3G iPhone Pricing to Remain at $399, $499? Launch At WWDC?

[zync]

I'm interested to see if they up the per-month charge. As of right now, the per-month charge is FAR cheaper than any other ATT data package offering (and pretty much any other provider, except for helio, i suppose). I assume this is because it's not 3G? Or is ATT keeping the others higher as part of a deal with apple?

I don't know if this has been said before or not, but seeing this in every iPhone thread over and over irks me.

The data package that you need to get with the iPhone is the same, and costs the same, as for any other phone be it 2G, 3G, or eventually 4G. Data is data and it costs the same no matter how quickly you get it. You're paying for bandwidth, not speed.

When I bought my 3G Samsung Sync they asked me if I wanted to add it, and I said that I would when I get my iPhone. And they said, ok. I'm not personally attacking you, I'm just throwing it out there for those who spout false information without even checking. It does say on AT&Ts site that it's $35, but in-store, when you get a phone, it's $20.

 

[Zyren]

ATT does not charge extra for phones that use 3g vs EDGE. They only charge for phones that are considered smartphones and ones that are considered PDA phones. I am pretty sure they consider the iphone a smartphone so it should still be the same pricing of $60/month for the service.

 

[LoganT]

First of all,

You are nuts to think the price would actually drop! That is CRAZY! Even though the price on flash memory has dropped, prices will either stay or most likely rise, even with a RECESSION! Second, any iPhone will never be slimmer than the iPod Touch, since phone capabilities are almost impossible to get that thin, and be expected to function as flawlessly as Apple demands, no chance on either of these matters, SORRY!

Oh, and AT&T will likely raise data connection prices for 3G, because running EDGE versus 3G bandwidths is quite a bit more expensive!

Actually AT&T usually charges the same for 3G as they do for EDGE.

 

[LoganT]

Just a heads up. Don't be set-off if you don't have 3G in your area yet. It's backwards compatible with EDGE. So if you don't have 3G it just switches to EDGE.

 

[winterspan]

man -
3G, 3.5G, 3.25G - all sound great ---- It would be truly wonderful to finally have the better "features" from old treo 700 on me IpHonE - mainly I'm thinking tether to laptop for those unconnected train rides...

Yes, it would be good to see tethering available, even if they added a $10 or so fee on top of the monthly.

taking your username into account here, i imagine that you are salivating about having surfline at your fingertips?????????????????????????? i feel ya, brah.

People actually surf on the EAST coast ? burrrrr... muy frío, derecho?

That's just a software tweak. I've played with some of the 3rd party apps that use the sensor and it is amazingly accurate and responsive. There is a marble maze game that uses just the sensor that almost feels real.

labyrinth!!! Best real-life AND iPod touch game! .. Also, anyone remember the 80's movie of the same name? DAVID BOWIE HAHAHAH!

They have to up the iPhone storage to 16GB/32GB at the current price points.

always does this with their iPod devices when there is an update. After this much time, if they do NOT double the storage space, they'll virtually guarantee that those who have been sitting on the fence (like myself) will NOT jump into the game now either. Also, there is no real incentive for current iPhone owners to "upgrade" to the new device if there is no memory difference. (Must current users likely won't feel the need to switch just for the other features--but their maxed-out storrage space is a good incentive).

With all the iClone devices out right now and coming out soot, has to be very aggressive if it wants to stay competitive in the niche that it invented. People need a good reason to switch to AT&T, and most of them don't even know what 3G means. You need to give people what they already know they want--more space!

Your opinions seem to be quite self-centric... I'm sure there are those who wish to have more space to treat their iPhone like a HDD iPod, but I'm sure a large part of the market is just fine with 16GB (or even 8GB)/

Then she mentioned that she can't wait for late this year when the iPhone Mini ... The 3g iPhone will not be the true iPhone 2 .. It will be an upgraded iPhone, yes, but primarily with regard to data transfer. At the moment, the battery life is still not long enough to enable 3g, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS to run together.... the iPhone mini, however, will be more of a 'toy'. By harnessing the newest battery and charging technology, Apple will be able to make a phone with all of the current iPhone tech, but at 2/3 the size of the iPhone.

