Apple Ordered 4 Million New iPhones for Q2 2009?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/13/apple-ordered-4-million-new-iphones-for-q2-2009/)

Slashphone recaps (http://www.slashphone.com/rumor-apple-expect-4-million-new-iphones-shipment-by-end-q2-135416) a ChinaTimes / Commercial Times report (http://translate.google.com.sg/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.chinatimes.com%2FCMoney%2FNews%2FNews-Page-content%2F0%2C4993%2C11050704%2B122009041100274%2C00.html&sl=zh-CN&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8) which claims that Apple has placed an order for 4 million units of the next generation iPhone. Per Slashphone's summary:According to its insider news, Apple has already ordered 4 million units of new iPhones and expected to receive the shipment by end of this quarter. These iPhones might be a combination of 3 new models, with one only supports EDGE wireless data connection, another one for 3G wireless data connection and one model made for China market (for China’s TD-SCDMA network?). There will not be iPhone Nano and the new iPhone 2009 will be similar to the current iPhone 3G, according to the report.China Times had may have somewhat accurately predicted (http://www.macrumors.com/2006/11/15/hon-hai-receives-iphone-contract/) the original iPhone's production in 2007. The possibility of multiple versions of the next iPhone has been raised (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/03/31/32gb-high-end-iphone-and-a-low-end-version-in-works/) in an earlier analyst report with the possibility of a high-end and low-end model.

Apple is rumored to be revising its iPhone this summer with the 2009 WWDC in June being the likely announcement venue.

Article Link: Apple Ordered 4 Million New iPhones for Q2 2009? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/13/apple-ordered-4-million-new-iphones-for-q2-2009/)

[Apple Ink]

Er... 'similar to iPhone 3G' in what sense... looks or innards as well???

And this whole Edge and 3G manifestations sounds about bogus to me.. unless they are planning to sell Edge without contract.... ?!?

[Saladinos]

If they do bring the EDGEphone back, its got to be cheap. Not only that, but if they can make it as thin as an iPod touch, I think it'll be a hit.

[yorkshire]

This info is so vague, hopefully we'll see something more specific soon.

[AAPLaday]

A cheaper edge only version makes more sense than a smaller nano. How much smaller could they make it and still have it keep its usability?

[Zuwxiv]

Metal backing, maybe a little more computational power, louder speakers than the original iPhone, and I'll replace mine. Contract's up in a couple months anyway.

Little better battery would be nice, as would FM radio and a nicer camera. Front-facing camera for video conferencing is not going to happen, at least not without a premium monthly charge.

[JDee]

It is vague - I'm definitely going for the higher end one!

Saved up for it now.

[Minimum91]

If they do bring the EDGEphone back, its got to be cheap. Not only that, but if they can make it as thin as an iPod touch, I think it'll be a hit.

Exactly! In my country 3G is non-existent thing anyway. I get 3G like 1 time a day at one specific place for 5 minutes and then its gone.
Don't really care for 3G. Edge does a fine job for receiving emails and twitter.

[timp123]

Er... 'similar to iPhone 3G' in what sense... looks or innards as well???


If you read the google translation of china times it says "looks similar to the original iPhone".

[Roller]

Er... 'similar to iPhone 3G' in what sense... looks or innards as well???

I don't care much if it looks similar to the current 3G (though I still think the original iPhone looks better), but it needs to have significantly better hardware (camera, processor, etc.) to keep up, especially with the Palm Pre.

[timp123]

The translation also keeps saying something about the camera and how it works well with the light, I don't know if that means it will have a light or if it works better in different light levels..

Hopefully the camera will be a big improvement over the current one anyway

[SactoGuy18]

I do think the 3rd gen iPhone will sport at least two important improvements: much improved battery life and much improved cellphone reception.

[wackymacky]

So where is the new camera and the magnetometer etc?

Pluss taking out 3G? Wouldn't think it would save much money per unit when needing a seperate assembly line and packaging etc would be needed for the edge only phone.

