3G iPhone in May, Another Device at WWDC?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

In April, SwitchToaMac.com published (http://switchtoamac.com/site/3g-iphone-in-may-new-mobile-device-at-wwdc-2008.html) a rumor that Apple would be launching the 3G iPhone earlier than expected... in May. At the time, we dismissed it, as the rumor didn't seem to correspond to the circulating expectations that the new iPhone would be launched in June at WWDC. Apple's dwindling stock (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/10/online-apple-store-is-out-of-iphones/) of iPhones in both the U.S. and U.K. however, has made us look at this rumor once again.

As mentioned, SwitchToaMac's source claimed that the 3G-capable iPhone would be announced in May, with the belief that it would be available for purchase the day after the announcement.

The reason for a pre-WWDC announcement? Reportedly, Apple would instead announce a brand new portable device at WWDC. No other details of what this device might be, but there have been rumors (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/26/the-return-of-the-newton-apple-pda/) that Apple was developing a mini-tablet multitouch device for launch in 2008. This PDA-like device would reportedly have a higher screen resolution (720x480) and be about 1.5x the size of the existing iPhone.

Repubblica.it first (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/04/21/unlocked-3g-iphone-to-launch-in-italy/) reported (in April) that they expected the Italian 3G iPhone launch "in the next few weeks", suggesting a May launch. While Telecom Italia and Vodofone (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/06/both-telecom-italia-and-vodafone-to-offer-iphone-in-italy/) did announce their intentions to supply the iPhone in Italy, no formal announcement had been made from Apple. Meanwhile, Apple's supply of iPhones has dwindled to nothing (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/10/online-apple-store-is-out-of-iphones/) and our retail sources have indicated that they too will not be receiving many (if any) more iPhone shipments, leading many to speculate that the 3G-capable iPhone launch will be sooner than expected.

We don't necessarily believe this rumor is true, but present it as an interesting possibility. Obviously, we'll see between now and WWDC if it has any merit.

Article Link (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/11/3g-iphone-in-may-another-device-at-wwdc/)

[parafish13]

Sounds fun to me!

[al3000]

would make sense..

[syavno]

Can't wait!!

[iphonesarecool]

I hope it does come in May :cool:

[FJ218700]

Newton II baby!

[sminman]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

[BongoBanger]

A competitor to Nokia's internet tablets maybe?

[Grimace]

I'll take two! And two tablets. :D

[Boydbme]

if they release the 3g iphone in May, then I'm waiting until I found out what they have in store to announce at WWDC in June before I get one.

I'm sensing too high of expectations. good set up for a let down.

[DTphonehome]

Well if that's true...daayyum.

[Dangeresque]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.

[Trent0341]

I'll believe it when I see it. Until then I have a really hard time believing that they will release the 3g iphone before they release the 2.0 software. I think this is a case of believing what you want to believe.

[stevemolitor]

Any guesses as to whether we will be able to tether the new iPhone to a laptop , to get 3G internet on the laptop? This is possible with the current iPhone I believe with jail breaking, but I was wondering if it'd be legit this time.

Steve

[StealthRider]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.

And this sounds awfully familiar...The Nightmare that was John Scully?

[benlee]

If this is true I don't expect too many major design changes in the iPhone.
maybe just 3G and GPS....but seems weird that it would not run 2.0 software until after WWDC.

[bacaramac]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

The same reason everyone thinks the MacBook Pro updates to the new processor was such a big deal.

Because it's a new model and 3G allows for better internet/data experience.

[mikeyredk]

Seems odd especially after they just released the macbook air… why would they release a tablet that would cannibalize the airs' sales?

[MVallee]

Why must Apple constantly release products that I want. My bank account does not appreciate it.

The tablet thing sounds very interesting though.

[Badandy]

Now I don't know whether to get a 3G iPhone when it comes out in May or if I should wait for the WWDC announcement. If there's some product feature overlap, I might do better keeping my current iPhone and seeing what new comes out?

[wheezy]

Apple loves surprises, and the new 3G iPhone isn't a surprise at all, so a late May launch would be understandable to make room for a new product launch at the WWDC keynote.

Hmmmmm. My brother is going crazy waiting for one. He go so mad at his Treo the other day he just went outside and threw it against his driveway. It didn't survive.

[avigalante]

WWDC = iPod Air

3G iPhone sooner than later is huge news.

[benlee]

after thinking about this I can say with 99% confidence this is not going to be how things go down and there will be no tablet at WWDC.

Of course, I also said there was no way Apple would call it the Macbook Air.:D

[FJ218700]

I could see a tablet replacing the mini.

i.e., remember the patent application for sliding the tablet into an iMac-like enclosure?

[Dangeresque]

And this sounds awfully familiar...The Nightmare that was John Scully?

So you see things as possibly heading down this road?

[jnc]

Oh god, please don't refuel the tablet rumour talk. We've just about convinced people a 13" MBP is not on the way. Considering we have iPt, iPhone and now the MBA as well, is there "room" for such a product? Really?

[twoodcc]

i would love to see a May 3G iPhone. not sure i'd buy this other device though

[Dangeresque]

I could see a tablet replacing the mini.

i.e., remember the patent application for sliding the tablet into an iMac-like enclosure?

Yeah, but isn't the point of the Mac Mini that it's an entry-level desktop
mac? i.e. can be attached to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard? I don't know that a "mobile device" of any kind would be an adequate replacement for a Mac Mini for mac newcomers who need a low barrier to entry and high flexibility.

[DTphonehome]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

It's 2 whole Gs more than the current iPhone.

[gcmexico]

today Sunday's Times business section has a whole article on these mini tablets...new Iphone this week...mini tablet in June!!! YES!!!:D

only question is would one need a mini tablet if they have an iphone?

[Luke1robb]

On one hand, it doesn't make sense that they would release the 3G phone in May. First of all, they haven't announced an event and unless the 3G phone is simply a chip update and GPS, nothing else hardware wise, then they would want alot of press leading up to it. Also, as mentioned above, why would they release it ahead of the firmware 2.0 update.

On the other hand, Steve could be suprising us with an early release of the 2.0 update and a new iPhone and I don't think its too farfetched to believe that they would come out with a tablet. So I'm up in the air, I'm gonna hold back my excitement until we hear something actually convincing, out of left field rumors just aren't enough for me to get excited over. For the sake of a more feature 3G iPhone, I'm hoping it won't be til WWDC, as this would give them a stage (literally) to build up press before hand and then release something truly great and updated.

Then again, I would love to see a tablet coming out of Cupertino. Again though, as mentioned above, if they release a tablet, what does someone pick as a traveler? An Air, a tablet, a macbook, a macbook pro, an iPhone? Too many choices.

Maybe they'll release it all at WWDC but there will be something else alongside, not a tablet though... New form factored MacBooks and MacBook Pros!!! Thats what I'm talking about.

[louisvillesown]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but this doesn't seem to hold true for me for one reason. The post speaking of AT&T employees being restricted from taking a vacation from the 15th of June to the 15th of July. I worked for AT&T in a retail store last year with the release of the iPhone and still speak with many people who even though were not allowed to speak of the email by law they still confided in me that it was due to a product to be launched. The iPhone is the only product that would cause such an action by AT&T, so even though the supply situation is a bit odd, in my opinion we won't see the 3G iPhone till June 15th or a little after the date.

[DTphonehome]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but this doesn't seem to hold true for me for one reason. The post speaking of AT&T employees being restricted from taking a vacation from the 15th of June to the 15th of July. I worked for AT&T in a retail store last year with the release of the iPhone and still speak with many people who even though were not allowed to speak of the email by law they still confided in me that it was due to a product to be launched. The iPhone is the only product that would cause such an action by AT&T, so even though the supply situation is a bit odd, in my opinion we won't see the 3G iPhone till June 15th or a little after the date.

Yeah, the AT&T aspect makes this very unlikely.

[mathewr]

if they release the 3g iphone in May, then I'm waiting until I found out what they have in store to announce at WWDC in June before I get one.

I'm sensing too high of expectations. good set up for a let down.

yes thats exactly what im going to do.

[gloss]

It's 2 whole Gs more than the current iPhone.

1G, at most.

[timon]

It could happen since Apple has run out of iPhones. Not having iPhones for a month is not good for the bottom line nor the stock price.

[inkhead]

I was told they were coming June 12th, but that doesn't make any sense. All the Apple stores in Silicon Valley are out, the online store won't sell them, and it looks like AT&T is basically clearing out the final stuff.

I thought they were gonna wait till WWDC but it looks like it will drop earlier. No way ANY company skips an entire month of revenue, and tells people "Sorry we don't know abut that product"..

It will be this tuesday I'd imagine, 2 days, SHAREHOLDERS would sue the pants off you, and in some cases it might be illegal to withhold product like that, especially when it causes the company and shareholders lots of money.

[Peace]

Yeah, but isn't the point of the Mac Mini that it's an entry-level desktop
mac? i.e. can be attached to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard? I don't know that a "mobile device" of any kind would be an adequate replacement for a Mac Mini for mac newcomers who need a low barrier to entry and high flexibility.

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned it yet, but this doesn't seem to hold true for me for one reason. The post speaking of AT&T employees being restricted from taking a vacation from the 15th of June to the 15th of July. I worked for AT&T in a retail store last year with the release of the iPhone and still speak with many people who even though were not allowed to speak of the email by law they still confided in me that it was due to a product to be launched. The iPhone is the only product that would cause such an action by AT&T, so even though the supply situation is a bit odd, in my opinion we won't see the 3G iPhone till June 15th or a little after the date.


A Newtonish handheld media device that "holds" the iPhone ala recent rumors sounds plausible.

Simply plug in the new 3G iPhone and away ya go..
The device that could come out at WWDC could very well be a new Apple TV that is handheld and plays music/videos via cables or you can just hold it in your hand and watch.

[Luke1robb]

Does anyone else think that maybe Apple and Steve Jobs are trying to EOL the 2.5G iPhone now, so that no one complains about the new one coming out weeks later and so they don't have to come out with rebates again? It's not out of the question... Or maybe they'll drop the price of the iPhone on Tuesday? 2 and a half weeks of $249 and $349 iPhones? You know how many customers who have no idea of the 3G iPhone coming out that would bring in? Think about it this way, they stop selling them online last week, so that the iPhones bought before that can get to the customers before Tuesday, so that they can drop the price and no one can bitc* for a refund. What do you all think?

[dagamer34]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

[Dagless]

It's 2 whole Gs more than the current iPhone.

Isn't it just 0.25 of a G? Since Edge is technically 2.75G. That said we've no idea what speed of 3G Apple will be using... do we?

[motulist]

This doesn't make any sense.

WWDC is less than a month away. I highly doubt Apple would release a major product like a new version of the iPhone just 2 or 3 weeks before some other big new product is released at WWDC.

[daveL]

I don't get these "too many products" posts. I, for one, would consider this "new product" an iPod Touch v2, with more emphasis on video capabilities, slightly larger virtual keyboard, better browsing experience, etc. If anything, it helps differentiate the Touch from iPhone. Of course, it would run the 2.0 version of the firmware.

[russellb]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

If you have never experienced 3G on the road then it's a bit like saying

"Whats the big deal with boradband, my dialup is fast enough"

3G lets you get things done faster and easier

[fastbite]

It sort of makes sense. 3G is just that, 3G --so maybe the new iPhone is much more that that. Wow -- thinking about it is doing my head in -- maybe another beer will clear my thoughts ;)...

[fastbite]

OK, this is my prediction: 3G iphone in the next few days, looking the same as today's iPhone. Then mini iPhone and tablet/maxi (whatever you call it) iPhone to be announce in June.

[EagerDragon]

I was set to get 3 iphones as soon as possible, but waiting a a few weeks to see what they release at wwdc should not be too painful.

[iPhoneHome]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

Why us it too farfetched to believe that Apple can't control the release of the 2.0 software. They might want to highlight specific apps that have been developed from some of the more high profile companies. Thus, giving us time to experience the best apps, then later release apps from some of the more
regular developers.

[Diode]

or at least the capability to use GPS data
http://blogs.computerworld.com/iphone_gps

That would be fairly sweet to be able to GPS tag pictures.

I really really hope they improve the camera on this one. At least give us a decent lens!

[generationxwing]

3G iPhone in May, since they've apparently sold out of the current model. It'll sell only in countries currently offering the iPhone.

Then at WWDC, they announce the iPhone Nano, as well as service in other countries (Canada, Aus, Italy, all those Vodaphone countries, etc).

That's my best case scenario guess. Odds are though that this supply issue is just that, and they'll wait till WWDC to announce anything iPhone related.

[grantsdale]

This is only plausible if the two devices are different enough that they don't compete with each other in any way.

Otherwise you'd have tons of upset customers who grabbed the new iphone and then see something a couple weeks later that fit what they want better.

