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Apple to Launch Next-Generation iPhone in Late August, Offer Unsubsidized 3GS for $350?
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I currently have a touch-screen but non-smart phone because I will not pay for what to me is an unnecessary, expensive data plan just for kicks. I recently tried to upgrade to an Android phone from my provider, but they refused to give it to me without tacking on the data plan, even though I accepted the two-year contract extension.
Of course, what I really want is an iPhone. But its just too expensive to buy one off-contract (without the data plan). If Apple sold a 3GS at $350 I might just go for it. The lack of a data plan is not a problem for me with wi-fi and the added Mac compatibility I don't get with any other phone.
I don't think the 'name' of the next iPhone will be 'iPhone 4s'. I think the 3Gs was just named that to reset the numbering:
1st iphone - iPhone 1
iPhone 3G - iPhone 2
iPhone 3Gs - iPhone 3
iPhone 4 - iPhone 4
iPhone 5 - iPhone 5
...
If I had to guess, I think apple's plan was to keep the similar design as iPhone 4 for the next one but the antenna-gate changed the road map. Also was to keep the June/July timeline. iPhone 5 will be an updated design, that is why it is late.
1st iphone - iPhone 1
iPhone 3G - iPhone 2
iPhone 3Gs - iPhone 3
iPhone 4 - iPhone 4
iPhone 5 - iPhone 5
...
If I had to guess, I think apple's plan was to keep the similar design as iPhone 4 for the next one but the antenna-gate changed the road map. Also was to keep the June/July timeline. iPhone 5 will be an updated design, that is why it is late.
Anyone who doesn't think the new iPhone won't be something substantial has to be nuts. That or SJ is going nuts.
Seriously, it's been 15 months since the last update. We've seen the iPhone 4 design be unveiled 4 times at this point (1st when it was leaked, next when it was really released, then for the CDMA version, and finally for white.) I don't want to see them release it a 5th time and throw an S onto the end of the name.
There has to be something really big they're planning... I can't imagine what though... maybe if the entire front was glass? The home button gets replaced with gestures while the mic and camera are somehow embedded behind the glass? Dynamic buttons on the edges or back of the phone? Doubles as your credit/debit/driver's license cards? Retina scanner to replace passwords? IDK, I can think of a whole mixed bag of interesting things they could do... I can't imagine any real "wow" features though... I guess they wouldn't really "wow" me if I could think of them in advance.
Seriously, it's been 15 months since the last update. We've seen the iPhone 4 design be unveiled 4 times at this point (1st when it was leaked, next when it was really released, then for the CDMA version, and finally for white.) I don't want to see them release it a 5th time and throw an S onto the end of the name.
There has to be something really big they're planning... I can't imagine what though... maybe if the entire front was glass? The home button gets replaced with gestures while the mic and camera are somehow embedded behind the glass? Dynamic buttons on the edges or back of the phone? Doubles as your credit/debit/driver's license cards? Retina scanner to replace passwords? IDK, I can think of a whole mixed bag of interesting things they could do... I can't imagine any real "wow" features though... I guess they wouldn't really "wow" me if I could think of them in advance.
I'd have thought there would be some sort of antenna redesign in the next iPhone, even if it is called the iPhone 4S. Can't imagine they'd want to continue using that flawed design.
There was rumours of them moving the antennas around the band not that long ago though, so maybe the same design but the antenna breaks moved around.
There was rumours of them moving the antennas around the band not that long ago though, so maybe the same design but the antenna breaks moved around.
These iPhone rumors are getting crazy. It seems odd for Apple to throw out its usually yearly update to the iPhone if all they were going to do is upgrade the internals, especially when the A5 and other parts are already available (unless of course the rumor about the A5 overheating was true).
The extra time would have allowed Apple the time to redesign the phone, but that may take until 2012.
iPhone 5, iPhone 4s / iPad HD, iPad Pro, iPad 3 rumors...this is getting nuts.
The extra time would have allowed Apple the time to redesign the phone, but that may take until 2012.
iPhone 5, iPhone 4s / iPad HD, iPad Pro, iPad 3 rumors...this is getting nuts.
Apple aren't obliged to offer software upgrades to anyone - as long as the product you buy continues to work, which it would/will.
It's not that long ago that phones didn't get software upgrades full stop, let alone annually for free! So I doubt too many people would actually be bothered.
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So a price drop of $50 for the iPhone 3GS would make more people buy an iPhone? I don't think so.
If they make the iPhone 3GS a $0 iPhone with contract, then they'll see great sales. Or if they make a cheaper pre-paid iPhone, then that will sell like hot cakes. Or sell the iPhone 3GS for $100 no contract.
Also, can we drop the iPhone 4S label? I think the WSJ post is most credible, and they explain why people are having difficulty predicting the next iPhone.
Btw, after the recent iPad 2 case manufacturers went to jail after leaking the case, I don't think many people will attempt the same.
I'm not buying it, and it's from my "incredibly credible source".
If they make the iPhone 3GS a $0 iPhone with contract, then they'll see great sales. Or if they make a cheaper pre-paid iPhone, then that will sell like hot cakes. Or sell the iPhone 3GS for $100 no contract.
Also, can we drop the iPhone 4S label? I think the WSJ post is most credible, and they explain why people are having difficulty predicting the next iPhone.
Btw, after the recent iPad 2 case manufacturers went to jail after leaking the case, I don't think many people will attempt the same.