[AAPLaday]

I think those 5mp cameras that were talked about the other day will be for the top of the line iPhone. The edge version will get the 3.2 ones possibly.

[igazza]

silver zinc battery will be nice

[solipsism]

So where is the new camera and the magnetometer etc?

Pluss taking out 3G? Wouldn't think it would save much money per unit when needing a seperate assembly line and packaging etc would be needed for the edge only phone.

That is true, but if the place you wanted to sell these other phones didn't have a viable UTMS-based 3G network and wasn't allowing WiFi, you might consider it, if the sales numbers looked to be high enough.

I can't see Apple reintroducing a phone tech that it walked away from a year ago.

[ipoppy]

No way that EDGE will be on its own. EDGE is useless; its just way too slow to the point that you can't make a use out of it. I hope original iPhone owners will agree. Unless that iPhone EDGE will land in China and make them happy, but I can't say if Chinese got good EDGE network over there, since my guess is that there is no 3G at all.
This new iPhone will be similar to 3G but hopefully they won't forget put front camera (behind screen) for my iChat AV there:rolleyes:

[twoodcc]

looking forward to seeing the new iPhone. hope it's good

[jqc]

So where is the new camera and the magnetometer etc?

Pluss taking out 3G? Wouldn't think it would save much money per unit when needing a seperate assembly line and packaging etc would be needed for the edge only phone.

The "cheap" wouldnt necessarily come from a a significantly lower price for the phone itself, but in the cheaper data plan. I live in NYC, have had the original iphone since day 1. Edge is a little slow but fine for everyday use. Had the 3G for a week, 3G was faster but not not up to Apple/ATT's claims, and reception was spotty. Enough that I went back to my original as I couldnt justify an extra $10 a month. If they came out with an EDGE only phone, I'd upgrade in a second, as i suspect many in non-3G areas would as well.

OR: have one phone and have AT&T give us option for EDGE only plan...Id be happy with that.

[solipsism]

silver zinc battery will be nice

Has that tech evolved enough to hit production yet? A compact high-end device, like the iPhone, seems to be an ideal place for those batteris.

PROS
- 40% more usage per charge
- Last longer
- Not prone to catch fire like Lithium-Ion since they are water based

CONS
- Much higher cost
- Possibility for leaking as they are water based

On top of that, ZPower is funded by Intel and there is word that ZPower will be making batteries for a major notebook maker in 2009.• http://www.zpowerbattery.com/
• http://www.zpowerbattery.com/pdf/IDF%20Fall%2008%20-%20Final.pdf

[Bevz]

mmm... A little bit of smoke and mirrors with a slight hint of truth probably... IMHO

I agree with some of the other posters... If this story has any grain of truth in it it's likely to be that iPhone Edge will be brought back and sold unlocked, this makes sense at some stage if apple are truly serious about making any more headway into the mobile market; As for the 3G version, i think that'll see the usual memory bump, a better camera is clearly on the cards and a few extra bells and whistles (I'm preying the magno rumor is true!) including improved GPU (for better gaming; that's my prediction) to entice people into the locked contracts.

Whichever way; June/July will be a fun time ;)

[iPhoneNYC]

Apple does a great job of building expectation. that article says basically nothing, is incredibly vague but it does that old Palavian trick: mention new iPhones and I get ready to buy. That said, is Apple trying to bring forth a more expensive super model but also offer new lower price point Edge only models?

[solipsism]

The "cheap" wouldnt necessarily come from a a significantly lower price for the phone itself, but in the cheaper data plan. I live in NYC, have had the original iphone since day 1. Edge is a little slow but fine for everyday use. Had the 3G for a week, 3G was faster but not not up to Apple/ATT's claims, and reception was spotty. Enough that I went back to my original as I couldnt justify an extra $10 a month. If they came out with an EDGE only phone, I'd upgrade in a second, as i suspect many in non-3G areas would as well.

