3G iPhone in May, Another Device at WWDC?

[MacRumors]

In April, SwitchToaMac.com published 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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[parafish13]

Sounds fun to me!

[al3000]

would make sense..

[syavno]

Can't wait!!

[iphonesarecool]

I hope it does come in May

[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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by sminman

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by StealthRider

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

So you see things as possibly heading down this road?