[BrownManUPS]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

I agree with this. A 3G iPhone needs the 2.0 software, which is in fifth beta but isn't done yet. And with AT&T reportedly blocking off a specific timeframe, it makes sense that it would at least be shipped and ready to buy then.

As for this rumored extra device, I can't even begin to speculate on what it could be. One of the things I have been hoping for (no idea if its possible) but a device that runs on an internet similar to the whispernet that AMZN has for its Kindle device. How awesome would it be if a iPod touch revision would be one to include this internet?

Of course there are those that argue that Apple would never release such a thing, because the iPhone would lose a big marketshare. But I think a totally accessible wi-fi device would be HUGE, and something we can expect in the next 1-2 years (or now).

I can't wait for WWDC!

[sea stobble]

the volume button on my iPhone has been physically stuck on "volume down" for about the last week. it's kind of annoying, but the speaker volume is already so quiet, it's THAT annoying. I don't live anywhere near an apple store, and I'm going to have to ship it in. should I hold off and wait for the chance (I know it's not a great one) that I may receive a 3g phone if the current ones are "phased out" or just go ahead and send it in?

[chrup]

I was at my friendly local Apple store earlier today and spoke to one of the sales guys there. They don't have stock of iPhones and he said that they have no idea when they get iPhones again, thinking that the earliest would be "that conference that they [Apple Developers] have in the beginning of June some time".
When I was sceptical ["What? 1 whole month without iPhone??"], he just shrugged and mumbled "Yeah, weird".

I have an iPhone and I don't really need the 3G feature, everywhere I go, there are WiFi hotspots these days. No 3G needed.

[macgreiner]

My bet is an announcement next week with acyual supply becoming available in June

[bmk]

I thought they were gonna wait till WWDC but it looks like it will drop earlier. No way ANY company skips an entire month of revenue, and tells people "Sorry we don't know abut that product"..

It will be this tuesday I'd imagine, 2 days, SHAREHOLDERS would sue the pants off you, and in some cases it might be illegal to withhold product like that, especially when it causes the company and shareholders lots of money.

Not quite sure where you get your knowledge of the relationship between companies and shareholders (or the law for that matter), but as ar as I understand it shareholders don't have an impact on the day to day running of a company, however important they are. If Apple - just hypothetically - decided to not sell iPhones for a month and take a hit on iPhone sales, and then came out with a wild new product that sold millions and millions and made the share price rocket - how would that annoy shareholders? Even if Apple made a financial decision that negatively affected share prices in the short term and angered shareholders they (the shareholders) would still have to wait for the annual meeting to make their protest so annoying them in the short term wouldn't make any difference to Apple's short to medium term strategies if they felt that the rewards of a product launch outweighed the short term losses.

Not being a shareholder myself, I may be completely wrong about this, of course.

[benmrii]

the volume button on my iPhone has been physically stuck on "volume down" for about the last week. it's kind of annoying, but the speaker volume is already so quiet, it's THAT annoying. I don't live anywhere near an apple store, and I'm going to have to ship it in. should I hold off and wait for the chance (I know it's not a great one) that I may receive a 3g phone if the current ones are "phased out" or just go ahead and send it in?

The release of a new iPhone will have no effect on what your replacement will be. Apple has always kept on hand repair/replacement stock of older versions of iPhones and iPods to replace those that need to be replaced.

[DCSMAC]

The evidence for a june release is "softer" than the evidence for a release as early as this week. Its solid fact that it is near impossible to buy a new iphone now, and any publicly-owned company will not miss out on such a large source of revenue for an entire month. Can you imagine steve reporting on the Q2 earnings call that there was no profit from the iPhones for AN ENTIRE MONTH!! no way. Also, its become quite public that the revision is coming, and maybe the sales numbers over the past few weeks are indicating that people are waiting for the new release.

Also, The iPhone has got to be one of the most coveted gifts for both high school and college graduates, and having a new one come out now as opposed to june (which is a little late) will only improve sales. Perhaps its ready ahead of time...why not release it ahead of time?

[MacTheSpoon]

Gee... a May release for the iPhone? It'd be nice, but count me among those who don't believe it. Without 2.0 software ready, it won't happen. Or is the 2.0 beta so close to being done?

Steve did make mention of releasing new devices at the last earnings report, so I could believe a mini tablet and/or an iPhone nano, but again I don't see it until WWDC.

[macduke]

I was just thinking this same thing last night. But there were two things holding my suspicions back:

1.) iPhone 2.0 firmware isn't supposed to be released until June

2.) Apple may be wanting to build hype before the 3g release by making consumers wait a little to get the new device. Either that or they want there to be more of a gap so people don't get all pissed off again and want a refund when they buy an iPhone one day and the new one comes out the day after.

Anyone think that the two iPhones will be running different firmware? What about 32gb chips? NewEgg.com has them as low as $140 in CF varieties.

[mathewr]

i believe but im not sure about this that the 2.0 software doesnt have to be shipped with the new phones. there may be features u need to wait for the 2.0 software to be released.

[MacGohil]

It is highly doubtful that apple will release another portable device to to canabalise the IPhone and MBA sales....

If they release IPhone in MAY it is very likely most of the customers will hold on to there money to wait an see what is going to happen at WWDC....

As of now.... if they release only the gen2 IPhone hardware in May then the full potential of the IPhone gen2 wont be realised untill WWDC when they will release the IPhone ver2 software.... which will bring in the extra features... which Apple will be willing to show off.... and more specifically at WWDC because they will have the executive crowd whom they intend to please with this version.....

If they release the new device in WWDC then it will eat into the sales from the customers who will b waiting and watching.... Since most of the Mac loyal customers already have an IPhone.... they will decide not to upgrade to the new IPhone and rather opt for the new portable device to have a go.....

M sure this is not the direction apple is going to take.... SJ is a very vice chap.... M sure he wont like the new baby canabalising the sales of the IPhone....




the volume button on my iPhone has been physically stuck on "volume down" for about the last week. it's kind of annoying, but the speaker volume is already so quiet, it's THAT annoying. I don't live anywhere near an apple store, and I'm going to have to ship it in. should I hold off and wait for the chance (I know it's not a great one) that I may receive a 3g phone if the current ones are "phased out" or just go ahead and send it in?

Sorry to disappoint you but I would say Apple would have enough of gen-1 IPhones even if you ship yours after WWDC to give you an replacement. If Apple has EOL the current version then they would still have some stock remaining. On the other hand they would still have some refurbished stocks at that time for you.... So m pretty sure they wont give you a free upgrade to Iphone gen2.... they will rather want you to buy one....

[Metal425]

Yay! I'm very happy. I have been awaiting the 3G for awhile now.
I'm happy it's coming earlier then expected.

[macduke]

Can you imagine steve reporting on the Q2 earnings call that there was no profit from the iPhones for AN ENTIRE MONTH!! no way.

Also, The iPhone has got to be one of the most coveted gifts for both high school and college graduates, and having a new one come out now as opposed to june (which is a little late) will only improve sales.

Wow. Nice points. That does make a whole lot of sense. Though maybe Steve knows of some more countries that will get the iPhone, and how huge the sales will be this year, so it doesn't really matter in the long run? Still highly unlikely that they would go that long with no iPhone (unless they are trying to pull a Wii to push demand).

As for me, I'm buying myself one as an early graduation present since I'll be a senior in college this fall.....heh.

[mr.stinki]

As long as they release the new iPhone before August, I'm happy.

We're going to NY during the second week of August, and I want to buy my new iPhone at the 5th ave. apple store.

[philgilder]

1.) iPhone 2.0 firmware isn't supposed to be released until Juneso? nowhere has said iphone 3g has to run firmware 2.0 ot the box

2.) Either that or they want there to be more of a gap so people don't get all pissed off again and want a refund when they buy an iPhone one day and the new one comes out the day after.apple has always released products like this, the ipods, the mac (macbooks, mbpros, mac pros and imacs) and software releases all (normally) available as soon as they are announced, and there is not normally any warning...

[mac jones]

Insert your choice of pessimistic remark here.

[benmrii]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

1) That's a guess, not a fact.

2) Why would retail employees need two weeks training... particularly considering the iPhone's software 2.0 has been basically publicly available for months? We're not talking about a new device, we're talking about an upgrade to a current device. Regardless of how exciting the changes are Apple probably won't ever release a device upgrade that took more than 30 minutes of playing with - particularly by someone that works for Apple - to be able to know enough selling points. Not to mention the hype for the iPhone already, including the next version being released, will probably mean that most employees will just be helping getting them out the door much more than actually having to convince people to buy. :)

MG's are used to getting training paperwork the day of availability. Trust me, employees and stores will be ready to sell the next iPhone with very little additions or changes with the one exception being their actual physical presence in the store.

3) Organization for a large press event can be done behind the scenes quite well. It's not as though the press will not show up if they get an invitation the day of.

4) WWDC is not "just around the corner" with respect to iPhone availability. That's the big point of this article: there aren't any iPhones for sale. That's not anything less than a huge deal.

[Pressure]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

I have been wondering.

Who says the AT&T vacation block has anything to do with Apple?

[robbents99]

If something else did come out at WWDC, then a filing with the FCC would have happened already or should be happening soon, right? My memory is hazy, has there been any filings lately?

I agree with the whole "something on tuesday" vibe, no way they'd let consumers go without iphones for 30 days.

And, I agree with the entire "don't buy anything until after WWDC" vibe. You buy anything now and you're just digging yourself into a hole. Same reason why I won't be buying a new Macbook pro until October-ish. Hold short and wait for them to release revisions.

[Diode]

I have been wondering.

Who says the AT&T vacation block has anything to do with Apple?

People are speculating because the the announcement mentions a exciting product launch.

Also AT&T did the exact same thing during last years iphone launch.

[benmrii]

One point I'd make on this... on what I still think to be an off-chance that we see the next iPhone released (or even announced) this week, if a new device were also to be released at WWDC it would not be a 1.5x iPhone size handheld device, it would be a full on tablet computer or something else very different. I feel that the differences between an iPhone and basically a larger, "more professional" iPhone are way too few to have a release date separated only by a month.

Recall that just recently Apple has been touting the 2.0 FW upgrades to be the business man's dream phone upgrade with Exchange support along with tons more software capabilities. If the next iPhone were followed a month later with the 'professional iPhone' you basically neuter all of your own claims that the iPhone is the perfect device for smart phone users.

[newyorksole]

This all is so odd to me.

I wonder if the 3G iPhone releases this month what features will it come with and will anything be different that will affect developers? Will it be announced this month and then released next month before or after WWDC?

I don't know what to think...

[Walter P Henson]

What about in order to make room for some tablet type laptop they just drop MB and MBP and come out with a unified laptop to help keep from cannibalizing their market with the MBA and prospective tablet. Sounds like a sound move to me, there could be multiple specs for the new laptops...or not

[alFR]

There will be no "slightly larger than an iPhone tablet" - anyone else remember how Jobs killed the Newton? He's hardly going to get back into the PDA business now, when most PDAs are dying out to be replaced by smartphones. I also highly doubt they'll bring out a larger tablet Mac/touch device - there's not the mass-market consumer demand for it at the moment, as can be seen from the dismal sales of PC tablets outside of niche markets like some medical applications.

[ecoons]

Does anyone else think that a product 1.5x the size of the iPhone is just about the most inconvenient size? It would be too big to put in your pocket, but then it would be too small to do anything useful on, that the iPhone can't already do. If they are going to make a tablet, I think the 8.5" x 11" would be about the perfect size.

[Pressure]

People are speculating because the the announcement mentions a exciting product launch.

Also AT&T did the exact same thing during last years iphone launch.

Yes but last I checked AT&T is selling a bit more than the iPhone.

Of course I am excited about the release of the second coming of the iPhone but nothing says this has anything to do with Apple.

If it have we all win, don't get me wrong.

[mathewr]

i really hope theres video chat on the new iphone. that would be really cool.

[mangis]

The AT&T vacation black list of days most likely has little to do with a 3G iphone. Can it even be used in the USA? It could be for the launch of a new product, but I tend to doubt it. The American launch for the iphone is over folks. And remember that business model of tying the iphone to one company is fastly becoming a fossil.

The 3G is all about other places like Italy and Japan. According to the roadmap, June '08 is the launch for Japan, and I'm hoping Apple sticks to its plan. No way an Edge phone will sell there. The rest of the world has networks in place that are just waiting for a better iphone. Americans will feel the pain of inferior networks when people in other countries are happily toting 3G iphones. Bring'em on!

iphones won't be tied to AT&T forever.

[benmrii]

What about in order to make room for some tablet type laptop they just drop MB and MBP and come out with a unified laptop to help keep from cannibalizing their market with the MBA and prospective tablet. Sounds like a sound move to me, there could be multiple specs for the new laptops...or not

I have no desire whatsoever for a tablet, or a MacBook Air for that matter. A tablet has - at least at this point - a pretty specific user base. I think there is room for both in the lineup.