OR: have one phone and have AT&T give us option for EDGE only plan...Id be happy with that.
The only claim was "twice as fast", and that didn't even specify what was twice as fast as it was just one of Apple's simple marketing posters. The WiFi speed stayed the same, the CPU speed the same though it was clocked a little higher in the firmware.

I think that saying that 3G was twice as fast as EDGE as a general rule is more than lenient. Especially when every other cellphone manufacturer advertising the theoretical speed of the radios, not a relative speed. For instance, you'll see their 3G listed as 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps.

NYC was(is) was of those cities that were just too congested for the number of iPhone buyers, but that isn't Apple's fault, it's AT&T's. I've heard plenty of reports of the cell signal and 3G speeds getting remarkably better all of a sudden, one day. That may be the case with the areas you travel, too, so I wouldn't make up your mind yet that EDGE is as far as you ever want to go with a cellular radio speed.

[yvesm007]

That is bad news, because i hoped for a almost complete revision (NOT screen size or so, but camera, speed, graphics, battery...)
But...
Still hoping! :D

[GregA]

And this whole Edge and 3G manifestations sounds about bogus to me.. unless they are planning to sell Edge without contract.... ?!?

That kind of makes sense. A 2G phone chip is very cheap hardware - perhaps they'll sell an edge phone outright, and replace the iPod Touch entirely?

Now... merge that with some VoIP apps....

[iParis]

This sounds really good actually. If the Edge iPhone is cheaper and the monthly rates are a good amount lower, my mom may consider letting me get it.

[GregA]

I'm in the market for 2 cordless home phones at the moment. I wish Apple would release a wifi-only phone (at iPod Touch prices) that I could log into my VoIP provider....

[ashjamben]

hopefully the model will justify o2 in the uk offering it out as an early upgrade for us iphone customers. i had mine stolen a few months and i'm hating not having an iphone! i need an early upgrade, or else i've gotta wait nearly another year for a new one :(

[W1LLk]

I was actually hoping AT&T & Apple would start implementing the new 4G network that they spoke about previously. Sprint is starting to show commercials for it (A very cool commercial if you ask me). I think the figures put EDGE around 700+ something kbit/s, 3G up to 14.4 Mbits/s, and 4G (estimated) at 100 Mbit/s while mobile and up to 1 Gbit/s while stationary.

[jqc]

The only claim was "twice as fast", and that didn't even specify what was twice as fast as it was just one of Apple's simple marketing posters. The WiFi speed stayed the same, the CPU speed the same though it was clocked a little higher in the firmware.

I think that saying that 3G was twice as fast as EDGE as a general rule is more than lenient. Especially when every other cellphone manufacturer advertising the theoretical speed of the radios, not a relative speed. For instance, you'll see their 3G listed as 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps.

NYC was(is) was of those cities that were just too congested for the number of iPhone buyers, but that isn't Apple's fault, it's AT&T's. I've heard plenty of reports of the cell signal and 3G speeds getting remarkably better all of a sudden, one day. That may be the case with the areas you travel, too, so I wouldn't make up your mind yet that EDGE is as far as you ever want to go with a cellular radio speed.

Who claims 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps? if its AT&T then Im really disappointed because in countless speed tests in Manhattan, i never got above 350kps or so. As far as "one day it got faster" stories, i bought/returned the phone beginning of this month, so if the 350kps (and that’s MAX I got, I usually got in the low 200s) is the upgraded speed, again, disappointed. In terms of NYC being a congested area, that is a weak excuse, AT&T should have more towers/infrastructure in their biggest markets so this doesn’t happen! In the end, it doesn’t matter whos fault it is. My point is, having the option to purchase an EDGE phone with the corresponding lower EDGE data pricing would be appealing to many people who get spotty/no 3G coverage, myself included.

[thisrocks]

Anyone consider the possibility that the EDGE only phone will have significantly more ability to sustain battery than the 3G phone?

I don't understand how iPhones work in terms of allowing you to specifically say you only want 3g, both (roam when not in 3g zone), or just EDGE (I know you have no choice between WiFi and 3G and it just happens...) but my phone can only be set to 3G or Both which is annoying because I have spotty 3g areas and unless I'm browsing the internet I only want Edge coverage because it's so consistent and I get full bars all over Melbourne and beyond.

