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Sluggish iPhone 3G interface, text input reported

Sluggish iPhone 3G interface, text input reported

Ben Wilson

Several users are reporting inordinately sluggish system performance from the iPhone 3G, particularly with regard to scrolling, text input, and return to the home screen. The issue appears to be endemic to iPhone OS 2.0, as users of first-generation phones who have updated to the new software are also experiencing lag.

A sampling of reports from this Apple Discussions thread:

  • "I did a [...] side by side test and yes the new operating system on the iPhone 3G is much slower for every application...typing is a pain because of the obvious response delay"
  • "Both my wife and I are having the same problem. We both have 1st Gen iPhones which have been upgraded with the v2.0 software release."
  • "Same problems here. Sometimes the typing goes quick, but most of the times right after startup of the phone. Afterwards it goes slow."

A series of YouTube videos, embedded below, demonstrate the issues:

Slow SMS text input:

Slowness in various interface elements:

In many cases, the lag can be eliminated by resetting the iPhone: Turn the iPhone off completely, by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button (on top of the device) for a few seconds then slide the red slider. Turn it back on by holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.

Unfortunately, poor performance generally returns after a period of normal operation post-reset.

Feedback? info@iphoneatlas.com.