About 8 weeks following the release of the Mini .... and there will be time for the WiMax network to have deployed in more areas throughout the USA and the world. WiMax is being pioneered by many large backers, and will be the newest and fastest standard for voice and data. Google, Microsoft, and many of the major CellCo's have been working on switching over and supporting the standard. Expected speeds are 2mbps-14mpbs wirelessly throughout the US and Europe. This will enable true Voice and Video over IP, allowing the iPhone to handle hi-definition voice and video transfer and communication. Apple is waiting for the infrastructure necessary to handle the data before it will release the hardware. There's no point in putting out a toy that no one can play with

Not sure about your "inside source", but you certainly have an unrivaled gift for tenuous speculation.

1) You really think a retail store employee is going to know ANY details of upcoming Iphone products??? I'd wager not even 5% of the employees at the Apple campus in Cupertino know!

2) Wifi, Bluetooth, and GPS are optional, secondary technologies that do not HAVE to be used if you wish to have better battery life. Similarly, a GPS chip ONLY has to run while in use for obtaining a position, and therefore doesn't not have a large impact on battery life unless you are using it as a car navigation device... in which case you would have the iPhone PLUGGIN IN to your car's DC outlet.

3) I'm sure Apple will wish to eventually have an array of iPhone type devices, but I really doubt an "iPhone Mini" would be just a shrink of the existing form factor. The screen already is just barely large enough to be useful
for web browsing, video, and most importantly navigating a touchscreen interface. If you were to shrink the iPhone screen by 1/3, It would be VERY difficult for any NORMAL-sized hands to use the QWERTY keyboard in portratit mode.

4) Wimax is a dim prospect at best. Sprint's financial problems are already delaying their rollout, and it's not clear that ANY major companies are going to come in and bail them out. As your claim that Wimax is the "fastest" next-gen technology is obviously wrong. Verizon and AT&T are planning on launching 700mhz HSOPA/LTE networks in the next 2 years which have data rates up to 100mbps/50mbps. Obviously peak speeds are just that, and the real-world average speeds will be nowhere near that limit, however, LTE/HSOPA will definitely be faster than mobile Wimax.

nice to know that, even Europeans want this gadget. Normally Europe is daddy to America, when it comes to science, cutting-edge technology, food, luxury, royalty, class & of course hot-couture.
SJ is doing good to America.

I'm the first one to criticize America's failing educational system, and the huge lack of skilled computer scientists, engineers, physicists, chemists, and other scientists coming out of American Universities, ESPECIALLY those getting through advanced degree programs. I think there will be MAJOR problems in the future of this country in that respect, and It doesn't look as if it's getting any better with the amount of outsourcing, offshoring, brain-drain, brain-importing, H1Bs, etc. However, at least for the next 10+ years, America will still most likely be numero uno for volume and quality of research and development, and production of advanced science and technology. Not the least of which has to do with spending ~400 Billion a year on defense and the military. argh...

sorry but i live smack dab in the middle of Los Angeles, on the TOP of a hill in the Hollywood Hills (west of Laurel Canyon) and some days at my house i only have 1 bar.
for some reason, the past couple of months, the most i get is 2 bars now.
ridiculous.

Hello old "neighbor", I used to live just on Beachwood... an earlier in Los Feliz.

 

[cheekybobcat]

Sorry for such a n00b question but I'm not very up to date with the iPhone

The 3G iPhone is just incorporating the 3G service, correct?
And if so, will the 3G iPhone require buying a new iPhone or will 3G be able to be used with existing iPhones?

 

[iMacZealot]

Sorry for such a n00b question but I'm not very up to date with the iPhone

The 3G iPhone is just incorporating the 3G service, correct?
And if so, will the 3G iPhone require buying a new iPhone or will 3G be able to be used with existing iPhones?

It's more than something that can be changed with a software update. A 3G phone uses special processors and chips, so, no.

 

[zync]

nice to know that, even Europeans want this gadget. Normally Europe is daddy to America, when it comes to science, cutting-edge technology, food, luxury, royalty, class & of course hot-couture.

SJ is doing good to America.

It's haute couture, and it doesn't mean hot culture. It's about fashion, and only fashion. The last time I checked, Apple, wasn't a high end clothing studio.