So unless the 3G can be setup to be an edge only phone, and not ever search for 3G signals, even when out of zone, then there is definitely a market for the EDGE phone...if only in terms of battery and guaranteed coverage (for me anyway)

[meagain]

I certainly hope there will be enough stock so the nightmare of the 3g launch with its ;) long lines, outtages, checking for availability, etc are minimized.

[MikeTheC]

My only question is: Will Steve be keynoting WWDC this year? If not, then I don't even care.

[Mjmar]

I would like an Edge iPhone with all of the new features that are rumored... Maybe the edge will get the 3.2 megapixel camera and the higher end model will get the 5 megapixel camera...

[riesvantwisk]

It's funny to read... first the iPhone comes out with edge only, then everybody complains that they want 3G. Now 3G is there, and with the new iPhones coming everybody want's it to have edge only??

I seriously think it needs both, and properly it's one chip within the iPhone anyways.

What we REALLY want is freedom on the iphone and telecom should allow us to run any viop or other app on the phone, remove the damn restrictions please! There is plenty enough bandwidth and we have been paying for it for years now.

Ries

[MikeTheC]

It's funny to read... first the iPhone comes out with edge only, then everybody complains that they want 3G. Now 3G is there, and with the new iPhones coming everybody want's it to have edge only??
Actually, that's not what I want.

What I want (and I know I don't necessarily speak for anyone else here) is an iPhone I can use on a CDMA network simply because I don't like GSM, and also because I don't like AT&T, either.

[skiwhitman]

:)

[kage207]

Pluss taking out 3G? Wouldn't think it would save much money per unit when needing a seperate assembly line and packaging etc would be needed for the edge only phone.

It's called a business move of using more than one manufacture to assemble your product.

[JMax1]

hopefully they won't forget put front camera (behind screen) for my iChat AV there:rolleyes:

Would a camera behind the screen work? Wouldn't it take a picture of whatever is on the screen too? I know there is a patents on tiny lenses or sensors between the pixels, but is the technology there yet?

[koopa35]

EDGE only model makes no sense to me. whats the purpose of it? I say it wont happen. I think thats like saying the new playstation gaming device will have the same tech as the ps1 and thats for people who has slow or no internet at all.

Maybe that was a bad comparison :p

edit: and how much longer will edge be around?

[iphones4evry1]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/13/apple-ordered-4-million-new-iphones-for-q2-2009/)
"These iPhones might be a combination of 3 new models"


Sounds like a rumor. I don't know why Apple would be ordering new production phones this early. And I absolutely don't see Apple producing several different models. It's not Apple's style to produce several different versions.

And ESPECIALLY with the competition (Palm Pre, etc) developing new phones, I think Apple wants to wait as long as possible to "borrow" any ideas from the competition before it commits to a new production version.

[stockcerts]

My 3G Iphone will be about one year old when the new ones come out. Being an IPhone junkie, I may break down and buy the new one upon release. I guess that just starts the two year commitment over to AT&T.

How many of you plan on getting the new phone?

[aarcarr]

Sounds like a rumor. I don't know why Apple would be ordering new production phones this early. And I absolutely don't see Apple producing several different models. It's not Apple's style to produce several different versions.

And ESPECIALLY with the competition (Palm Pre, etc) developing new phones, I think Apple wants to wait as long as possible to "borrow" any ideas from the competition before it commits to a new production version.

How so?
They have different versions of everything.

[ipoppy]

Would a camera behind the screen work? Wouldn't it take a picture of whatever is on the screen too? I know there is a patents on tiny lenses or sensors between the pixels, but is the technology there yet?

As you know Apple products are about elegancy. They won't put front camera anywhere because they have to. "They will do it from behind":D...of screen of course, which means they will do everything to keep beautifulness of iPhone all the time.
That patent was theirs so they up to something like this anyway. I am sure there will be video conference included this time and it will be done properly, with Apple standards.

