For those of you who were able to successfully install iOS 4 on your iPhone 3G, you have already found that you can’t background wallpapers. We know that multitasking is not present due to memory and processor limitations. But, how can wallpaper be an issue when it takes very little memory to run. Jailbroken iPhone 3G’s can do this, so why not a non-jailbroken broken iPhone 3G.
Cult of Mac’s John Brownlee tells us that a Gizmodo reader named Erica had this same question. She decided to add herself to the list of people who have emailed Steve Jobs with their queries. Below is what transcribed between Erica and Steve Jobs:
“Hey Steve! I just upgraded my iPhone 3G to iOS 4 and was really looking forward to setting a background on my home screen. Guess that’s not happening, but I’d like to know why.
See, I get why you don’t include multitasking. My iPhone gets pretty hot when certain apps run, couldn’t imagine how multitasking would fry my phone.
But the background thing, I don’t see how that would be memory intensive and/or battery draining. It doesn’t seem like that feature needs to be exclusive to the 3GS and 4G.
Jobs’ response:
The icon animation with backgrounds didn’t perform well enough.”
Now this really doesn’t answer the question because jailbroken iPhones are capable of wallpaper. However, Apple wants to give their customers a device that will perform. Not one that might have issues.
Brownlee further clarifies that wallpaper works on jailbroken broken iPhones:
“Noting that some background wallpaper images can make it hard to see icon text and even icon apps, Apple chose to put a drop shadow for each icon and its label… something Winterboard doesn’t do. Hence the extra overhead.”
So, it’s the drop shadows and not the wallpaper that is causing the issue. I’m glad that Apple has recognized this to be an issue and has left it out. This time Apple has chosen function over form. Usually it’s the other way around. Have you upgraded your iPhone 3G to iOS 4? If so, we would like to hear about your experience, be it good or bad. So drop us a line in the comments section, and let everyone know your iOS upgrade experience.
Photo Credit: Just installed iPhone iOS 4
Article Via Cult of Mac
How much time are you guys spending looking at your home screen that you really notice the lack of a BG image, let alone considering buying a new phone for one? Seriously home button swipe to unlock, swipe to page or tap folder, launch app. Get on with the show!
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LikeI was very upset when I found out my brother's iPone 3GS could have the new backgrounds and my iPhone 3G couldn't, even after installing OS4. I don't want to have to buy a new phone to get this function!
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Likesame here when i saw my friends did it and mine didnt work i was soo pissed off
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LikeInstalled OS4 on my 3GS iphone. I now have the "WORLD" background always on after I 'Slide to Unlock' - The "WORLD" used to go away - now it interferes with reading the Icons? Whats up?
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LikeIn RedSn0w. Oh crap, you didn't hear that from me. ;)
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LikeGreat article. The same question was on my mind.
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