[Karpfish]

Can't wait, I will certainly be buying it when it comes out. I have held off on the iPhone because it has lacked features, but I will certainly buy one and at least try it for a week or two and if I don;t like it I will eat the 10% restocking fee.

[applefan69]

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right

[iPhelim]

Of course, if they simply stop selling iPhones, as they have done, there can be no drop in sales stemming from an early announcement.

My guess is either next week or May 18th.

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right

Oh god....yeah...i totally forgot about that, but i still think this rumour could be true. Apple have been known to move things ahead, if they brought 2.0's release nearer by 2 weeks it would be a plus.

[netdog]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.


That isn't a fact at all. The 3G iPhone could certainly be rolled out before the 2.0 software.

[heavensblade23]

I also highly doubt they'll bring out a larger tablet Mac/touch device - there's not the mass-market consumer demand for it at the moment, as can be seen from the dismal sales of PC tablets outside of niche markets like some medical applications.

Apple products can drive demand. I had no idea I wanted an MP3 player until the iPod was released.

[sananda]

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right

have you considered the possibility of there being 1.1.5?

[Trent0341]

After reading every post I'm still convinced that the 3g iphone won't be released until June.


Some speculation for you folks who can't seem to get enough... Maybe a release of a smaller more streamlined iphone with the same or similar feature set (iphone nano or whatever) in May followed by the 3g iphone in June. Something like what (God forbid I use this next word on MacRumors) Sony does with the smaller PS before the release of the next console. Purely wild speculation but that has never seemed to stop anyone from posting on here before.

[paja]

For the first time my AT&T strength bars now has an "E" symbol next to it. I've never noticed that before.

I'm sure this stands for "EDGE" as the new 3G iPhone will be coming soon.

[mathewr]

For the first time my AT&T strength bars now has an "E" symbol next to it. I've never noticed that before.

I'm sure this stands for "EDGE" as the new 3G iPhone will be coming soon.

did u get the iphone one second ago. that has always been the case. it either shows the wifi symbol or the edge symbol (E)

[milo]

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right

2.0 firmware UPDATE is confirmed to come out in June. But there's nothing stopping them from releasing a new model with it before that. Or they could just add the code to a special 1.1.4a custom release for 3G models.

Either way, there's nothing stopping Apple from releasing a new model whenever they want. With the original model completely out of stock, I have to think it will be VERY soon, no way would they have no phones to sell for over a month.

[MacWarrior]

I think that this just makes it even more possible for the new MacBooks and MacBook pros to cone out at WWDC. Those would seem like more of a logical product to introduce at the developer's conference. But this rumor opens up an interesting possibility- multi-touch on the MacBook Pros. Maybe even a multi-touch trackpad that spans the width of the notebook. Weren't there some rumora a whileback regarding the possibility of these trackpads? That would make the MBP even cooler. Personally, I can't wait for the MBPs to get a redesign. That will be so awesome. And the super-trackpad idea would just make it cooler.

[Metal425]

2.0 firmware UPDATE is confirmed to come out in June. But there's nothing stopping them from releasing a new model with it before that. Or they could just add the code to a special 1.1.4a custom release for 3G models.

Either way, there's nothing stopping Apple from releasing a new model whenever they want. With the original model completely out of stock, I have to think it will be VERY soon, no way would they have no phones to sell for over a month.
I agree. There sales would drop horribly if they had no iPhones for a month.

[sassenach74]

With the original model completely out of stock, I have to think it will be VERY soon, no way would they have no phones to sell for over a month.

As someone else pointed out (sorry forgotten where I read it) if they made it possible to pre-order a 3g iPhone to be delivered on or around WWDC then this would soften the lost revenue between now and WWDC.
Just an opinion.

Neil.

[Luke1robb]

Does anyone else think that a product 1.5x the size of the iPhone is just about the most inconvenient size? It would be too big to put in your pocket, but then it would be too small to do anything useful on, that the iPhone can't already do. If they are going to make a tablet, I think the 8.5" x 11" would be about the perfect size.

Just think instead of pulling it out of an envelope like he did with the air, steve could have it come out of a fake fax machine or wrapper for 100 pieces of 8.5 by 11 printer paper.

The possibilities are endless!

[Dangeresque]

A Newtonish handheld media device that "holds" the iPhone ala recent rumors sounds plausible.

Simply plug in the new 3G iPhone and away ya go..
The device that could come out at WWDC could very well be a new Apple TV that is handheld and plays music/videos via cables or you can just hold it in your hand and watch.

I really don't think that something that modular is really very Apple-like. Apple tends to deliver units that are very "all-in-one;" they are very self-contained and give you the ability to do everything out of the box. I doubt that Apple would sell a device this of this caliber as an add-on.

[phatspider]

Here are the facts:

1) The next iPhone will not be released until the iPhone 2.0 beta is over. That won't be until June.

2) AT&T has blocked off June 15-July15th for requesting vacations this year just like last year. A good guess would be 2 weeks training, then 2 weeks managing massive store overload.

3) Apple would need to organize some type of press event in an incredibly short time for it to be in May. This makes no sense with WWDC just around the corner.

4) It's worth saying again, WWDC is just around the corner!

Why say 'fact' when its merely speculation - as is all of this

[swarmster]

Can you imagine steve reporting on the Q2 earnings call that there was no profit from the iPhones for AN ENTIRE MONTH!! no way. Also, its become quite public that the revision is coming, and maybe the sales numbers over the past few weeks are indicating that people are waiting for the new release.

Steve won't have to announce anything like that during Q2 earnings, as iPhone revenue is on the same spread-out subscription accounting format the AppleTV uses. One month of shortage will be smoothed over pretty nicely by a sales surge following the 3G release. Your second point seems to imply that there would have been a lack of revenue even if the iPhone stayed on the shelves, as people are waiting for the new release.

That said, I have no idea when it'll be announced. People hung up on the AT&T blockout dates need to keep in mind two possibilities:

1. AT&T could have been working off old information, with the release pushed up more recently due to lack of stock.

2. What if Apple's going to sell the iPhone themselves, possibly unlocked, and then a month later AT&T starts selling it through their stores, locked and subsidized. Regarding their exclusivity contract: do Apple stores qualify as competition? As long as there isn't another version specific to another carrier, isn't it still exclusive? Also, I wouldn't put it past Steve to have sold AT&T on 5 years exclusivity for the "iPhone", but then neglect to mention or promise anything about the "iPhone 2". The new version may not be exclusive at all.

[Leo74]

Let's not all forget that, due to FCC filing deadlines, Apple had to announce the iPhone way ahead of its release last year. As I understand, FCC filings for product updates demand less time and can also be cloaked to a point. So, my guess (and that's all it is) is:

Apple announces the new iPhone as early as this week, and starts taking pre-orders. That should partially take care of revenue during this time of no supply of the current model (some people just aren't up for pre-ordering something they can't put their hands on, myself included). Shipments would start in June, post software 2.0 release and in time to justify the AT&T vacation ban, since it would not be available in AT&T stores until then.

Would that rob Apple of a stage on WWDC? Somehow. We may be getting to the point where an FCC leak might be likely to spoil any sort of announcement by Apple, so they'd take a surprise online announcement of the upcoming iPhone (pre-order now), and use WWDC to put the hype into overload with the new software demo, new applications and immediate availability, besides giving the specialized media time to review the product and build even more hype ahead of its release.

As for how a new product would fit into this, I think that's a different issue altogether. None of this discussion precludes Apple from announcing a new product in the old "one last thing" tradition of surprising us, which, as we all know, the new iPhone wouldn't fulfill, since we all expect it.

And as for the shareholders argument, I agree it would be troubling to go an entire month to a month-and-a-half without revenue from one of your main product lines. But overproducing a product you're about to EOL and end up with tens of thousands of expensive products in stock you can't get rid of is equally troubling for shareholders. In trying to strike that perfect balance, they might have miscalculated. Because I believe Apple is smarter than that, I give credence to the rumor that at least an announcement might come before WWDC.

To be safe, even thought I've been waiting for 3G since the iPhone was announced, let alone released, and sitting on enough Apple Store gift cards to get one for about 6 months, whatever they announce earlier than June won't be getting my order until I see what's out of WWDC. If I've waited this long...

[paul800m]

new iphone:

looks very similar
3G
32GB
has 2 cameras, one on the front for video conference :-)

[phatspider]

It is highly doubtful that apple will release another portable device to to canabalise the IPhone and MBA sales....

If they release IPhone in MAY it is very likely most of the customers will hold on to there money to wait an see what is going to happen at WWDC....

As of now.... if they release only the gen2 IPhone hardware in May then the full potential of the IPhone gen2 wont be realised untill WWDC when they will release the IPhone ver2 software.... which will bring in the extra features... which Apple will be willing to show off.... and more specifically at WWDC because they will have the executive crowd whom they intend to please with this version.....

If they release the new device in WWDC then it will eat into the sales from the customers who will b waiting and watching.... Since most of the Mac loyal customers already have an IPhone.... they will decide not to upgrade to the new IPhone and rather opt for the new portable device to have a go.....

M sure this is not the direction apple is going to take.... SJ is a very vice chap.... M sure he wont like the new baby canabalising the sales of the IPhone....






Sorry to disappoint you but I would say Apple would have enough of gen-1 IPhones even if you ship yours after WWDC to give you an replacement. If Apple has EOL the current version then they would still have some stock remaining. On the other hand they would still have some refurbished stocks at that time for you.... So m pretty sure they wont give you a free upgrade to Iphone gen2.... they will rather want you to buy one....

Most customers wont even know (nor care) what WWDC is. Remember us lot here are far from representative of the total Apple iPhone customer base

[JosephEsquivel]

about the whole atat 2 weeks vacation blocked out, i work for Disney, and during the summer theres plenty of time we cant take a vacation, as well as when i worked at walmart or seaworld, so a lot of companies do this...

[poppe]

How am I supposed to sell my 2g iPhone off to people who don't read the rumor sites if the 3g iPhone just comes out unexpectedly.

[chickenninja]

Does anyone else think that maybe Apple and Steve Jobs are trying to EOL the 2.5G iPhone now, so that no one complains about the new one coming out weeks later and so they don't have to come out with rebates again? It's not out of the question... Or maybe they'll drop the price of the iPhone on Tuesday? 2 and a half weeks of $249 and $349 iPhones? You know how many customers who have no idea of the 3G iPhone coming out that would bring in? Think about it this way, they stop selling them online last week, so that the iPhones bought before that can get to the customers before Tuesday, so that they can drop the price and no one can bitc* for a refund. What do you all think?
i think your right, i think apple is starting to sympathize with early adaptors and people that buy existing products literally the day before new ones come out, but i expect its not the driving force here. I think like the original post says that 3g iphone will be launched before macworld in preparation for something at macworld that is going to incorporate the 3g-iphones new features.

[viperguy]

Ok, I'll get 1 of both, but what about my revised Mac Mini Apple? :D

[chappy87]

Bit of a long shot, but could the AT&T holiday blocking be anything to do with the introduction of MS Surface into their stores, or too early? I can imagine this would create a bit of hype, and require hands on staff assistance to start with?

[Emulsion]

I kind of believe that the new phone will be here in May. If you think about it, the new iPhone could be released without the software, think about the MacBook pro and leopard. The new hardware would generate sales because everyone would be thinking, hey look at the new iPhone that's cool. They could ALS release a small software update to the current line that just updates the new hardware. Then when the new 2.0 update comes boom look what more it can do, it could even have more features built into the hardware that no oneknew about, I.e another front facing camera.

[xenotaku]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

3G not only means the faster iPhone, but also iPhone 2.0 which will be full of surprises.

[dowapcs]

Is there not a chance that this week they will announce a family of iPhones (iPhone + a more basic one) so that the extra features in the sdk for gps and 3g etc can actually be shown to the developers?

They could then have third party applications capable of using the gps etc from the launch of the new iPhone. It would also mean that the SDK could be tested FULLY before coming out of beta.

After the announcement they could immediately (friday) release the more basic version (the first gen in a new smaller case, cheaper, but without extra new bits), this would be able to run on the old firmware and there would only be a few days without stock.

What do people think?

[Pippen Man]

I kind of believe that the new phone will be here in May. If you think about it, the new iPhone could be released without the software, think about the MacBook pro and leopard. The new hardware would generate sales because everyone would be thinking, hey look at the new iPhone that's cool. They could ALS release a small software update to the current line that just updates the new hardware. Then when the new 2.0 update comes boom look what more it can do, it could even have more features built into the hardware that no oneknew about, I.e another front facing camera.

They would need a software update to allow the use of a front facing camera. Look for a 1.1.5 version or something. But I do believe that iPhone 2.0 will be released in May.

[xenotaku]

How am I supposed to sell my 2g iPhone off to people who don't read the rumor sites if the 3g iPhone just comes out unexpectedly.


No need to worry my friend. There will always be some idiot on ebay waiting to buy your outdated tech for top dollar :D

[Lepton]

I don't know about June, but there will be a tablet. And here is the key. This is important:

Don't scale down the MacBook. Scale up the iPhone.