[ppnkg]

I just hope we're not going to see another instalment of apples new 'cripple product-make huge profit' strategy (as in latest imacs etc.). Let's wait and see.

[idannyb]

“According to its insider news, Apple has already ordered 4 million units of new iPhones and expected to receive the shipment by end of this quarter. These iPhones might be a combination of 3 new models, with one only supports EDGE wireless data connection, another one for 3G wireless data connection and one model made for China market (for China’s TD-SCDMA network?). There will not be iPhone Nano and the new iPhone 2009 will be similar to the current iPhone 3G, according to the report.”

An unlocked EDGE only iPhone makes perfect sense … Think BRIC countries where lower incomes and pre-paid (not "on contract") wireless accounts are the norm. A low cost iPhone will be very appealing in Brazil, Russia, India and China.

China Mobile runs a very robust EDGE 2.5 G network across China (290 million of China Mobile's 461 million subscribers are pre-paid). Many wireless users have reported a very good EDGE connection in China. I wouldn’t dismiss the Nano iPhone. It’s possible that the unlocked EDGE iPhone will be the Nano iPhone. It is also very possible that the Nano form factor was a design experiment that will remain under “lock-in-key” somewhere in the vaults in Cupertino. Mobile gaming (wildly popular in China) is really becoming a major focus for Apple and carriers since the App Store has taken off and a full screen is important to the gaming experience.

As for the special “for China” iPhone … It will NOT support TD-SCDMA (China Mobile’s 3G network). Rather it will be W-CDMA 3G (China Unicom’s network). All signs point to Apple and China Unicom having concluded (past tense) a “3G” exclusive. The special iPhone 3G for China will likely come pre-loaded with several “for China” apps (e.g. Youku vs. Youtube) and may not have WiFi. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) currently prohibits 3G handsets from including WiFi (although this policy is now under review). More here > http://idannyb.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/china’s-ban-on-wifi-enabled-handsets-needs-to-be-lifted/

[QCassidy352]

I really doubt they'll go back to an EDGE-only iphone after naming the 2008 model the iphone 3G. I'm not saying it wouldn't make a certain amount of sense, but it would just *look* regressive.

[ipoppy]

I really doubt they'll go back to an EDGE-only iphone after naming the 2008 model the iphone 3G. I'm not saying it wouldn't make a certain amount of sense, but it would just *look* regressive.

Agree. Think about it; they have relased new iPhone and is the same as original one (in terms of EDGE). Would you buy one even you are from china or somewhere like that? No, because you are already aware of 3G capability and you say "screw you apple":mad:

[sjo]

doesn't make any sense. egde only parts are going to be only marginally cheaper than 3g nowadays. td-scdma technology isn't mature yet, there's hardly any models from the major manufacturers, the technology risk is huge.

further china and india are largely similar markets, in india apple managed to sell only few tens of thousands of iphones. that's nowhere nearly enough to justify a model using completely different technology. even if apple sold 10x that amount in china it still wouldn't be viable business proposition.

c'mon apple doesn't even make a cdma/evdo version of iphone, and those technologies are mature and widely used!

[Eso]

This article is 100% bogus. Need I say more?

[DELLsFan]

... As for the special “for China” iPhone … It will NOT support TD-SCDMA (China Mobile’s 3G network). Rather it will be W-CDMA 3G (China Unicom’s network). All signs point to Apple and China Unicom having concluded (past tense) a “3G” exclusive. The special iPhone 3G for China will likely come pre-loaded with several “for China” apps (e.g. Youku vs. Youtube) and may not have WiFi. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) currently prohibits 3G handsets from including WiFi (although this policy is now under review). More here > http://idannyb.wordpress.com/2009/04/12/china’s-ban-on-wifi-enabled-handsets-needs-to-be-lifted/

Yeah - I predict the iPhone manufactured for Communist China use will definitely be more restrictive and operate different than its Western counterparts. For one, Wi-Fi will likely be disabled and choice of apps far more limited and monitored than those available in the US. I'm sure Apple hates concessions like these - all the way to the bank. :)

[michael.lauden]

sounds like Apple is getting ready for a blowout

[jayducharme]

how much longer will edge be around?

