US, it uses AT&T's 3G and EDGE networks.

On February 10, 2011, Apple released it's first iPhone, iPhone 4, specifically designed to work on Verizon's network in teh US using CDMA network.

The iPhone uses a multi-touch screen with virtual keyboard and buttons. Users must use their fingers to maneuver within the device, including typing. A specialized stylus from 3rd-party vendor will work. The phone also includes Bluetooth (for headsets only -- no DUNS service), text messaging using SMS (no direct IM support, although there are web-based IM gateways), Visual Voicemail, Wi-Fi (802.11 "AirPort" wireless networking), camera and video capture (video is only available on the new 3G S models releasetd on Friday, June 19, 2009), and playback of audio and video content (in various formats including iTunes purchases).

On Friday July 11, 2008, Apple released version 2.0 of the iPhone firmware/operating system including the iPhone 3G model. Version 2 of the firmware provides support for the University's RUWirelessSecure wireless network.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2008, Apple released version 3.0 of the iPhone firmware/operating system including the iPhone 3G and 3G S model.

On June 24, 2010, Apple released iPhone 4 model, which added two camera's for FaceTime video calling and a higher-resolution display.

For complete Apple iOS release history, compatibility adn future release information, click here.

There iPhone has various limitations, some of which will be addressed, and some of which will not. Below are some of the current known issues. For additional information and features, click here:

  • Requires Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later, or 32-bit Windows XP SP2, or 32-bit Windows Vista to with iTunes 7.7 or greater synchronize & manage the iPhone. For 64-bit systems, visit Apple's support page.
  • The web browser does not support Flash or Java.
  • The e-mail client will only retrieve either 25, 50, 75, 100 or 200 messages at a time per folder. There is no option to only download only unread messages, or those from the past 'x' days unless using ActiveSync (to be available once users are migrated to the Exchange server).
  • No memory card slot to extend the built-in memory. Users are limited to the memory capacity of the phone.
  • Syncing to a computer requires a USB connection (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
  • No document transfer except for music, photo and video syncing through iTunes; no access to the flash memory file system on the phone, so the iPhone cannot be used as a USB "thumb drive", although this may be possible with third-party software.
  • No editing of attached e-mail files (available through third part software but may be limited to certain types of file types).
  • Files received in e-mail cannot be saved to the iPhone.
  • The built-in speakerphone is not loud.

System Requirements for syncing the iPhone

The iPhone is compatible with Mac OS X version 10.4.10 or later, and Windows XP or Vista; it connects to a USB 2.0 port and requires a current version of iTunes on the desktop/laptop computer. For complete system requirements, visit Apple's web site.

Additional Information & Resources

Additional information is available from the sites below:

Online Resources & Information about Apple's iPhone

If you have any questions or need assistance with configuring the iPhone to access your RU e-mail or to sync with your PC/Mac, contact the Help Desk at x8940.