Apple's iPhone OS 3.0 appears to have begun trickling out -- at least for some iPhone owners -- ending the months-long wait for the highly anticipated update. The Mac Observer has begun receiving reports that shortly after 10AM pacific time iTunes started showing the tell-tale dialog that a new version of the iPhone OS was available.

iPhone OS 3.0 is available to at least some iPhone owners.

The new version of the iPhone and iPod touch operating system includes several new features such as copy and paste, system-wide Spotlight searches, system-wide landscape keyboards, push notifications, Find My iPhone, voice memos, note syncing, and more.

iPhone and iPod touch owners can download and install the update by launching iTunes, connecting their handheld to their computer, then clicking Check for Update under the device's Summary tab.

Just like Apple's iPhone OS 2.0 upgrade, it appears that the update isn't appearing for all users immediately -- an indication that the rollout may be staggered through specific regions to help avoid server overloads. iPhone and iPod touch users can periodically re-check to see if the update is available.

iPhone OS 3.0 adds backup encryption.

Apple worked to improve data security with the update by adding the ability to remotely wipe information from an iPhone as well as locate a missing iPhone with the new Find My iPhone feature. The company also added the ability in iTunes to encrypt and password protect your handheld backup.

Before jumping into a major upgrade like iPhone OS 3.0, it's a good idea to make sure that your applications are up to date and that all of your important data is backed up. For information on preparing for the update, check out TMO's iPhone OS 3.0 Upgrade Guide.

iPhone OS 3.0 is a free upgrade for all iPhone owners, and US$9.95 for iPod touch owners.