Hasn't AT&T begun phasing out EDGE in certain markets? Why would Apple release a phone for a technology that's being discontinued (at least in parts of the US)?

[sam10685]

What if 4,000,001 people want an iphone?

[milani]

sounds like Apple is getting ready for a blowout

Which would put them right on track for the 2010 iPhone hardware refresh.

[iMacoo7]

It all sounds good, but I do agree with most of the comments on using an edge network only.
I have complained about the edge only problem within my area before I ever had an iPhone.
I do think it is unfair to pay for a service that is more than 1 1/2 hours from where a person lives.
However , I do welcome a new version of the iPhone , I used to upgrade cellphones every 6 months, but since the iphone its been yearly.

[kornyboy]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

It looks like Apple is following the iPod model by putting out a new ihone every year. I wonder if they will be increasing storage capacity on the iPhone with the next release.

[MacFly123]

A cheaper edge only version makes more sense than a smaller nano. How much smaller could they make it and still have it keep its usability?

If they do bring the EDGEphone back, its got to be cheap. Not only that, but if they can make it as thin as an iPod touch, I think it'll be a hit.

You people don't understand!!! PRICE of the phone has never really been a problem, it is as cheap as an iPod for crying out loud! The PROBLEM is the PRICE of the data plan!!! THAT is what people can't afford! Making the phone cheaper and still having a phone bill around $100+ every month is NOT going to push further adoption PERIOD! :rolleyes:

I know AT&T and Apple have been working on changes to plans, which goes to show that they understand this, especially among less wealthy demographics in an economy like this!

[jqc]

You people don't understand!!! PRICE of the phone has never really been a problem, it is as cheap as an iPod for crying out loud! The PROBLEM is the PRICE of the data plan!!! THAT is what people can't afford! Making the phone cheaper and still having a phone bill around $100+ every month is NOT going to push further adoption PERIOD! :rolleyes:

I know AT&T and Apple have been working on changes to plans, which goes to show that they understand this, especially among less wealthy demographics in an economy like this!

My point EXACTLY.

AT&T/Apple, you want to add more subs? come out with different and cheaper plans.

[jons]

How much can the 3G chip actually cost compared to the edge chip? Or would it be one of those "arbitrary" limitations?

[Saladinos]

You people don't understand!!! PRICE of the phone has never really been a problem, it is as cheap as an iPod for crying out loud! The PROBLEM is the PRICE of the data plan!!! THAT is what people can't afford! Making the phone cheaper and still having a phone bill around $100+ every month is NOT going to push further adoption PERIOD! :rolleyes:

I know AT&T and Apple have been working on changes to plans, which goes to show that they understand this, especially among less wealthy demographics in an economy like this!

The plan includes the price of the phone. Hence cheaper phone = cheaper plan :)

[coma]

If they do bring the EDGEphone back, its got to be cheap. Not only that, but if they can make it as thin as an iPod touch, I think it'll be a hit.

:apple: and "cheap" don't mix... :D

[GregA]

Who claims 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps? if its AT&T then Im really disappointed because in countless speed tests in Manhattan, i never got above 350kps or so.

Are you saying 350 kiloBYTES per second? Or kiloBITS? 350KBps is 2.8Mbps...

my phone can only be set to 3G or Both which is annoying because I have spotty 3g areas and unless I'm browsing the internet I only want Edge coverage because it's so consistent and I get full bars all over Melbourne and beyond.

So unless the 3G can be setup to be an edge only phone,

Yes, the iPhone has an option for 3G - On or Off. Turn off 3G, you're on Edge only. I often switch my wife to this as she works in a borderline Optus 3G area and usually has wifi from home or office anyway. The firmware upgrade did help significantly, but still occasional problems.

