3G iPhone Already Ordered By Apple?

[Apple Ink]

why do you guys alway mention 3G as present in Asia? Do you know what 3G even is? I don't

CDMA? UMTS? HSDPA? what?

There isn't even a certain version of CDMA, Asia has a different CDMA variant than Europe. Let alone UMTS.

The division is in the following ways:
GSM (2G)
HSDPA

UMTS (3G)
HSCSD
UMTS Breedband
TD-CDMA
wCDMA

UMTS Rev 8.932 (Pre 4G)
HSOPA

CDMA2000 (3GPP2/3G)

 

[Orelhas]

3G - Definite
3.5G / 4G - Impossible
GPS - Extremely Likely
32 GB - Likely
OLED - Not Likely

I think we will also see some of the following in the 3G iPhone:
MMS
Copy and Paste
Voice Command / Voice Dial
Thinner Design
Gartner pulled the comment that Apple ordered 10 million 3G iPhones. They have come out saying that the quote was taken out of context.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207000174&subSection=News

Anyway what do you think? Any other information that you need?

TheYankees1903

Thanks for the reply! I have some doubts though. Either Apple is able to maintain the current battery life with a bigger battery or the next phone will have less battery life, because even with power friendly 3G chips they consume more battery than 2G (i don't think it's possible to make the iphone thinner either way). The only way to get it thinner is changing the screen to OLED (which I would like, but not expecting it). And even then they could keep it as it is and extend the battery life! Remember that most phones here in Europe allow you to switch batteries and the iphone doesn't! So battery life would be a must (at leat here in Europe). About GPS or 32GB I don't really care but would certainly be a bonus!
About the apps you mentioned I take it for granted because MMS is already possible in a jailbroken iphone, copy paste is a must and voice dial is on virtually every phone now (but think how many times have you used it and the phone didn't mess up! i'd say few!). Java is a must, pdf, word, excel, and other office readers and writers are also important, but all of this only requires a software upgrade!

My only fear is the 3G will have less battery life than the current one. That would be really bad!
About the apps: with a jailbroken iphone the sky is the limit because the potential for this device is really something amasing! The use that profesionals can give it in different areas is extraordinary!

Waitting till June... Hoping it woun't take that long...

Edited: it's on CNN and Dow Jones this news: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200803280536DOWJONESDJONLINE000436_FORTUNE5.htm

I guess June starts to look really the deadline! Expectations are so high that even if it wasn't the plan they will have to launch it soon!

 

[rdrr]

Correction...

I just came back from the Apple Store in Salem NH. They have 0 iPhones. The salesperson was shocked at that because they have a hard time keeping 16 GB in stock but always have 8 GB in stock.

Well it looks like inventory is low or non existent in Salem NH, because of a bad Apple Store employee! The nerve of some people stealing 332 iPhones!

http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2008/03/27/apple-store-employees-charged-in-evaporation-of-332-iphones

 

[benmrii]

Agree, and look forward to, most of what you said. One point, though:

It is important to note that Apple will want to make this iPhone look different from the first generation EDGE iPhone's due to the fact that they will want consumer's to be able to easily distinguish one model from the other.

Aside from the phone being thinner and the remote (and relatively unimportant) chance of changing the location of the camera lens, there is no rationale behind doing this. Adding 3G to the iPhone is basically a speed bump in a ground baking product. A huge speed bump, to be sure, but a speed bump... not a new product. You don't change the form factor for a speed bump. In fact that would be a poor marketing strategy.

 

[G58]

Totally agree. That would be like every other manufacturer on the planet that never manages to get [or let] their design departments create decent designs.

Look at the mess that is RIM's Blackberry range. Three models, a superficial similarity between the top two models and a different approach altogether for the bottom end one.

This is an example of marketing lead design, informed by focus groups, headed by clueless managers and overly influenced by accountants.

The only reason to alter the iPhone form factor significantly will be to make a 'we've improved it' statement, based on a demonstrable technical leap, and create new interest.

There is one other: When they get around to making the iPhone Pro. Not sure I can wait that long though.

Agree, and look forward to, most of what you said. One point, though:

Aside from the phone being thinner and the remote (and relatively unimportant) chance of changing the location of the camera lens, there is no rationale behind doing this. Adding 3G to the iPhone is basically a speed bump in a ground baking product. A huge speed bump, to be sure, but a speed bump... not a new product. You don't change the form factor for a speed bump. In fact that would be a poor marketing strategy.