Tablet will be as thick as an iPhone, will have the OS of the iPhone, will have the multitouch of the iPhone. My guess is a 7 or 8" screen at 720p. No keyboard (use Bluetooth). Think those Star Trek TNG pads they are always passing to Picard.

[neutrino23]

It's possible, but unlikely, that a 3G iPhone could work with Edge with 1.1.5 firmware and that it would gain 3G access with 2.0 firmware.

There could be a new Edge iPhone coming out this month to replace the current iPhone; 16GB, slightly different internals. Basically a refresh. More reliable, newer electronics, cheaper to manufacture, might gain N type WiFi. That wouldn't require a big announcement though it would be nice to clear the channel before releasing it.

Steve doesn't necessarily hate tablets and PDAs. He killed the Newton for a variety of reasons. However, I doubt Apple would come out with simply another PDA or tablet. No doubt they are rethinking the portables space and if they see an opportunity could come out with something to fill it. Now they have the technology for touch screen portables firmly in hand and can do anything they can imagine.

I'm not worried about cannibalization or having too many products. In the past Apple had products that were almost indistinguishable like the 2ci and 2vi. You had to read the specs carefully to find the differences. If Apple builds a family of products that is a good thing. It means most any customer will find what they need and it keeps out the competition because there are fewer gaps to take advantage of.

[sananda]

No need to worry my friend. There will always be some idiot on ebay waiting to buy your outdated tech for top dollar :D

which you will have to gift wrap and sent to the buyer's relative in nigeria in time for his graduation having received a forged email from paypal confirming that much more than you asked for has been credited to your account.

or did that just happen to me? twice.

[newyorksole]

I plan on taking my iPhone to the Apple Store to get it replaced due to battery life problems and then sell that baby for 300 to someone and put that towards a new 3G iPhone.

People are also forgetting that supposedly AT&T customers were told not to take off work from like June 24-July 12? something like that. So maybe the new iPhone will be announced tuesday or whenever and then on sale in june? But then that would hurt iPhone sales currently.

[Marx55]

We need tons of such device for our University. Something like this or better, but with Mac OS X inside for full-video, wired-and-wireless, computerless (other than the device itself) presentations using NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files. With FireWire, Ethernet and USB ports:

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com

[sananda]

It's possible, but unlikely, that a 3G iPhone could work with Edge with 1.1.5 firmware and that it would gain 3G access with 2.0 firmware.

why wouldn't it just work on 3G with 1.1.5?



People are also forgetting that supposedly AT&T customers were told not to take off work from like June 24-July 12? something like that.

people have been mentioning it quite a lot in this thread.

[Tallest Skil]

I don't know about June, but there will be a tablet.

Mmm... no. No there won't.

Having said that, I have just decided that I absolutely want an MacTablet, but it won't happen, simply because I have just decided that I want one.

Look at what happened the last time I wanted something Apple; when I was six, I wanted the top-of-the-line bleeding-edge Mac, and here I am, twelve years later, still waiting for my Nehalem Mac Pro.

A MacTablet would save me from having to buy a secondhand MacBook Pro off of eBay for college to compliment said Mac Pro.

[mongoos150]

Ugh, I highly doubt this - if it IS a tablet or other non-notebook device, it will further disillusion Apple's customer base as to what product to purchase. If anything, hopefully it's the new MBP.

[londondude]

new iphone:

looks very similar
3G
32GB
has 2 cameras, one on the front for video conference :-)

how do you know?

[Marx55]

What about a headless Mac miniTOWER? Quiet, yet powerful. That would be GREAT as well!!!

[londondude]

I think the new product will be the mac book mini. a laptop the size of a book when closed (normal paperback one).

[heavensblade23]

I think the new product will be the mac book mini. a laptop the size of a book when closed (normal paperback one).

Now that would be an interesting product given that the UMPC market has been heating up recently. Unfortunately I'm guessing Apple would price themselves right out of the market.

[Trent0341]

I think the new product will be the mac book mini. a laptop the size of a book when closed (normal paperback one).

Seriously?

MBA?

[Tallest Skil]

I think the new product will be the mac book mini. a laptop the size of a book when closed (normal paperback one).

It's called the MacBook Air. Perhaps you've heard of it.

"But it's not an UMPC!!!"

Too bad, that's what you're getting. anything "new" at WWDC will be the long-awaited, never-going-to-happen MacTablet.

[londondude]

I think the new product will be the mac book mini. a laptop the size of a book when closed (normal paperback one).

Oh an interesting idea: the keyboard to be also touch screen so buttons can change for varying applications and the mouse can be used across the keyboard in some manner (Maybe with 2 fingers across the keys wont activate them and move the mouse).

Im exciting myself with a product that doesnt exist.

[jnc]

We need tons of such device for our University. Something like this or better, but with Mac OS X inside for full-video, wired-and-wireless, computerless (other than the device itself) presentations using NATIVE Keynote and PowerPoint files. With FireWire, Ethernet and USB ports:

OQO model e2
http://www.oqo.com


http://www.apple.com/macbook/

Or even more accurately, ModBook.

[runningcameron]

I think that people are making way too big a deal out of this whole "OMFG!!! The iPhone's are out of stock!!!1!!!" scenario. Trust me, I'm frickin' DYING for the 3G iPhone just like the next guy. My trusty razr broke a week ago and i don't want to resign until the new product comes out.

But let's all think this one out. When Apple suddenly dropped the price on the iPhone way back in September, utter outrage ensued. How do you think customers who would buy the iPhone, let's say, a week prior to the announcement of the newer model feel? Not so good, right? So isn't it possible that apple learned a lesson and has decided to cut-off the sale date of the old model at around 30 days prior to the release of the new model? Now this isn't necessarily apple being outrageously kind; isn't their a 30 day return policy on those iPhones?? It all seems to match-up to me...

[Diode]

Let's not all forget that, due to FCC filing deadlines, Apple had to announce the iPhone way ahead of its release last year. As I understand, FCC filings for product updates demand less time and can also be cloaked to a point. So, my guess (and that's all it is) is:


Thats already been debunked hundreds of time will people search the front page news and QUIT ***** MENTIONING IT.

[Niiro13]

Well, the MacLife Magazine showed a concept of a Mac Tablet, so I'm not surprised.

[dontmatter]

If you can't fit it in your pocket and it doesn't have a full sized keyboard, it doesn't make any sense. OK, ok, sure some people who spend their time here will say how it is perfect and necessary, and they'll buy one, but really, it's a tiny market share, because from either end, what you have to gain is nowhere near as much as you have to lose. The reason is that the pocket size is a huge threshold -- if you're going to carry something to carry stuff in, then why not make it carry something really useful. And likewise the keyboard is a huge threshold -- if you cut off a keyboard, you're losing massive functionality, so why not go ahead and squeeze it down to pocket sized.

I mean really, you'll end up with a device that costs too much, does to little, and still requires you to carry a backpack/briefcase whatever.

So what I'm saying is, yay, iphone release early. BOOOOO if that means apple wasting time, money, and face on a product that will never become widespread.

[VideoShooter]

I'm taking a #2 right now.

[Tallest Skil]

Well, the MacLife Magazine showed a concept of a Mac Tablet, so I'm not surprised.

That's based on a recent patent that Apple filed, meaning it's years off.

[zap2]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.

No, I see this as Apple expanding. Apple's doing well, they have good reason to start making new products.

Compare the current Apple to Apple of the 90's(as someone else has) is unfair, because 90's Apple was like "Ahh, we're not going to well, lets get some new stuff out the door, and not fix our main focus" but 2008 Apple is "Hey our main computer and iPods are selling great, lets push phones, new iPods(more like internet tablets), new laptop markets, etc

[SirOmega]

I'm still sticking my belief that the iPhone 3G gets announced at WWDC, and goes on sale June 27th.

IF the 3G iPhone would get released this month, it would probably be released on the 30th, because two weeks from yesterday (the day iPhones stopped selling) is the 24th, and the 30th is the only Friday left in the month after that. This will avoid returns of iPhones under the 14-day return policy.

Also, the SDK is still in a lot of flux and the 2.0 firmware and AppStore wouldn't be available until the end of June. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the App Store launches after the Firmware 2.0 launch (to give all devs time on the final 2.0 firmware before launch).

[jnc]

It's called the MacBook Air. Perhaps you've heard of it.

"But it's not an UMPC!!!"

Too bad, that's what you're getting. anything "new" at WWDC will be the long-awaited, never-going-to-happen MacTablet.

That, or a hundred times more plausibly, perhaps MacBook Pro / BR Mac Pro options, right on time.

[heavensblade23]

If you can't fit it in your pocket and it doesn't have a full sized keyboard, it doesn't make any sense. OK, ok, sure some people who spend their time here will say how it is perfect and necessary, and they'll buy one, but really, it's a tiny market share,

No, no, no. The Asus EEE is selling so well right now there are more competing products being announced every day, despite not fitting in a pocket and not having a full-sized keyboard. Stores can't keep them in stock.

[infowarfare]

...

[zap2]

There will be no "slightly larger than an iPhone tablet" - anyone else remember how Jobs killed the Newton?.


yes, and people like to compare Apple in 97(right as Jobs was coming back) to Apple now...there not fair comparisons.


As for a Mac PDA/Tablet, it wouldn't be a PDA, in the old sense. PDAs are dying. They are being replaced by things like the Nokia Internet Tablets, iPod Touch and smartphones.

I could see a "big iPod touch" type of device, but I'm not waiting on it. iPod touch/iPhone are great for portable stuff(for the Apple realm of stuff)...I'd like a EEE PC by Apple, but I can't see Apple doing that.

[gmoney550]

IMHO I think the 3g iPhone will be announced in May and will take preorders. I think shipping will start sometime near WWDC.

[probably]

Regarding their exclusivity contract: do Apple stores qualify as competition? As long as there isn't another version specific to another carrier, isn't it still exclusive? Also, I wouldn't put it past Steve to have sold AT&T on 5 years exclusivity for the "iPhone", but then neglect to mention or promise anything about the "iPhone 2". The new version may not be exclusive at all.

A non exclusive is possible, but why lose the relationship and revenue sharing when AT&T is still the only 3G GSM game in town, really.

Also I don't think anyone is able to gyp AT&T on something like that. Yes Jobs is a pretty crazy businessman and AT&T's business ideology and practices are ancient, but they do have lawyers that can comprehend clauses. Selling away exclusivity to all future iterations of their iPhone would be the *much* more unusual possibility of that mysterious contract. None of the phone manufacturers do that; Apple would be last of them all to sign away their potential to a telco.

[generationxwing]

Enough of this tablet talk, please. There will never be a dedicated Apple tablet PC for one simple reason: The iPhone IS their tablet. They've described iPhone as a new computing platform, they're allowing third party developers to make software for it, and there's a $100 million fund to develop new things for it.

There isn't going to be a MacTablet, just deal with it.

[heavensblade23]

A non exclusive is possible, but why lose the relationship and revenue sharing when AT&T is still the only 3G GSM game in town, really.


They're not. Pretty much everyone is competing in the mobile broadband space but tmobile right now, and they're launching their 3g network very soon.

[DTphonehome]

Also, I wouldn't put it past Steve to have sold AT&T on 5 years exclusivity for the "iPhone", but then neglect to mention or promise anything about the "iPhone 2". The new version may not be exclusive at all.

I assure you AT&T has very clever, very expensive lawyers who would never allow that to happen. Considering the risk they took launching the iPhone (with profit-sharing, etc), I'll wager the contract is airtight.

[Dorfdad]

i Am Newton Lives, Book It!!!!!

[Dangeresque]

No, I see this as Apple expanding. Apple's doing well, they have good reason to start making new products.

Compare the current Apple to Apple of the 90's(as someone else has) is unfair, because 90's Apple was like "Ahh, we're not going to well, lets get some new stuff out the door, and not fix our main focus" but 2008 Apple is "Hey our main computer and iPods are selling great, lets push phones, new iPods(more like internet tablets), new laptop markets, etc

I guess a relevant follow-up question is if it really makes sense for apple to enter the tablet market, then. I mean, the rumor doesn't really specify a tablet in particular, but if it were a tablet, is that market really attractive enough for apple to enter into, especially considering how "untraditional" of an approach apple is rumored to be taking with this device?

[Chupa Chupa]

Ok, in case you all missed my post on another thread around here, this is what's happening at WWDC, but first, a disclaimer:

In no way am I affiliated with or employed by Apple internally and anything I post should be taken as pure speculation on my part. ;)

1. Updated iPhone with 2.0 will be released before the WWDC. It wll NOT have GPS or Video camera but will have increased storage size (16GB and 32GB) and 3G of course. No special event is necessary for this.