PRICE of the phone has never really been a problem, it is as cheap as an iPod for crying out loud! The PROBLEM is the PRICE of the data plan!!!

The 16GB iPhone costs $699 outright, which is more than an iPod. The phone is cheaper because the contract pays off the phone.

In Australia we're very lucky. Having 3 competitors selling the iPhone led to Optus making VERY good deals. Converted to US dollars, my wife got the 16GB iPhone for US$80, on a US$50/mth plan. For that she gets roughly 300mins of calls and 500MB data. My father got a Telstra plan - paid about US$800 for the phone and contracted to $50/mth (for less minutes and 150MB data)

[Alisstar]

Who claims 3.6Mbps or 7.2Mbps? if its AT&T then Im really disappointed because in countless speed tests in Manhattan, i never got above 350kps or so. As far as "one day it got faster" stories, i bought/returned the phone beginning of this month, so if the 350kps (and that’s MAX I got, I usually got in the low 200s) is the upgraded speed, again, disappointed. In terms of NYC being a congested area, that is a weak excuse, AT&T should have more towers/infrastructure in their biggest markets so this doesn’t happen! In the end, it doesn’t matter whos fault it is. My point is, having the option to purchase an EDGE phone with the corresponding lower EDGE data pricing would be appealing to many people who get spotty/no 3G coverage, myself included.

Yeah the 3G signal in NYC is very weak at best. I went to NYC back in January and I had low 3G signal and my GPS was pretty much useless. It would place me all over map. For example, it would put me in the middle of Central Park when I was actually closer to 34th and Broadway. This after waiting a few minutes to try to get a lock on the GPS signal.

AT&T definitely needs to upgrade their signal there.

[eastercat]

What I want (and I know I don't necessarily speak for anyone else here) is an iPhone I can use on a CDMA network simply because I don't like GSM, and also because I don't like AT&T, either.
If you believe in jeebus, pray that the negotiations to renew exclusivity (you know AT&T is going to try) die between Apple and AT&T. Also, you might want to pray that talks between Apple and Verizon don't fall apart--like they did before.

[Inside Man]

iPhone release date is June 9th. I'm doubting the 3types named. It will 80% be more likely to be 8gb, 16gb, 32gb

[Inside Man]

Wirelessly posted (iPhone: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 2_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/525.18.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.1 Mobile/5H11 Safari/525.20)

It looks like Apple is following the iPod model by putting out a new ihone every year. I wonder if they will be increasing storage capacity on the iPhone with the next release.
32gb will be out don't you worry

[MacFly123]

The 16GB iPhone costs $699 outright, which is more than an iPod. The phone is cheaper because the contract pays off the phone.

The plan includes the price of the phone. Hence cheaper phone = cheaper plan :)

I understand, but when people are talking about a cheaper phone, they are almost always not referring to it that way. They are simply referring to the hardware. Most people don't even understand how much a phone really costs and how subsidizing works with contracts etc.

[mikeinternet]

how would anything being mass produced on this level not got leaked?

[jamesryanbell]

This article is 100% bogus. Need I say more?


Yeah. Fill us in on "why". :)

[Eso]

Yeah. Fill us in on "why". :)

Ok, here we go.

Article Link: Apple Ordered 4 Million New iPhones for Q2 2009? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/04/13/apple-ordered-4-million-new-iphones-for-q2-2009/)

The article ends in a question mark. Seriously.

Per Slashphone's summary:China Times
"These iPhones might be a combination of 3 new models..."

It Might be, huh? In that case it just might be only 2 models. Or it just might be a tablet. Or 3. It is clear they have no idea what the actual order is - if there is an order at all.


Per Slashphone's summary:China Times
"...with one only supports EDGE wireless data connection, another one for 3G wireless data connection..."

When will people learn that EDGE/3G ≠ data plan. An EDGE-only phone doesn't mean a cheaper data plan, it just means slower connection and worse voice quality than 3G. The only non-3G phones AT&T sell were initially released almost 2 years ago. There is just no point in releasing a non-3G phone anymore.