 

[AlphaBob]

Regarding some of the theories...

If I recall correctly the bulk of the thickness of the current display is the optical quality glass, which will still be there no matter what display is used. Shifting to OLED will save little in terms of thickness (but gain some power advantage at the expense of life, cost and risk).

The problem with GPS is power consumption. It may be a better strategy to use a bluetooth GPS accessory. The iPhone maps application is brilliant because it works indoors, unlike GPS, making it ideal for use in big cities (maybe the bulk of the target users live/work in big cities).

I don't see the thickness of the iPhone as a barrier. Frankly if they figured out how to make it thinner, I'd rather see them keep it the same and increase battery life (which might make GPS or IM applications more practical).

But I would bet by the end of June the version 2.0 iPhone (to go along with the 2.0 firmware) will see GPS, 3G, 32GB -- no front camera, not thinner, no OLED -- but same battery life.

 

[sleepingworker]

...There is one other: When they get around to making the iPhone Pro.

I have heard other's on this thread mention an iPhone Pro. Where did this rumor come from? What are people's (who have mentioned it) expectations of what it will include and how it will differ from an iPhone? And why would a phone have a "Pro" version? Thank you in advance to anyone who posts with their thoughts.

 

[G58]

I'm guessing you're either 12 years old or an American, so I'm going to repy accordingly.

I used two examples. But my experience of Macs goes back to 1985. My experience of life goes back even further.

When you can demonstrate to me how to retro-equip an iPhone2 with 3G, and prove that you're out of diapers, I'll happily take your typically impatient, immature advice.

How did you conclude that first generation macs are ALWAYS improved more than the benefit lost not being an early adapter upon just from your comparison of two completely different models? Some users need the technology when they need it not when apple wants to give it to them and besides the second the next iPhone comes out, there will be lists of fixes for the next model. Just buy it when YOU need it.

iPhone is a smartphone, and even a little computer in your pocket, but if you want to do much more than casual browsing, it's limited.

I believe there's a market for a more serious, better equipped model. But until Apple release such a thing, it's pure myth

I have heard other's on this thread mention an iPhone Pro. Where did this rumor come from? What are people's (who have mentioned it) expectations of what it will include and how it will differ from an iPhone? And why would a phone have a "Pro" version? Thank you in advance to anyone who posts with their thoughts.

 

[NewMacGirl]

Apparently the Sydney Apple store is opening in Late May, sounds perfect timing also for launch of 3G Iphone.


This site has the info
http://www.ifoapplestore.com/db/2008/02/23/sydney-store-opening-in-april/

One of the comments to a story on the opening is

The idea that the Sydney Apple store will open in early April is laughable. Recruitment for Genius positions is still ongoing, with contracts only being offered within the last fortnight (now being mid March). Successful applicants will be flown to Cupertino for weeks of training followed by several more weeks of soak-in experience at other Apple stores somewhere in the US. Then, and only then, will they return to finalise prep and fitout of the Sydney store. I expect the Sydney store to open in late May, at the earliest. If the 3G iPhone is released in the same time frame, expect Apple to hold the opening so that both can occur simultaneously.

 

[sleepingworker]

iPhone is a smartphone, and even a little computer in your pocket, but if you want to do much more than casual browsing, it's limited.

I believe there's a market for a more serious, better equipped model. But until Apple release such a thing, it's pure myth

I completely agree. The iP is Apple's smallest computer with a phone attached ... and it's still in the first gen stage of it's existence. I believe the iP will improve it's functions, battery life, and cpu yearly as it continues to develop and compete with similar devices - but I'm still not getting the iPhone Pro idea? The Pro lines of MACS are for people who are running serious apps. PS, Maya or Pro Tools on the iP? Camera that takes RAW photos?

 

[G58]

Okay, I'll concede that the 'Pro' suffix is something of a businessman's wet dream! - but not only this businessman's. I also agree with your serious apps comment. 'Pro' does have high end marketing kudos though.

Unfortunately someone is already marketing a Skype phone with that name. So, Apple will have to come up with a new name... maybe.

But the main point, as you say, is that there is definitely a lot of scope for improvement in the iPhone range.

The place we need to look for clues is the iPod timeline. iPhone is after all the new iPod - in every sense.