2. A new product WILL be introduced at WWDC much bigger than the iPhone with a 13 inch screen and it will be known as the Macbook Touch:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/48/advert6zb0.jpg

As I stated in a previous thread, I did not create this image, it was found as an upcoming ad for WWDC and in no way do I have knowledge of or privilege to inside information at Apple (just in case anyone gets touchy about all of this.)

Geez. That is such an obvious PhotoFantasty job. The Apple logo isn't even centered to the "WWDC"

[DTphonehome]

They're not. Pretty much everyone is competing in the mobile broadband space but tmobile right now, and they're launching their 3g network very soon.

TMobile's network is WAAAAY behind AT&T's (it only recently launched, and in NYC only), and they are the only other GSM carrier in the US.

[infowarfare]

Ok, in case you all missed my post on another thread around here, this is what's happening at WWDC, but first, a disclaimer:

In no way am I affiliated with or employed by Apple internally and anything I post should be taken as pure speculation on my part. ;)

1. Updated iPhone with 2.0 will be released before the WWDC. It wll NOT have GPS or Video camera but will have increased storage size (16GB and 32GB) and 3G of course. No special event is necessary for this.

2. A new product WILL be introduced at WWDC much bigger than the iPhone with a 12 inch screen and it will be known as the Macbook Touch:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/48/advert6zb0.jpg

As I stated in a previous thread, I did not create this image, it was found as an upcoming ad for WWDC and in no way do I have knowledge of or privilege to inside information at Apple (just in case anyone gets touchy about all of this.)

[oliverlubin]

isnt the flagship Boston store opening this week? could that be part of this plan? it does seem too soon though for software version 2 to be ready.

[gmoney550]

Geez. That is such an obvious PhotoFantasty job. The Apple logo isn't even centered to the "WWDC"

I don't think he was actually being serious about that picture being the real deal.

[infowarfare]

Geez. That is such an obvious PhotoFantasty job. The Apple logo isn't even centered to the "WWDC"

Obviously, it's a rendering, but guess what, the last ad Apple had on their own site with both the Macbook Air and iPhone was also a rendering (instead of using actual photos of the products that were already released.)

[Tallest Skil]

Geez. That is such an obvious PhotoFantasty job. The Apple logo isn't even centered to the "WWDC"

How in the world did you PRE-quote him?!

Oh, and Blu-ray options in the Mac Pro with no tablet at WWDC.

The above is 100% true.

[rockosmodurnlif]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.
"rapid product introduction cycle" ... you mean the one brand new, all original, non-updated product introduced since the iPhone?

"too complex product lineup" ... you mean the three selections available for notebooks, the three selections available for desktops, the four selections available for iPods, and the one phone product?

"simply continually improve their current offerings" ... you mean with software updates, like the upcoming iPhone 2.0, the Leopard update which is being seeded, the new AppleTV firmware, and hardware updates, the recently updated iMacs (at least I think it was iMacs, I may be wrong), the Time Capsule

I can see your point, Apple should slow down, before they get in over their head.

[lamina]

Why is this 3G thing such a big deal?

The same reason everyone thinks the MacBook Pro updates to the new processor was such a big deal.

Because it's a new model and 3G allows for better internet/data experience.

Not to mention the fact that it will open the iPhone market to counties like South Korea which are pretty much 3G-only.

This will also likely force wider 3G coverage in the US.

The split second the 3G iPhone comes out, it's mine, since I'm off to Seoul in August.

[probably]

2. A new product WILL be introduced at WWDC much bigger than the iPhone with a 13 inch screen known and it will be know as the Macbook Touch:

There's way too much going against that -

MacBook 'Touch' would not work without a stylus - and that's not really touch anymore. Leopard is not made for fingers.

Or are you saying they'll release ANOTHER unique interface to OS X and branch it a third way? Or will all OS X releases get CocoaTouch frameworks added? Either way: iPhone OS does not scale up to a 13" screen and Leopard's interface is not multitouch.

Apple will maintain a lineup with capacitance AND pressure-sensitive touchscreens? Support the whole concept of intelligent finger gestures only on their multi-touch devices, trackpads but not with the full-size tablet?

[Leo74]

I was just thinking... if they plan on making WWDC about the new iPhone and all it can do, wouldn't they pretty much HAVE TO at least announce it ahead of time so they could update the SDK with new hardware capabilities (GPS, conference camera, etc.) in order for developers to take advantage of them ahead of the keynote?

My bet is still on an early announcement with post WWDC release.

[BigD58]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.

I totally agree!;)

[mac jones]

I thought this was a rumor forum and not a delusion forum.

It's like a bunch of babies on Christmas eve wondering what Santa will bring them.

Maybe if your all real, real good Steve will make you a sweat little tablet.

OMG!!! Yippi!!!!!!


grow up. :D

[cmcbridejr]

after thinking about this I can say with 99% confidence this is not going to be how things go down and there will be no tablet at WWDC.

Of course, I also said there was no way Apple would call it the Macbook Air.:D

Yeah, I'm with you. I thought people sounded ridiculous for believing that there would be a product called MacBook Air.

[Tallest Skil]

...MacBook 'Touch' would not work without a stylus...

Why? People thought that you couldn't have a touchscreen PDA without a stylus.

I'm not using a stylus for an on-screen keyboard. I'll use all ten of my fingers, thank you.

Also, no MacTablet for a few years.

[heavensblade23]

I'm not using a stylus for an on-screen keyboard. I'll use all ten of my fingers, thank you.


Everyone uses a stylus with current tablet PCs, so there has so be some
reason for it.

Probably because typing without tactile feedback is annoying.

[infowarfare]

There's way too much going against that -

MacBook 'Touch' would not work without a stylus - and that's not really touch anymore. Leopard is not made for fingers.

Or are you saying they'll release ANOTHER unique interface to OS X and branch it a third way? Or will all OS X releases get CocoaTouch frameworks added? Either way: iPhone OS does not scale up to a 13" screen and Leopard's interface is not multitouch.

Apple will maintain a lineup with capacitance AND pressure-sensitive touchscreens? Support the whole concept of intelligent finger gestures only on their multi-touch devices, trackpads but not with the full-size tablet?

You are so completely wrong on this. Leopard (which is what iPhone is running) DOES support multitouch. In case you missed it, the latest Macbooks now have multitouch trackpads to slowly ease people into the feel of multitouch on a Macbook. Transfering those gestures from trackpad to screen is not that big of a leap (it's all already built into Leopard which you would have known if you did your research.) And still no stylus needed...

[infowarfare]

Everyone uses a stylus with current tablet PCs, so there has so be some
reason for it.

Probably because typing without tactile feedback is annoying.

...Said the same naysayers when the iPhone came out, yet look how popular it is (more people use the iPhone's Safari browser than any other mobile browser on the market!)

[tobian]

iPhone Pro is comming!!
If AT&T is blocking out June 15 - July 12.. that wouldn't be because of an 'safari pad'.. this device MUST have phone capabilities.

Bring it on Steve! i would be glad to be one of the early adopters :)

[tobian]

iPhone Pro is comming!!
If AT&T is blocking out June 15 - July 12.. that wouldn't be because of an 'safari pad'.. this device MUST have phone capabilities.

Bring it on Steve! i would be glad to be one of the early adopters :)

[Fonzijr1964]

This makes me mad. If this is true that is. I like to be the fist to get products but i don't want to by a 3G iPhone and than have a macPod type of thing come out in june that could do the same thing but better.

Oh yeah what if it is the other way around. What if they release the macPod thing now and the 3G iPhone in june.

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

I would like to see a new Mac laptop with a touch screen video display track pad in June.

[probably]

Why? People thought that you couldn't have a touchscreen PDA without a stylus.

I'm not using a stylus for an on-screen keyboard. I'll use all ten of my fingers, thank you.

Also, no MacTablet for a few years.

I meant that to come across as: MacBook Touch is not going to happen without additional iteration of OS X.

...which, in the scope of all rumors and given their current product aesthetic, is probably more likely than a return of pressure-sensitivity.

[mac jones]

My plan is to not upgrade my iphone as it's fine the way it is.

Having said that, The day the 3G comes out I will most likely, and eerily, find myself standing in line at an ATT store wondering how I got there.

Frightening.

[NewtypeCJ]

But let's all think this one out. When Apple suddenly dropped the price on the iPhone way back in September, utter outrage ensued. How do you think customers who would buy the iPhone, let's say, a week prior to the announcement of the newer model feel? Not so good, right? So isn't it possible that apple learned a lesson and has decided to cut-off the sale date of the old model at around 30 days prior to the release of the new model? Now this isn't necessarily apple being outrageously kind; isn't their a 30 day return policy on those iPhones?? It all seems to match-up to me...

A $200 price drop two months after release is a slightly different situation. If that situation had set a new tone for Apple then we would've seen things go "unavailable" in advance of a refresh already -- MacBooks, MBPs, iMacs, etc., stuff more expensive than the iPhone. And they have never done this for any of the older iPods, and didn't do it when they introduced the 16GB iPhone in February (which wasn't that long ago!).

[Obi-Wan Kubrick]

Maybe June will be an U2 iPhone... JK

[milo]

As someone else pointed out (sorry forgotten where I read it) if they made it possible to pre-order a 3g iPhone to be delivered on or around WWDC then this would soften the lost revenue between now and WWDC.
Just an opinion.

Neil.

Preorders usually aren't charged until the product actually ships. And the biggest problem is what about people who need to get a phone now and can't wait a month or more? Apple would lose those sales to someone else.

Ugh, I highly doubt this - if it IS a tablet or other non-notebook device, it will further disillusion Apple's customer base as to what product to purchase. If anything, hopefully it's the new MBP.

So more choices will confuse buyers so much they won't buy anything (or will buy non-apple)? Sorry, I just don't buy that.

Seriously?

MBA?

Seriously. The MBA is a great addition to the line, but there are portables even smaller, with 8-10 inch screens. A tablet would be cool, but in that range of size most users would really want a keyboard.

It's called the MacBook Air. Perhaps you've heard of it.

"But it's not an UMPC!!!"

Too bad, that's what you're getting. anything "new" at WWDC will be the long-awaited, never-going-to-happen MacTablet.

It's funny to hear people saying an ULTRA portable is unrealistic but a tablet is. I think if they do a tablet, it would make sense to either include a keyboard or make one optional. It really needs things like ports and even video out to dock to a real screen, or I don't really see much difference from an iPhone.

[Tallest Skil]

I meant that to come across as: MacBook Touch is not going to happen without additional iteration of OS X.

I know; I got that. I just mean... why? The standard Leopard interface can be kept, they'd just use Inkwell to manage input.

[TMay]

One interesting perspective of a new touch "quandrant" is that Apple isn't obligated to AT&T as it isn't, strictly speaking, an iPhone.

Opens up a realm of possibilities, and certainly more room for hardware and battery, which might give this an iPhone-on-steroids performance and lots of possible tie-ins with pro-apps.

[Fonzijr1964]

You are so completely wrong on this. Leopard (which is what iPhone is running) DOES support multitouch. In case you missed it, the latest Macbooks now have multitouch trackpads to slowly ease people into the feel of multitouch on a Macbook. Transfering those gestures from trackpad to screen is not that big of a leap (it's all already built into Leopard which you would have known if you did your research.) And still no stylus needed...

I agree with all your points except to say the iPhone runs "iPhone OS" or "OS X" not leopard. basically is is a stripped down "OS X" yes but not leopard.

The stylus people need to stop using windows mobile it sucks.

[infowarfare]

I meant that to come across as: MacBook Touch is not going to happen without additional iteration of OS X.

...which, in the scope of all rumors and given their current product aesthetic, is probably more likely than a return of pressure-sensitivity.

Please read: Leopard's Multitouch on Macbook Air:

http://www.apple.com/macbookair/features.html

MacBook Air includes an oversize trackpad with multi-touch technology. You can pinch, swipe, or rotate to zoom in on text, advance through a photo album, or adjust an image. This gesture-based input so successful on iPhone and iPod touch now comes to MacBook.

[Tallest Skil]

So more choices will confuse buyers so much they won't buy anything (or will buy non-apple)? Sorry, I just don't buy that.


Can't get much punnier than that. :rolleyes:

[heavensblade23]

...Said the same naysayers when the iPhone came out, yet look how popular it is (more people use the iPhone's Safari browser than any other mobile browser on the market!)

That has more to do with the popularity of the iPhone and the fact that Safari is the only mobile browser that isn't an overheated dog turd.

Typing without tactile feedback is annoying, even if the iPhone is more elegant than models that include a mini-QWERTY keyboard. It's not so bad when you're texting or entering URLs, but it gets annoying fast when you're writing something lengthy.

[Fonzijr1964]

Maybe June will be an U2 iPhone... JK

hahhahahah yes see signature


I would love that or better........

A Beatles iPod or iPhone

[winterspan]

LOL! I just wrote a long post yesterday after finding this very same rumor. I bet we'll see a second device at WWDC. If you think about it, it makes sense for Apple
to replace the iPod Touch with a different device, possibly a bigger, more capable tablet ala Nokia's N800 tablet. It will end the confusion between the iPhone and iPod touch, and allow Apple to charge more for it while not cannibalizing iPhone sales for people who want a smaller, "front pocket"-sized device.

