iPod touch OS 3.0 doesn’t like Mini Cooper

July 20, 2009 @ 10:50 am · Filed under Apple, Gadgets, Mini Cooper, iPhone, iPod/iTunes

Nov 17, 2009 update: It seems that the 3.1.1 OS update from Apple has resolved this issue (I stopped trying after 3.0 broke it and 3.1 didn’t fix it). Thanks to Jessica at MINI Moncton for getting this issue escalated all the way back to Germany and letting me know!

Just a heads-up to anyone out there using a similar set up to mine:

  • 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman
  • Y-adapter 30-pin plug (to USB and AUX-IN)
  • 1st generation iPod touch
  • iPod OS 3.0

This combination doesn’t work. So far, I’ve been unsuccessful in downgrading my iPod to OS 2.2.1 (haven’t tried the DFU mode that some have suggested — see the Apple thread linked below). The result is that the iPod has a really hard time connecting to the Mini (it has routinely taken 10 minutes to connect), and then disconnects the first time it changes tracks (either by skipping to the next track or by letting the first track play to the end).

I’ve been in touch with Mini about this. My local dealer didn’t know about the problem, and the support people at Mini said they’re pretty much at Apple’s mercy on issues like this (which is about what I expected; Apple’s legendary secrecy extends to third-parties supporting their products).

Hopefully there will be an update from Apple and/or Mini that addresses this issue.

Also, for what it’s worth, Mini told me that while the iPod touch isn’t supported under OS 3.0, the iPhone 3G is. The iPhone 3GS isn’t, though, so guess who upgraded their iPhone 3G to a 3GS this weekend…

Ah, technology… :D

3 Comments »

  1. Christopher Mackay Said,

    September 11, 2009 @ 9:29 am

    As a brief follow-up, the recently-release OS 3.1.1 for iPod touch hasn’t improved things any. Apple and Mini continue to deal with this issue by ignoring it (even if they’re working on it behind the scenes).

    We’ll soon see if Apple’s willing to downgrade my iPod touch to OS 2.2.1 (I get shut down with a meaningless error message when attempting it myself).

  2. Christopher Mackay Said,

    October 1, 2009 @ 10:41 am

    I’ve just spent a few frustrating minutes on the phone with an Apple Expert named Aaron. He was very polite and did his best, but the bottom line is that Apple won’t factory-restore my iPod to OS 2.2.1, and won’t escalate the issue up the support food-chain.

    Oh, I could bring it to an Apple Store and have them look at it, but since I live in Atlantic Canada, and the nearest Apple Store is in Toronto, that isn’t really an option.

    So my iPod touch is essentially a paperweight, since it won’t work in my car, which is where I mostly use it.

    Thanks, Apple.

  3. Christopher Mackay Said,

    October 1, 2009 @ 10:51 am

    http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/02/09/apple-iphone-and-ipod-touch-firmware-update-221-direct-download-links/

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