Per Slashphone's summary:China Times
"..and one model made for China market (for China’s TD-SCDMA network?)."

What happens in China, stays in China. Oh and look, another guess.

Per Slashphone's summary:China Times
"There will not be iPhone Nano and the new iPhone 2009 will be similar to the current iPhone 3G, according to the report."

If they don't even know what the order is, how do they know it's not an iPhone Nano or even the new 2009 model? It will be similar to the iPhone 3G - you don't say! I was expecting a flip iPhone with a slide out QWERTY keyboard *rolls eyes*.

This article says nothing of substance and any points of speculation are stupid ones at that. It should have a disclaimer like you see in the movies, "Based on a True Story", which is probably that Apple has 4 million iPhones ready for the upcoming China launch, simple as that.

[timp123]

Ok, here we go.



The article ends in a question mark. Seriously.





The question marks are just from the interpretation of it, the original article/s don't have any, and state everything in a matter of fact way.

[DELLsFan]

If you believe in jeebus, pray that the negotiations to renew exclusivity (you know AT&T is going to try) die between Apple and AT&T. Also, you might want to pray that talks between Apple and Verizon don't fall apart--like they did before.

You know, I was initially very sour about the exclusivity AT&T enjoys with the iPhone. However, as I wander about to and from the places I routinely travel the most, I notice stronger signals and fewer dropped calls on AT&T's network vs. Verizon. I was a Verizon customer for years, but I had made my mind up that I wanted the iPhone long ago and was NOT going to pay the goofball termination fees to get one. So finally ... this year - out with the old - in with the new!

I remember reading somewhere that CDMA is a tired, aged technology and that GSM was better anyway. So far, my experience with GSM supports this premise, but if CDMA is petering out, what's next for Sprint and Verizon? And will it be viable compared to GSM?

All this said, I hate exclusivity contracts. They stifle competition, and therefore, innovation it seems to me. It's just bad for consumers if there is only one bully on the block. I hold no great love for any of the wireless carriers considering their abhorrent SMS texting pricing, for example, but I hope when AT&T's 5 years are up, someone will come around and really compete to get Apple's business.

[Aqueus]

lets hope they have a decent amount of stock.. for outside the US too.. whip those slaves more, work harder or we cut your pay!

[thisrocks]

Yes, the iPhone has an option for 3G - On or Off. Turn off 3G, you're on Edge only. I often switch my wife to this as she works in a borderline Optus 3G area and usually has wifi from home or office anyway. The firmware upgrade did help significantly, but still occasional problems.

Thanks Greg! I live in Melbourne (now clear c/o profile edit) just outside of 3G coverage, and down my train line there are often patchy spots so I need to wait for it to go from 3G..to nothing...to Edge..then BAM back to 3g, and if I'm browsing it can be a nightmare because I get owned for roaming data (so I always just set it to 3G only, even for a second of browsing) That's all pretty useless information but I'm glad to have it vented, that's for sure.

Bring on the new iPhone I say!!

[MikeTheC]

The GSM-based phones I've used or owned had issues with subsampling and other audio quality problems that I've never had with CDMA phones. Also, you can't get anywhere near most speakers or other audio gear without that gawd-awful squelch. In fact, you can hear that "chatter" sound in news broadcasts from GSM and Nextel phones, simply due to interference.

However, I doubt Steve listens all that closely to the Almighty when it comes to technology decisions. ;)

[ikramerica]

The GSM-based phones I've used or owned had issues with subsampling and other audio quality problems that I've never had with CDMA phones. Also, you can't get anywhere near most speakers or other audio gear without that gawd-awful squelch. In fact, you can hear that "chatter" sound in news broadcasts from GSM and Nextel phones, simply due to interference.

However, I doubt Steve listens all that closely to the Almighty when it comes to technology decisions. ;)

My Sony CDMA phone does the same thing. So did my roommates Sony CDMA phone. It's not the technology as much as the interference put out by certain components/models.