Upgrading an iPhone 3G to the latest firmware?

[shaka.d.virgo]

I have an iPhone 3G with 3.1.2 firmware. Every time I connect it to iTunes, it says there's an updated version (4.1), but I'm not sure if it's safe to update my device. I've tried to search for info on how to do it, but it looks like all I've found is for restoring (I checked your website at "How to Jailbreak Using redsn0w 0.9.6 (Windows)").

I wonder if I can go ahead and use iTunes to update and then perform the steps indicated in the guide mentione above.

Any information would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!

[iYeow]

The latest firmware is 4.2.1. If unlock is not needed, just restore to latest and jailbreak it with redsn0w RC18

[shaka.d.virgo]

iYeow:

Thanks for your answer. I do need to jailbreak and then unlock my iPhone, since my carrier is not AT&T nor Verizon.

Thanks.

[iYeow]

What is your current modem firmware, you can see it under settings , general and about.

[shaka.d.virgo]

iYeow: this is what I have.

iPhone 3G (A1241).
Version 3.1.2 (7D11) .
Modem firmware 05.11.07

Thanks.

[iYeow]

Good, you want to preserve this baseband. I would suggest you go for 4.1 by restoring to custom firmware of 4.1.
This is what you do
Run redsn0w , browse to stock 4.1 firmware, choose the last option , pwned dfu mode and finish the process until a message says dfu done, screen is black.
Run itunes : shift + restore to custom firmware of 4.1
You should be jailbroken once restored and install ultrasn0w from cydia to unlock it.

[shaka.d.virgo]

iYeow:

When i browse to the ipsw file and I click OK, I get an error that says "Unable to recognize specified IPSW". What could be the problem?

Thanks.

[iYeow]

Download the official 4.1 firmware from here iClarified - iPhone - Where To Download iPhone Firmware Files From when redsn0w ask you to browse.

[shaka.d.virgo]

iYeow:

I performed the steps as you suggested, and everything seems to be working fine again. Now, when I connect the device in iTunes, it says there's a newer version 4.2 (mine displays version 4.1 is installed). Is this the right version? Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Thanks again!

[iYeow]

Don't update, just ignore and never restore thru itunes as it will update your baseband. Your bb is preserved this way , unlocked it from cydia.

3g at 4.1 performs better than 4.2.1

[shaka.d.virgo]

OK, so I should never use iTunes to update anything. As I understand, this is the newest version available that we could update to while preserving the bb, right? Some applications couldn't be installed due to the old version I had. Hopefully the ones I want will be available now.

You've been a great help for me today. Thanks for all your guidance through this process!

[iYeow]

The highest and last firmware is 4.2.1 and if you ever want 4.2.1 , you have to do the same thing by creating your own 4.2.1 custom firmware but i wouldn't recommend going to 4.2.1 because of lag , it freezes your iphone.
Install sbsetings and enable the memory under sb options. Whatever you open, it uses RAM and you have to free it by double tapping Home button and delete it which will close the apps to free more ram.

[shaka.d.virgo]

OK, it then makse sense to stick to 4.1; once again, thanks a bunch! You are the best!

[baskie]

Sorry, but have to disagree that 4.1 is better than 4.2.1 on a 3G. But then, 3.1.3 is better than both.