I completely agree. The iP is Apple's smallest computer with a phone attached ... and it's still in the first gen stage of it's existence. I believe the iP will improve it's functions, battery life, and cpu yearly as it continues to develop and compete with similar devices - but I'm still not getting the iPhone Pro idea? The Pro lines of MACS are for people who are running serious apps. PS, Maya or Pro Tools on the iP? Camera that takes RAW photos?

 

[sleepingworker]

Okay, I'll concede that the 'Pro' suffix is something of a businessman's wet dream! - but not only this businessman's. I also agree with your serious apps comment. 'Pro' does have high end marketing kudos though.

Unfortunately someone is already marketing a Skype phone with that name. So, Apple will have to come up with a new name... maybe.

But the main point, as you say, is that there is definitely a lot of scope for improvement in the iPhone range.

The place we need to look for clues is the iPod timeline. iPhone is after all the new iPod - in every sense.

Yea, were both waiting for the iP/iPT to jump to the next level. I hope we're both blown away come June. I would love to use Skype or any other form of VOIP on the iP and hope it will be possible by the time I buy.

 

[G58]

So true. Knowing Apple, we'll be gratified with some of our wishes! and be left waiting for the others in our next phone

Considering where Jobs and Wozniak got started in this game, it's quite ironic how anti piracy Apple are. But then it all makes perfect commercial sense.

Skype would be great for international calls. In fact, that one does make sense. It's unlikely many people make international calls on their mobiles, but with Skype on board, many more would, meaning Apple would actually sell more phones.

Dear Mr Jobs...

Yea, were both waiting for the iP/iPT to jump to the next level. I hope we're both blown away come June. I would love to use Skype or any other form of VOIP on the iP and hope it will be possible by the time I buy.

 

[sleepingworker]

So true. Knowing Apple, we'll be gratified with some of our wishes! and be left waiting for the others in our next phone

Considering where Jobs and Wozniak got started in this game, it's quite ironic how anti piracy Apple are. But then it all makes perfect commercial sense.

Skype would be great for international calls. In fact, that one does make sense. It's unlikely many people make international calls on their mobiles, but with Skype on board, many more would, meaning Apple would actually sell more phones.

Dear Mr Jobs...

LOL! As for Jobs's business practices (especially in the early days), you're quite right - besides the "vision thing" it was also "business" as usual.

 

[therootuser]

The iPhone has been dissected a million times and analyst iSuppli has been crystal clear about this - The iPhone does NOT have a 3G chip

Wrong. The iPhone's baseband chip (Infineon S-Gold2) is a 3G capable chip - the 3G feature is simply disabled in the firmware. The transceiver is also not 3G-capable, so even if you hacked the firmware, you wouldn't be able to make 3G connections with the iPhone. You could probably add a new transceiver if you had the hardware skills and patching skills to make everything work, but it wouldn't be worth it, and it's also likely that it wouldn't fit back into the case. geohot actually has a 3G iPhone using a BlackJack II - of course, this setup doesn't fit back in the case. Of course, the system itself does not support making 3G connections - but he can make them using minicom. (Of course, that's useless.)

Bottom line: Wait for the second iPhone if you want 3G, because I don't think anyone with the skills to put a new transceiver into the current iPhone, would do it. (That would also cost a lot.)

 

[iomatic]

Maybe a 3G iPhone in the Netherlands next saturday.
This would certainly drive some people nuts!

IF Apple ramped up the production a week ago it's possible, isn't it?

I hope you folks in BeNeLux get it, but honestly:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands
GDP (PPP) 2006 estimate
- Total 670,929 Billion (16th)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States
- Total $13.794 trillion[4] (1st)

I'm not sure they're going to start with you guys. It'll be a combination of $, regulation, coverage, and market willingness.

 

[AlphaBob]

Maybe a 3G iPhone in the Netherlands next saturday.
This would certainly drive some people nuts!

IF Apple ramped up the production a week ago it's possible, isn't it?

Personally, I can't think of a nicer country to start with. I think that would give you some bragging rights, and 3G makes total sense.

Good luck.

 

[G58]

Canals, windmills, daffodils, dykes and getting spliffed up!

Hhmmmmm

Personally, I can't think of a nicer country to start with. I think that would give you some bragging rights, and 3G makes total sense.

Good luck.

 

[cheekybobcat]

I can see it now, "The 3G iPhone; a fabled device that spawned in the Netherlands!"