In another attempt to fix the iPhone 3G's many bugs, Apple on Friday released a second firmware update available along with the new iTunes 8 and Safari.

“The iPhone 2.1 software update contains many bug fixes and improvements,” the company said on its web site to encourage the download of the software and help put an end to users’ many complaints.

The much-anticipated second version of the popular iPhone had users complain about network connectivity issues, freezes, and security issues.

The updated software, a 237MB download, should help decrease dropped calls, increase battery life, improve text-messaging performances, and get a more accurate 3G signal strength display, Apple CEO Steve Jobs promised in a letter to users.

Other fixes include an option to wipe data after ten failed passcode attempts and the repair of a security glitch, reported last month by tech blog Gizmodo.com, which could allow potential attackers to gain access to users’ private info--e-mails, messages, and contact lists--even when the device was locked.

Despite bugs and glitches that tarnished Apple's shine, iPhone remains the second most popular smartphone in the U.S. market after Research In Motion’s BlackBerry.

The Cupertino, California, company sold over 9 million handsets since entering the mobile phone market in June last year.

Apple’s stock dropped $2.94 to $149.71 in trading an hour before closing time.