Isn't it just 0.25 of a G? Since Edge is technically 2.75G. That said we've no idea what speed of 3G Apple will be using... do
we?

In All likelihood, the iPhone with be capable of "3.5G data" aka HSDPA and possibly HSUPA (obviously in addition to "3G" UMTS, which is required for voice)

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7994/3gppgsmtrackbe2.png


*snip* ...My brother is going crazy waiting for one. He go so mad at his Treo the other day he just went outside and threw it against his driveway. It didn't survive.

HAHAH. I so know that feeling..

Everyone uses a stylus with current tablet PCs, so there has so be some
reason for it.

Probably because typing without tactile feedback is annoying.

Full two-hand QWERTY typing on a hard slate is IMPOSSIBLE. Try it on your desk right now.. With no give whatsoever, it not only is painful after about 10 seconds, but would no doubt cause terrible carpal tunnel and arthritis in about a week.

[probably]

You are so completely wrong on this. Leopard (which is what iPhone is running) DOES support multitouch. In case you missed it, the latest Macbooks now have multitouch trackpads to slowly ease people into the feel of multitouch on a Macbook. Transfering those gestures from trackpad to screen is not that big of a leap (it's all already built into Leopard which you would have known if you did your research.) And still no stylus needed...

Please read: Leopard's Multitouch on Macbook Air:

http://www.apple.com/macbookair/features.html

Don't insult me because you misinterpreted me or I wasn't clear.

Multitouch trackpads are not at all translatable to the screen without a huge overhaul of the interface. Pushing a cursor around with a blank trackpad is FUNDAMENTALLY different than having your fingertips directly control everything on the screen.

I am totally convinced multitouch is going to be a huge component of their product future - but I'm saying you can't throw Leopard onto a small multitouch tablet without a drastic fork in the operating system. The interface is not meant for this.

[ntrigue]

Immediate thought would be concern as the phone is released 30+ days before the appropriate Firmware is available?

[louden]

If I'm Steve Jobs, I want to make sure I can hit my bragging right/prediction of 10 million iPhones in 2008. An extra month of sales can not only help them get to that goal, but might also give them a huge kick of sales for the 4th quarter of this fiscal year.

Hopefully we'll find out tomorrow, as Monday looks like the new Tuesday!

[SkippyThorson]

I could see a tablet replacing the mini.

i.e., remember the patent application for sliding the tablet into an iMac-like enclosure?

I wanted that from the second I saw the patent. I'm looking for a Mac desktop but I really don't need one that badly. I'm also looking to upgrade from my iBook, and this would be perfect, as all I ever do outside the internet and iTunes is type up stuff which I then transfer to print. I wanted a touch tablet longer than I've owned my iPhone.

As long as it's not an oversized PDA and has programs I need, and it turns out to replace the Mini taking the Mini's price, I'm ordering one within 24 hours. :)

[HymerSchmidt]

If this is true it shouldn't distract from Apple's simplicity. Their product mix will just have a whole separate mobile line -- complete with MacBook Air, iPhone, The Device of Mystery, and whatever else.

They are appealing to small/medium business now. That's where the easy money is and all of it is international and mobile; not to mention technology is improving in a way favoring mobility. You can't expect them to be the same Apple they were in 2003.

Regardless, more Apple products equals a win for me. You can always expect them to make and market their products well -- so quit quibbling comrades!

And a tablet would be great for note-taking. Haptic feedback, please!

[Fonzijr1964]

Don't insult me because you misinterpreted me or I wasn't clear.

Multitouch trackpads are not at all translatable to the screen without a huge overhaul of the interface. Pushing a cursor around with a blank trackpad is FUNDAMENTALLY different than having your fingertips directly control everything on the screen.

I am totally convinced multitouch is going to be a huge component of their product future - but I'm saying you can't throw Leopard onto a small multitouch tablet without a drastic fork in the operating system. The interface is not meant for this.

Actually the interface was designed for this. like that useless thing called vista the developers knew touch was going to be coming so that made the new OS have the capability (with a small patch or two) of touch.

[gmoney550]

It's funny to hear people saying an ULTRA portable is unrealistic but a tablet is. I think if they do a tablet, it would make sense to either include a keyboard or make one optional. It really needs things like ports and even video out to dock to a real screen, or I don't really see much difference from an iPhone.

I agree with this. A keyboard would have to be implemented to make this tablet mainstream. Axiotron made a modbook which is a tablet macbook screen. This product really hasn't taken off because it doesn't have a keyboard.

[NewtypeCJ]

If I'm Steve Jobs, I want to make sure I can hit my bragging right/prediction of 10 million iPhones in 2008. An extra month of sales can not only help them get to that goal, but might also give them a huge kick of sales for the 4th quarter of this fiscal year.

Hopefully we'll find out tomorrow, as Monday looks like the new Tuesday!

At the very least, if you're Steve Jobs, you don't want a whole MONTH of selling 0 iPhones when you're trying to meet a 10m sales goal. If we don't hear something about the new phone this week I will be VERY surprised. It's just not a good time for Apple to have nothing to sell.

[apsterling]

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right
Or they release a limited 1.1.5 release with 3G support, as they did 10.4.8 with Intel on Tiger.

[Fonzijr1964]

Or they release a limited 1.1.5 release with 3G support, as they did 10.4.8 with Intel on Tiger.

y not a 1.5.1 or a 1.7.1

[maddogeco]

I could see a tablet replacing the mini.

i.e., remember the patent application for sliding the tablet into an iMac-like enclosure?

i agree there's ben talk of a mac book/pro update. so i think there will be a bigger faster mac book pro and the mac book get a rotating touch screen ( i think hp has something similar). but i still don't see the iphone coming out before WWDC

[Tallest Skil]

...the mac book get a rotating touch screen...

HA!

Sorry.

You said that HP has something similar. That's exactly how Apple knows the idea is stupid.

All this MacTablet talk is unhealthy. It's not going to happen.

[dradis]

hey, first time post so go easy.

i'm not saying that i 100% believe that a tablet is coming any time soon, but if it did turn up it would indeed be the ****...

most people's problems seem to be that typing directly on a tablet would be too awkward/uncomfortable, etc...

remember when the original rumours of a larger-scale iphone first came up a couple of months ago? around the same time apple released the smaller form-factor bluetooth keyboard... didn't anyone else think "damn, that would be a cool way to work with a tablet!"

so then we would have a cool media player and net device with a good sized screen, and then whip out the bluetooth keyboard for more work-like activities!

...maybe not.

[infowarfare]

LOL! I just wrote a long post yesterday after finding this very same rumor. I bet we'll see a second device at WWDC. If you think about it, it makes sense for Apple
to replace the iPod Touch with a different device, and maybe a bigger, more capable tablet ala Nokia's N800 tablet. It will end the confusion between the iPhone and iPod touch, and allow Apple to charge more for it while not cannibalizing iPhone sales for people who want a smaller, "front pocket"-sized device.

Exactly!

Don't insult me because you misinterpreted me or I wasn't clear.

Multitouch trackpads are not at all translatable to the screen without a huge overhaul of the interface. Pushing a cursor around with a blank trackpad is FUNDAMENTALLY different than having your fingertips directly control everything on the screen.

I am totally convinced multitouch is going to be a huge component of their product future - but I'm saying you can't throw Leopard onto a small multitouch tablet without a drastic fork in the operating system. The interface is not meant for this.

Sorry but, you are kind of insulting yourself for not doing your research. Leopard was exactly designed for this [multitouch] and was stripped down a bit to be included onto the iPhone (yes, to the other poster, the iPhone DOES run a slightly stripped down version of Leopard, not a whole other iPhone OS X. Come on people pay attention to when Steve Jobs shows this stuff!)

Actually the interface was designed for this. like that useless thing called vista the developers knew touch was going to be coming so that made the new OS have the capability (with a small patch or two) of touch.

See mr. probably, I'm not the only one who knows this...

I agree with this. A keyboard would have to be implemented to make this tablet mainstream. Axiotron made a modbook which is a tablet macbook screen. This product really hasn't taken off because it doesn't have a keyboard.

It's already there. Are we all forgetting the wireless mini-keyboard (http://www.apple.com/keyboard/) that Apple has already released awhile back with the redesigned iMacs? Well, it's not just for the iMacs...

http://images.apple.com/keyboard/images/wireless_keyboard20070813.gif

:cool:

[probably]

Actually the interface was designed for this. like that useless thing called vista the developers knew touch was going to be coming so that made the new OS have the capability (with a small patch or two) of touch.

...I'm not sure I understand you but support for pen-input (which OS X does have - allowing things like Cintiqs and ModBooks to work) is different than making the interface friendly to fingers.

Axiotron made a modbook which is a tablet macbook screen. This product really hasn't taken off because it doesn't have a keyboard.

It's also more expensive than a MacBook Pro and comes with no Apple support.

[infowarfare]

hey, first time post so go easy.

i'm not saying that i 100% believe that a tablet is coming any time soon, but if it did turn up it would indeed be the ****...

most people's problems seem to be that typing directly on a tablet would be too awkward/uncomfortable, etc...

remember when the original rumours of a larger-scale iphone first came up a couple of months ago? around the same time apple released the smaller form-factor bluetooth keyboard... didn't anyone else think "damn, that would be a cool way to work with a tablet!"

so then we would have a cool media player and net device with a good sized screen, and then whip out the bluetooth keyboard for more work-like activities!

...maybe not.

Hah, we posted at the exact same time... good thinking!

[TMay]

I thought I might add that this speculated tablet device would compete with Kindle and the Sony Reader, but would be superior to both in an educational environment; a modern eMate if you will.

Getting a tablet would not preclude a subnotebook down the road as these devices fit different niches.

[Teh Don Ditty]

3G iPhone would be fantastic right about now.

I've tried leaving ATT and said Jesus Phone™ but it ain't working out so much.

A message indicator light would be friggin' awesome (see Blackberry). I missed a very serious text... (yes, it was serious).

[dradis]

Hah, we posted at the exact same time... good thinking!

cool.

it would definitely make sense tho, right? i mean, they put it out there for a reason in that size... why remove the number pad from a desktop keyboard unless it wasn't meant to stay on the desk!:)

[Compile 'em all]

Ok, in case you all missed my post on another thread around here, this is what's happening at WWDC, but first, a disclaimer:

In no way am I affiliated with or employed by Apple internally and anything I post should be taken as pure speculation on my part. ;)

1. Updated iPhone with 2.0 will be released before the WWDC. It wll NOT have GPS or Video camera but will have increased storage size (16GB and 32GB) and 3G of course. No special event is necessary for this.



Sorry to burst your bubble but the new iPhone WILL have a frontside camera.

[Fonzijr1964]

Exactly!



Sorry but, you are kind of insulting yourself for not doing your research. Leopard was exactly designed for this [multitouch] and was stripped down a bit to be included onto the iPhone (yes, to the other poster, the iPhone DOES run a slightly stripped down version of Leopard, not a whole other iPhone OS X. Come on people pay attention to when Steve Jobs shows this stuff!)




Actually from what i have seen it is not specifically leopard because the .5 part of 10.5 is in the upper layers of the OS (it has 4 layers) the iPhone uses the same first layer but the second is slightly modified and the third (graphics) is about the same as leopard but the forth (coco touch) is the iPhone part because the mac interface (coco) is to big for he iPhone because it has both touch and mouse input ability not to mention some other stuff like right click and things like that.

check out he SDK release video if you don't believe me they talk about it.

[Leo74]

Thats already been debunked hundreds of time will people search the front page news and QUIT ***** MENTIONING IT.

Wow. Someone's panties are up in a bunch.

Debunked by whom? Other rumor site posters with their own speculative versions of it? Yeah, that's pretty bulletproof debunking right there. It's still a fact that Apple doesn't announce new products months ahead of their launch, but were forced to do so with the original iPhone in part because of FCC filing dates. It's also a fact that the FCC does need to approve phones and their manuals, and that Apple cannot guarantee the security of that information out of the FCC.

Unless you work at Apple, or the FCC, or are directly involved in FCC filings through a competitor, and have some official knowledge of this process, any "debunking" will have exactly the same value as what anyone has ever said about FCC filings, including myself: speculation. If you call debunking the fact that FCC filings can be cloaked at the filer's request, that still does not preclude Apple from attempting to avoid the risk of a leak out of an entity they can't control by announcing early themselves (like they did with the original).

All in all, who cares? I made it pretty clear it was just a guess, and that's exactly what the other couple hundred posts here are. Are you really gonna get this worked up about each one of them?

If there is an announcement significantly ahead of a release (weeks), which like I originally said was just my guess, then all the debunking is out the window. It could certainly be for other reasons, as it could be because of the FCC, at least in part. So, we'll see.