I'm not buying it, and it's from my "incredibly credible source".
This is a real issue. If apple wants to keep it's reputation as supporting it's customers (for a reasonable phone lifetime- Essentially the life of contract), it will need to support at least one add'l major iteration of software beyond purchase date.
In other words, if you can still buy a 3GS in 6 months when iOS 5.X.Y is out, I highly doubt that apple wouldn't support iOS6 on the handset. With a totally different chip architecture, not even used on new ipod touches these days (Is there still a cheapo without and A4?), I think this is unlikely. I also highly doubt that apple wants to continue to support lower 640 X 480 resolutions into iOS6.
My guess? The cheapo phone might look like a 3GS (or might just be a slightly crippled iPhone4). I would guess it will have a spec bump to an A4 chip, more memory, and a retina display. I would also guess no FF-Camera and a mediocre rear facing camera.
As component costs come down, this is realistic to do. Especially if it expands to a whole new world of consumers previously untouched- The ones firmly expecting a phone for free w/ contract. I'd be shocked if they couldn't eek out 40+% margins on these things...
I bit the bullet and got the Verizon iPhone 4 yesterday (for $150 at Sam's Club). Got too tired of waiting for a rumor while suffering with my 3GS on T-Mobile on Edge internet, no visual voicemail (huge one for me because I get a lot of business calls), and not being able to upgrade past the buggy iOS 4.0.
I am sort of glad I won't miss out too much if the next upgrade is just incremental, though I will probably want a true redesigned iPhone 5 when it comes out, but I will figure out what to do then.
I am sort of glad I won't miss out too much if the next upgrade is just incremental, though I will probably want a true redesigned iPhone 5 when it comes out, but I will figure out what to do then.
I think news sites are sore they haven't gotten a gizmodo like leak of this one, so all rumors are fair game.
My wife got a Verizon iphone last week. There was a part on the Verizon instructions in bold: 'Due to the software on this phone, it can NEVER be unlocked for use on another carrier." Um...if it's software, it can be changed you lying sacks of excrement. This "we're not going to unlock at the end of your term" is almost childish imho.
edit: Oops. I replied to the wrong message.
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There will be no iPhone 4S.
Apple for marketing reasons called the seconded generation iPhone the iPhone 3G because the first one didn't have it and Apple wanted to make a big thing the fact that the new phone had 3g.
Apple then had to come up with a different name for the third generation iPhone because the iPhone 3 would have been confusing, so they stuck an S on the end and said it stands for speed.
The forth generation is the iPhone 4 and the fifth generation will be the iphone 5. Apple likes to keep it simple unlike others i.e. Nokia 6303i classic.
Apple for marketing reasons called the seconded generation iPhone the iPhone 3G because the first one didn't have it and Apple wanted to make a big thing the fact that the new phone had 3g.
Apple then had to come up with a different name for the third generation iPhone because the iPhone 3 would have been confusing, so they stuck an S on the end and said it stands for speed.
The forth generation is the iPhone 4 and the fifth generation will be the iphone 5. Apple likes to keep it simple unlike others i.e. Nokia 6303i classic.
Who cares if they make a low res iPhone. The 3Gs provides a very good user experience at a far lower price.
On the other hand, I agree that low-res Apps need to die.
Consider the source
C'mon, its Boy Genius Report. We all know Apple does not "leak" things without purpose... and you mean to tell me that BGR has a source in the Apple dev house? People that leak stuff from Apple are either 1) always looking over their shoulder for Ninja Steve, or 2) never heard from again.
It is fun to speculate though...
C'mon, its Boy Genius Report. We all know Apple does not "leak" things without purpose... and you mean to tell me that BGR has a source in the Apple dev house? People that leak stuff from Apple are either 1) always looking over their shoulder for Ninja Steve, or 2) never heard from again.
It is fun to speculate though...
I have a friend with an iPhone 3GS. He loves it. He's seen my iP4 and others. He understands it is better but would take a $50 or FREE iPhone 3GS over a iP4 or iP5 (whatever it is).
The 3GS works for him. He'd buy it again now .especially after he just dropped and shattered the screen he is trying to figure out what to do since there is no "replacement" and thus cheaper 3GS out at the moment.
The 3GS works for him. He'd buy it again now .especially after he just dropped and shattered the screen he is trying to figure out what to do since there is no "replacement" and thus cheaper 3GS out at the moment.
An iPhone 4S feels quite likely to me - keep the case design and upgrade the internals, and possibly stretch the screen a smidge, then drop the price of the 4 to be the entry level contract phone.
I can certainly see why they would want a cheaper unsubsidised handset as in Europe, pay as you go phones are much more popular and Android handsets are selling very nicely. Balanced against that they have a need to not cheapen the iPhone brand too much and for that reason I don't see them keeping the 3GS on sale for a third year. Apple's products just don't hang around that long. I'd expect a new case design that's similar to a 4/4S even if it has a similar spec to the 3GS, so non-retina screen and the single core processor.
I can certainly see why they would want a cheaper unsubsidised handset as in Europe, pay as you go phones are much more popular and Android handsets are selling very nicely. Balanced against that they have a need to not cheapen the iPhone brand too much and for that reason I don't see them keeping the 3GS on sale for a third year. Apple's products just don't hang around that long. I'd expect a new case design that's similar to a 4/4S even if it has a similar spec to the 3GS, so non-retina screen and the single core processor.