IPHONE and iPod Touch users can look forward to the new iPhone operating system 3.0 not only for its new useful features, but also because it patches 46 security loopholes.

These vulnerabilities include some which could give hackers leeway to run malicious codes on users' iPhones if they have accessed malicious websites or downloaded virus ridden files.

'If left unpatched, hackers could run malware on your iPhone just by you visiting a website or viewing a maliciously-crafted image,' said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, which issued the advisory.

He added that, without the patch, users are leaving themselves potentially wide open to attack. 'It pays to remember that no operating system is invincible.'

In Singapore, the new iPhone will be launched in July, coming with the new 3.0 version. New features that come with the update include cut-and-paste, spotlight search and a landscape virtual keyboard.

From June 18, existing iPhone customers in Singapore can also download this update for free.

In the United States, iPod Touch customers are required to pay USD9.95.

'Its certainly unusual for a company to charge for important security patches like this,' continued Cluley.

'In an ideal world Apple would make free fixes available for iPod Touch users who don't feel they need cut-and-paste and other new features, but do want to be able to use the internet securely.'

Smartphones such as the iPhone and Blackberry have become increasingly common among users' choice of phones. In Singapore, smartphones have been said to form one in three of phone purchases.

With this popularity comes the proliferation of viruses. Security experts expect to see thousands of smartphones being targeted by hackers within a year.