[Tallest Skil]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the new iPhone WILL have a frontside camera.

Oh, really? By saying that, you have signed a release that disallows you the ability to post a vent thread when it doesn't.

[pseudonymph]

if your product is selling faster than you can make it, what motivation would you have to drop the price?
Does anyone else think that maybe Apple and Steve Jobs are trying to EOL the 2.5G iPhone now, so that no one complains about the new one coming out weeks later and so they don't have to come out with rebates again? It's not out of the question... Or maybe they'll drop the price of the iPhone on Tuesday? 2 and a half weeks of $249 and $349 iPhones? You know how many customers who have no idea of the 3G iPhone coming out that would bring in? Think about it this way, they stop selling them online last week, so that the iPhones bought before that can get to the customers before Tuesday, so that they can drop the price and no one can bitc* for a refund. What do you all think?

[infowarfare]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the new iPhone WILL have a frontside camera.

And you think you know this because... ? (that so called third frontside sensor is NOT going to be a camera... I speculate.)

Actually from what i have seen it is not specifically leopard because the .5 part of 10.5 is in the upper layers of the OS (it has 4 layers) the iPhone uses the same first layer but the second is slightly modified and the third (graphics) is about the same as leopard but the forth (coco touch) is the iPhone part because the mac interface (coco) is to big for he iPhone because it has both touch and mouse input ability not to mention some other stuff like right click and things like that.

check out he SDK release video if you don't believe me they talk about it.

You're right, but still, based on Leopard, not Tiger. And my whole point to that mr. probably poster was that it's not that far-fetched that the full blown version of Leopard can ALSO do multitouch if a scaled down iPhone version can. But he just can't seem to wrap his head around that one...

[Merlosso]

I think im gonna kill this rumor with a few simple facts.

2.0 beta firmware has been discovered to have software to support 3G chips. 2.0 firmware has been confirmed to come out in JUNE.

a 3G iPhone would NOT work with 1.1.4 firmware, because it doesnt support 3G chips. SO... a 3G iPhone cannot come before 2.0 firmware is released.

You can agree or disagree btu im confident IM right

I agree. Although it's possible that there could be a temporary firmware version to support the new hardware until 2.0 is released, I think it's unlikely to happen. It is all about presentation. How the new device and the new firmware are presented (in other words "sold") will have an impact. Apple is very good at building hype and we (those of us posting here) do not represent the average consumer.

If Apple waits and Steve presents the new iPhone pre-loaded with 2.0 and with features the current iPhone does not have, it will create more hype. It's all about creating a feeling in the customer that the new phone was created for the 2.0 firmware and that to truly maximize the experience of the firmware you need the new phone. The 2.0 firmware upgrade will be free for current iPhone owners. If you want them to buy the new product, you have to present it right.

If they do not wait, the average consumer might look at the new phone much like they might for a new MacBook that only has new processor options; it's faster than the old one but it doesn't really do anything different. When the firmware update is available it will be for both devices and the only differences would be features specific to the new phone, such as speed and GPS applications. Not everyone wants or needs GPS and many current users are happy with the current speed of the phone or do not live in a 3G coverage area.

In the end, both 1st generation and 3G iPhones will use 2.0. We all know that and we all understand that there will be few real differences between the two phones, although to us the differences are big. But again, we are not the average consumer. It's all about presentation and creating that "I gotta have that feeling".

Having said that, I really hope I'm wrong and that it is released sooner than later. I'm not a shareholder and I want a 3G iPhone one now. :)

[probably]

Sorry but, you are kind of insulting yourself for not doing your research. Leopard was exactly designed for this [multitouch] and was stripped down a bit to be included onto the iPhone (yes, to the other poster, the iPhone DOES run a slightly stripped down version of Leopard, not a whole other iPhone OS X. Come on people pay attention to when Steve Jobs shows this stuff!)


Leopard was not 'exactly' designed for this at all. What part of the Leopard desktop makes you think it was meant to be controlled with fingers directly on the screen?

The iPhone firmware is as far from a slightly stripped down version of Leopard as can be. They ported it to ARM and removed Cocoa for goodness sakes! There is a reason that NOTHING on the iPhone's display resembles Leopard save for a few color schemes.


You're right, but still, based on Leopard, not Tiger. And my whole point to that mr. probably poster was that it's not that far-fetched that the full blown version of Leopard can ALSO do multitouch if a scaled down iPhone version can. But he just can't seem to wrap his head around that one...

And after several posts reiterating this you can't seem to wrap your head around the fact that I'm not talking about OS-level support. Of course Leopard can support multitouch devices - or ANY device, really. I'm talking about the actual interaction between user and device - which quite obviously led Apple to completely throw out their current interface conventions and build something new for a buttonless iPhone.

[gusapple]

Although there may be nothing until June. (Excuse the pun;) ) It is strange that there is little supply of the iPhone this far away from WWDC. Usually, Apple has at least some supply of products before updates. What doesn't make sense is that a major product, such as the iPhone would have no supply. Also, it is interesting that O2 and Apple would run out almost simultaneously. Which brings up a new theory. Could O2 have run out iPhones, called up Apple, ordered more, and used up the rest of the stock reserved to last until June?

The only thing that makes perfect sense would be that the iPhone 2.0 update will come during WWDC and so will a new iPhone.

[Fonzijr1964]

And you think you know this because... ?



You're right, but still, based on Leopard, not Tiger. And my whole point to that mr. probably poster was that it's not that far-fetched that the full blown version of Leopard can ALSO do multitouch if a scaled down iPhone version can. But he just can't seem to wrap his head around that one...

yes i saw your point sorry to be rude. he just is not familiar with the way OS's work and the way they are designed with "forward thinking"

[heavensblade23]

if your product is selling faster than you can make it, what motivation would you have to drop the price?

To bring in customers who would love to own your product, but think it's priced out of their range. It's not really the Apple way, though.

[Compile 'em all]

Oh, really? By saying that, you have signed a release that disallows you the ability to post a vent thread when it doesn't.

I am allowed anything. I know people.

[jnc]

Although there may be nothing until June. (Excuse the pun;) ) It is strange that there is little supply of the iPhone this far away from WWDC. Usually, Apple has at least some supply of products before updates. What doesn't make sense is that a major product, such as the iPhone would have no supply.

Makes sense to me. Remember the price drop backlash? Restrict people from even being ABLE to purchase a phone too near to the update, and there is no one to complain. Sure they have stock, they're just holding onto it until the new announcement, then they'll show up as refurb. Maybe.

[gusapple]

Makes sense to me. Remember the price drop backlash? Restrict people from even being ABLE to purchase a phone too near to the update, and there is no one to complain.

Ha ha, that is an idea I hadn't thought of, but it is not like Apple. Apple is all about saying "You decided to buy it then, you have to live with it now."

[Ghibli]

A relative of mine, who works for Telecom Italia Mobile, reported to me that they should have a convention in the next two weeks. A new product is expected, but no announcement has been made to them.

I think that the rumor can be true...

[macbook123]

If the phone were to be released in May, why are the ATT employees not allowed to take vacations starting in mid June?

I don't believe it's true (it would also be too good to be true ;-))

[Tallest Skil]

I am allowed anything. I know people.

Not His Jobsness, and I'd bet my iPhone* that you don't know Ive, either. You'd need to be a case maker, as Apple doesn't allow employees to have MacRumors accounts.

*Note: Skil would not bet his launch day, unlocked, got for free iPhone that Compile 'em all knows Jonathan Ive.

[infowarfare]

And after several posts reiterating this you can't seem to wrap your head around the fact that I'm not talking about OS-level support. Of course Leopard can support multitouch devices - or ANY device, really. I'm talking about the actual interaction between user and device - which quite obviously led Apple to completely throw out their current interface conventions and build something new for a buttonless iPhone.

What!?! Your whole argument was OS based! All you did was say that Leopard can't do mutlitouch and can't be finger based; must use a stylus, etc. And NOW you say it can!?! :rolleyes:

And yes, they did throw out their interface conventions and build something new for the iPhone (and thus delaying the release of Leopard by 6 months as a direct result of this! Or do you not remember that?)

[seenett]

...What if Apple's going to sell the iPhone themselves, possibly unlocked, and then a month later AT&T starts selling it through their stores, locked and subsidized. Regarding their exclusivity contract: do Apple stores qualify as competition? As long as there isn't another version specific to another carrier, isn't it still exclusive? Also, I wouldn't put it past Steve to have sold AT&T on 5 years exclusivity for the "iPhone", but then neglect to mention or promise anything about the "iPhone 2". The new version may not be exclusive at all.

BINGO. This scenario is the most likely in my opinion. The "locked and subsidized" rumor began before iphone inventory dried up. AT&T could easily start selling locked iphones at a discount a month after Apple stats selling unlocked versions.

I think Apple and AT&T learned a big lesson when over half of iphones sold in the U.S. were never activated with AT&T - BIG loss in revenue for both companies. They didn't believe that iphones could be hacked with such ease, and hopefully they are being smarter about it for 2.0. Rather than spend time and effort making an un-hackable phone (which would be near impossible), they could be incentivizing consumers to stay with AT&T via subsidies and in-store activation. Having other features being carrier specific (visual voicemail, 3G, GPS?) will also encourage buyers to stay with AT&T.

There is no reason that the "5 year exclusivity", or whatever they have, could not be mutually modified. Obviously the agreement, as it stands now, has at least a million unlocked iphones running on other networks. Seems like AT&T would greatly benefit by being the "preferred" iphone network, rather than the "exclusive" network. AT&T could offer rebates/subsidies, visual voicemail, 3G service - maybe even certain applications at the itunes store could only be purchased with an AT&T activated iphone. Apple would benefit by selling more iphones, and maybe stay out of trouble in countries where "exclusive" arrangements are prohibited - just have a "preferred" carrier in each country.

[Compile 'em all]

And you think you know this because... ? (that so called third frontside sensor is NOT going to be a camera... I speculate.)


I am not obliged to anything in here.

But just for you something to think about: by the end of this year the iPhone will be going to Asia where video calls are big. As it is planned, this to be released 3G capable iPhone will be the one going to Asia. Hence, a frontside camera.

[infowarfare]

I am not obliged to anything in here.

But just for you something to think about: by the end of this year the iPhone will be going to Asia where video calls are big. As it is planned, this to be released 3G capable iPhone will be the one going to Asia. Hence, a frontside camera.

Yep, pretty good speculation there, but many said a similar thing right before European launch; that Europe would not settle for anything less than 3G and that they would never release an Edge-based iPhone in Europe, and yet...

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

Awesome!! The sooner the better. Does this mean we will see software version 2.0 this month as well?

[Compile 'em all]

Not His Jobsness, and I'd bet my iPhone* that you don't know Ive, either. You'd need to be a case maker, as Apple doesn't allow employees to have MacRumors accounts.
[/SIZE]

I work in R&D and I can post whatever I want from home and no one in the company where I work will know who I am.

Just cause Apple employees are not allowed doesn't mean they don't read/post in here. I bet there are a couple on here already. Also, you don't need to be working in Apple to pull out some info. Look at Appleinsider for a prime example.

[Tallest Skil]

I work in R&D...

I am... now drooling. If you aren't lying...

Oh, is a MacTablet viable in the near future? :D I'd rather get one of those than a secondhand MacBook Pro off of eBay.

[Rot'nApple]

Does anybody else worry that this rapid product introduction cycle will eventually result in far too complex product lineup where it becomes too difficult to distinguish between value added by moving between products? This product sounds great, but what added benefit will it give us that a software update to the iPod Touch / iPhone wouldn't give us?

It just seems like Apple's crowding it's "message" of simplicity by introducing too many specialized products when they could simply continually improve their current offerings.

I don't think Apple is crowding it's "message" of simplicity. If you look at it from the standpoint of an iPhone being released and then some other gadget being released shortly after, then yes it could seem like product overkill. However, it didn't stop Apple from creating a variety of iPod choices, so why would this be any different. Especially, if you look at from the perspective that this can be the beginning of Apple's family of "multi-touch"? Just like the iPod has the shuffle, nano, classic and "Touch" in various capacity sizes and colors. The Multi Touch family could be looked at this way... iPhone, Touch iPod, Maybe some multi touch tablet versus a multi touch laptop and a multi touch "Wii" like 'gaming system' game pad or something. Who knows what's up Apple's sleeve, but if you categorize it as a "Family of Products" versus one product announcement after the next then it doesn't seem that Apple is losing it's way or crowding it's "message" of simplicity.

[newyorksole]

3G iPhone would be fantastic right about now.

I've tried leaving ATT and said Jesus Phone™ but it ain't working out so much.

A message indicator light would be friggin' awesome (see Blackberry). I missed a very serious text... (yes, it was serious).

ughh a light indicator would be AWESOME, all my friends have sidekicks and the lights/AIM are the best features on the phone. i hope apple incorporates a light sensor

BTW where from LI you from?

