What does the iPhone 2.0 / iTunes Error -9838 mean?
Error -9838 means there is a problem with Apple's iTunes server.
When will error -9838 be fixed?
At this time, the best (and only) solution is to wait it out.
But ... But... isn't there anything I can do in the meantime?
Sure. Plug in your iPhone and when you get the error in iTunes (whether it's 9838 or 9802 or -4 or whatever), DO NOTHING. Don't clear the error by hitting OK. Just let it sit there with the error up. What we're hearing and seeing from experience is that the update actually happens on its own but doesn't alert you to it. In other words, while you are seeing this error box that looks like a dead end, you are in a line of people. Once it's your turn, your phone will update even though you still see that error box.
If that doesn't work, keep checking back here. We'll let you know as soon as we hear that Apple has things working smoothly again. Until then, wash some dishes. Do your laundry. Tidy up a bit. Talk to people in person. Go meet someone, fall in love. Take a nap.
If none of those ideas sound like your cup of tea, got any complaints about your car? Of course you do.
Or track things you've lent out or borrowed. Go on, think. You're forgetting something. When you remember, we're here for you.