Apparently, iPhone Firmware 2.2 beta 1 is more than just bug fixes, as originally reported. So far, not much more, but we’ll take every little bit we can get.

According to iPhoneAtlas, in the latest iPhone firmware for registered developers, Safari has experienced a few interface tweaks. As you can see at right, the address bar has been changed to more closely resemble the desktop version of Safari.

Gone are the refresh and search buttons. Take out your iPhone and have a look. There used to be a magnifying glass for searching to the left of the address bar, and there used to be a refresh button to the right.

The new mobile Safari has two input fields. The standard address bar now holds a refresh icon to the right, and a search box off to the right side.

It seems Apple has fixed most of the large problems with the iPhone’s firmware with the iPhone 2.1 release, but they are by no means stopping there. Apple has seeded firmware 2.2 beta 1 to developers, but it’s unclear as to what is different.

Along with the beta firmware comes the newest build of the iPhone SDK (build 9M2611). The firmware is labeled with “compatibility testing,” but that’s the only clue. Whether push notifications have made their way into this build is also unclear. But, according to the latest supposed e-mail from Steve, it’s on their minds.

We’re running a bit late. We want to get it 100% right the first time.

Steve