[javaGuru]

This is an interesting rumor. However, why have AT&T employees been told to not ask for time off between June 15th and July 15th if the iPhone is coming out in May instead. See this thread for details (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/05/06/atandt-blocking-out-june-15-july-12-for-3g-iphone-launch/). Unless this new device will be offered on the AT&T network like an iPhone Nano or something.

[Compile 'em all]

I am... now drooling. If you aren't lying...


I do work in R&D :cool:. Not for Apple though :(

[puckhead193]

we'll see what happens. I doubt there will be a new device

[coolant113]

i think this makes logical sense... i can definetly see and hope that we do see one this week be released... I hope Apple releases the ultra-portable at WWDC people have been waiting for this for years!! :apple::apple:

[probably]

What!?! Your whole argument was OS based! All you did was say that Leopard can't do mutlitouch and can't be finger based; must use a stylus, etc. And NOW you say it can!?! :rolleyes:

And yes, they did throw out their interface conventions and build something new for the iPhone (and thus delaying the release of Leopard by 6 months as a direct result of this! Or do you not remember that?)

The first post you decided to quote and flame talks about the interface, not the Core underpinnings. I haven't been talking about anything else since.

Doesn't any part of running your day-to-day Leopard operations with only fingers raise any questions? How would you invoke Expose without an ever-present keyboard or Hot Corners? How would you pick the correct city/Time Zone during first-run procedures by tapping the map? Handle hover contextual boxes? Discern erroneous taps over a vast 1280x800px span? Inform the user that the keyboard that just popped up on the screen corresponds to this or that form field? Highlight text? Select multiple songs in iTunes?

All of this has unbelievable potential to create an infuriating experience for everyone if no alterations and revisions are made to the desktop GUI we know today. (Imagine: Windows-based tablets with none of the pixel-point accuracy of a stylus)

A larger tablet device would require them to rethink the interface again. Not wholly impossible but a steep undertaking far more taxing than putting Leopard on it and relying on InkWell to do things which it doesn't do very gracefully: not surprising since it was not intended for a capacitance-display-only device.

[Rocketman]

Does anyone else think that a product 1.5x the size of the iPhone is just about the most inconvenient size? It would be too big to put in your pocket, but then it would be too small to do anything useful on, that the iPhone can't already do. If they are going to make a tablet, I think the 8.5" x 11" would be about the perfect size.

Me. Search ATNN.

Rocketman

[Saladinos]

I'd agree with a pre-June launch, if it weren't for:
- firmware 2.0 coming in June
- the ATT holiday thing

I dont believe in any of this firmware 1.5 rubbish. I think Apple's already under immense strain to get 2.0 out, and dont have the resources to develop another branch simultaneously. They'd rather delay the hardware launch to get it out with the software on day 1.

It may be announced pre-June, but it won't be shipping until June. The recent stock shortages are due to poor stock management on Apples part (they rarely deal with things as successful as the iPhone).

[corrado7]

I'd agree with a pre-June launch, if it weren't for:
- firmware 2.0 coming in June
- the ATT holiday thing

I dont believe in any of this firmware 1.5 rubbish. I think Apple's already under immense strain to get 2.0 out, and dont have the resources to develop another branch simultaneously. They'd rather delay the hardware launch to get it out with the software on day 1.

It may be announced pre-June, but it won't be shipping until June. The recent stock shortages are due to poor stock management on Apples part (they rarely deal with things as successful as the iPhone).

Yes because Steve himself told you that they messed up on the management of iphone shipments. stop with the assumptions. Nobody knows anything for real

[Raidersmojo]

3G iPhone? boring....just adding GPS and 3G with some more flash more than likely.

I'll pass...

waiting for third revision here, third party apps can keep iPhone 1.0 new enough for me until then.

[Teh Don Ditty]

ughh a light indicator would be AWESOME, all my friends have sidekicks and the lights/AIM are the best features on the phone. i hope apple incorporates a light sensor

BTW where from LI you from?

Looking at it from the business side, it would most certainly be pretty helpful. I don't want to have to keep unlocking the screen to see if I got any messaged. This is helpful if you have it in silent mode and vibrate off.

Nassau County, South Shore. Not gonna get too specific on here. :)

[coolant113]

The first post you decided to quote and flame talks about the interface, not the Core underpinnings. I haven't been talking about anything else since.

Doesn't any part of running your day-to-day Leopard operations with only fingers raise any questions? How would you invoke Expose without an ever-present keyboard or Hot Corners? How would you pick the correct city/Time Zone during first-run procedures by tapping the map? Handle hover contextual boxes? Discern erroneous taps over a vast 1280x800px span? Inform the user that the keyboard that just popped up on the screen corresponds to this or that form field? Highlight text? Select multiple songs in iTunes?

All of this has unbelievable potential to create an infuriating experience for everyone if no alterations and revisions are made to the desktop GUI we know today. (Imagine: Windows-based tablets with none of the pixel-point accuracy of a stylus)

I am sure if this happens and a multi-touch portable comes out that 10.5.3 will have the multi touch option added to the system prefferences pane

[Diode]

Wow. Someone's panties are up in a bunch.

Possible but unlikely.


Debunked by whom? Other rumor site posters with their own speculative versions of it? Yeah, that's pretty bulletproof debunking right there. It's still a fact that Apple doesn't announce new products months ahead of their launch, but were forced to do so with the original iPhone in part because of FCC filing dates. It's also a fact that the FCC does need to approve phones and their manuals, and that Apple cannot guarantee the security of that information out of the FCC.


I have my own speculation on that (mainly that the OS was not completely finished) but what IS known is the FCC has a short term Short-Term Confidentiality Policy.

More can be found here: ts.nist.gov/Standards/Global/upload/george_tannahill_short-term_confidentiality_policy.pdf

But to save you the trouble:

The short-term confidentiality policy is intended to provide applicants the ability to get
an equipment approval and get a product to market while ensuring that business sensitive
information remains confidential until the actual marketing of the device. When
marketing begins, the information must be released for viewing on the FCC website.

If it's coming on Tuesday it has already been approved ... if it's coming in June I have a feeling the process will start soon.

[mudaudio]

I think Apple would be silly to release another MAJOR product at WWDC. In the short term it would take the limelight off the iPhone SDK, iPhone 2.0, 3G iPhone etc.

Not to mention that for the first time as a Mac user (and I mean Macbook, OS X), I feel rather neglected. My Macbook is great, apart from the heat, constant fannage, electrical whine (which comes through on my sound recordings even through an external sound card), ongoing battery problems. blah blah... Leopard is a mess too. Many, many bugs, for me at least.

It just seems as though a snazzy new product would be great for the media spin and share price (perhaps). But what about consolidation/evolution, sorting out leopard, releasing newly designed macbooks that are much more solid machines. I have an iPhone, and I'm really excited to see the next one.. but again, consolidation and evolution would be nice. But to add a whole new major product?! Maybe in a year or two, but I hope not now!

That said, maybe they have done something clever with Multitouch - fingerworks style tablet accessory maybe. Or maybe there's a new software thing (more WWDC relevant). I haven't thought about it too much. I just hope this 'new' thing isn't too ambitious!

[MacGohil]

I think that this just makes it even more possible for the new MacBooks and MacBook pros to cone out at WWDC. Those would seem like more of a logical product to introduce at the developer's conference. But this rumor opens up an interesting possibility- multi-touch on the MacBook Pros. Maybe even a multi-touch trackpad that spans the width of the notebook. Weren't there some rumora a whileback regarding the possibility of these trackpads? That would make the MBP even cooler. Personally, I can't wait for the MBPs to get a redesign. That will be so awesome. And the super-trackpad idea would just make it cooler.

I would eliminate this speculation based on the simple design flaw such trackpads would bring.... Have U considered that a Multitouch trackpad spanning across the width of the notebook will mean U will rest ur wrists on the trackpad while typing.

I think we are more likely to see touch screen based portables... then multitouch would be as good as the IPhone.... With innovative :apple: .... this just seems realistic and more user friendly (which is apple's design moto....)

[mark34]

The AT&T vacation black list of days most likely has little to do with a 3G iphone. Can it even be used in the USA? It could be for the launch of a new product, but I tend to doubt it. The American launch for the iphone is over folks. And remember that business model of tying the iphone to one company is fastly becoming a fossil.

The 3G is all about other places like Italy and Japan. According to the roadmap, June '08 is the launch for Japan, and I'm hoping Apple sticks to its plan. No way an Edge phone will sell there. The rest of the world has networks in place that are just waiting for a better iphone. Americans will feel the pain of inferior networks when people in other countries are happily toting 3G iphones. Bring'em on!

iphones won't be tied to AT&T forever.

What? You do know that is not close to true right? If you are some one who tends to travel in major metropolitan areas, then 3G is just fine thank you. I live in Austin, TX and have 3G coverage almost everywhere.

[mark34]

I find it so odd that some people are minimizing 3G. It was clearly the one GIANT compromise that Apple made at the time of the original iPhone. Still a cool device, but really we are talking dial-up versus broadband as someone else has so clearly pointed out. How can that not be a huge deal? The fact that the iPhone has WiFi is the great minimizer of that problem. Who wants to depend on hotspots? Since I got a 3G card for my MacBook Air I really don't worry about hotspots for my laptop either.

The only thing that stopped me from buying Rev A was the lack of 3G.. Bring on iPhone 2.0!!

(but please don't absolutely kill battery life)

[AidenShaw]

Of course, I also said there was no way Apple would call it the Macbook Air.:D

The sales figures support my calling it the MacBook Cube Air.... ;)

[probably]

I am sure if this happens and a multi-touch portable comes out that 10.5.3 will have the multi touch option added to the system prefferences pane

A PrefPane checkbox to completely convert almost every part of the Cocoa widget toolkit to totally different specs. I don't think so.

And why would there be an option to make the computer unusable? That's comical.

I guess no one sees that Leopard's current GUI could not work with fingers of varying fatness that would occlude any of the tinier clickable interfaces and make tapping a blind affair.

[Chupa Chupa]

Obviously, it's a rendering, but guess what, the last ad Apple had on their own site with both the Macbook Air and iPhone was also a rendering (instead of using actual photos of the products that were already released.)

But the OP wrote:

As I stated in a previous thread, I did not create this image, it was found as an upcoming ad for WWDC

My point is that Apple would not put out an ad with the Apple logo off centered in just a sloppy way. We are not talking about renderings here, we are talking about what the OP purports to be a real live Apple ad. Now, maybe he was being tongue and cheek and I missed that, but to me he seemed to think it was real.

[infowarfare]

What? You do know that is not close to true right? If you are some one who tends to travel in major metropolitan areas, then 3G is just fine thank you. I live in Austin, TX and have 3G coverage almost everywhere.

I think you misunderstood him. He wasn't saying 3g for iPhone is not going to happen, he was saying that Apple doesn't need a whole other special event just because they are adding a 3G chip to a one year old product.

That's why it's more likely they will release this new iPhone early with little fanfare and a completely new product at WWDC along with the SDK (that will bridge the iPhone's touch abilites with the Macbook line, as per my "things are getting touchy" post!)

[berkleeboy210]

hmmm the Flagship Boston Store is Opening on Thursday, do you think they would release it to coincide with that?

Just a thought.

[hlynurge]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

In light of recent news, anyone care to revisit and speculate on the meaning of the two diverging Golden Gate bridges on the WWDC poster...

[MacGohil]

Most customers wont even know (nor care) what WWDC is. Remember us lot here are far from representative of the total Apple iPhone customer base


We all know how much hype and speculation apple generates..... We are small yet very considerable proportion of the market share.... that will be upgrading from gen1 to gen2 IPhones.... And am sure Apple wont be willing to loose out on revenue when they can sell U two devices then one.... Just a matter of getting the timing right....

[hlynurge]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/4A102 Safari/419.3)

I wonder, are the bridges diverging, or CONVERGING, ie Mac+iPhone= tablet?

[infowarfare]

A PrefPane checkbox to completely convert almost every part of the Cocoa widget toolkit to totally different specs. I don't think so.

And why would there be an option to make the computer unusable? That's comical.

I guess no one sees that Leopard's current GUI could not work with fingers of varying fatness that would occlude any of the tinier clickable interfaces and make tapping a blind affair.

Oh yawn. Get over it already. No one sees what you see because you are shortsided. Leopard can and WILL work with finger based multitouch. And people said the exact same thing about the iPhone's interface before its release yet it seems to be doing quite well.

But the OP wrote:

As I stated in a previous thread, I did not create this image, it was found as an upcoming ad for WWDC

My point is that Apple would not put out an ad with the Apple logo off centered in just a sloppy way. We are not talking about renderings here, we are talking about what the OP purports to be a real live Apple ad. Now, maybe he was being tongue and cheek and I missed that, but to me he seemed to think it was real.

Ahh, I see what you meant now... though it could be an unfinished pre-release [mockup] of the ad, yes?