Other than that, I agree with your final point. Steve is doing a good job.

 

[whistler222]

Second, any iPhone will never be slimmer than the iPod Touch, since phone capabilities are almost impossible to get that thin,

Impossible ? have u seen the Moto Razor?

 

[zync]

ATT does not charge extra for phones that use 3g vs EDGE. They only charge for phones that are considered smartphones and ones that are considered PDA phones. I am pretty sure they consider the iphone a smartphone so it should still be the same pricing of $60/month for the service.

$60!? Where do you see that? It's $20.

 

[zync]

People actually surf on the EAST coast ? burrrrr... muy frío, derecho?

It's 21:09 an 82 degrees out here. I don't know where you get that all of the East Coast is cold. It's 18:09 in Malibu and 58. Waves are another story.

I'm the first one to criticize America's failing educational system, and the huge lack of skilled computer scientists, engineers, physicists, chemists, and other scientists coming out of American Universities, ESPECIALLY those getting through advanced degree programs. I think there will be MAJOR problems in the future of this country in that respect, and It doesn't look as if it's getting any better with the amount of outsourcing, offshoring, brain-drain, brain-importing, H1Bs, etc. However, at least for the next 10+ years, America will still most likely be numero uno for volume and quality of research and development, and production of advanced science and technology. Not the least of which has to do with spending ~400 Billion a year on defense and the military. argh...

Just throwing it out there that the military have brought us useful inventions. Their biggest is probably the beginning of the internet and it's infrastructure—not that I'm pro military spending though.

 

[extraextra]

Impossible ? have u seen the Moto Razor?

Have you seen the difference between the iPhone and the RAZR?

 

[smkmn13]

I don't know if this has been said before or not, but seeing this in every iPhone thread over and over irks me.

The data package that you need to get with the iPhone is the same, and costs the same, as for any other phone be it 2G, 3G, or eventually 4G. Data is data and it costs the same no matter how quickly you get it. You're paying for bandwidth, not speed.

When I bought my 3G Samsung Sync they asked me if I wanted to add it, and I said that I would when I get my iPhone. And they said, ok. I'm not personally attacking you, I'm just throwing it out there for those who spout false information without even checking. It does say on AT&Ts site that it's $35, but in-store, when you get a phone, it's $20.

Your 3G Samsung Sync isn't a smartphone, and ATT charges WAY more for (non-iPhone) smartphones for data. My guess is that they charge LESS for the iPhone data ($20 for unlimited as opposed to $35 for unlimited for other Smartphones) because the iPhone, unlike most smartphones offered by ATT, is strictly EDGE. Obviously the faster the phone, the more data you can get at, and the more they can charge for it. I think this is emphasized further by the fact that tMobile has the cheapest E-Mail plans around, and NO 3G.

Now, I understand that data is data, but it's clear that folks using the iPhone are accessing WAY more data than the average smartphone user because of the browser on the iPhone (I assume...). So, for the same reason that ATT chooses to charge way more for "tethered" plans (and limits data to 5GB), it seems to be a legit concern that they might choose to up the cost.

Not to be "personally attacking" you either, but it seems your pricing info isn't accurate, and that it makes sense to keep monthly costs as a part of the "total cost of the iPhone 2.0" discussion.

 

[zync]

Your 3G Samsung Sync isn't a smartphone, and ATT charges WAY more for (non-iPhone) smartphones for data. My guess is that they charge LESS for the iPhone data ($20 for unlimited as opposed to $35 for unlimited for other Smartphones) because the iPhone, unlike most smartphones offered by ATT, is strictly EDGE. Obviously the faster the phone, the more data you can get at, and the more they can charge for it. I think this is emphasized further by the fact that tMobile has the cheapest E-Mail plans around, and NO 3G.

Now, I understand that data is data, but it's clear that folks using the iPhone are accessing WAY more data than the average smartphone user because of the browser on the iPhone (I assume...). So, for the same reason that ATT chooses to charge way more for "tethered" plans (and limits data to 5GB), it seems to be a legit concern that they might choose to up the cost.

Not to be "personally attacking" you either, but it seems your pricing info isn't accurate, and that it makes sense to keep monthly costs as a part of the "total cost of the iPhone 2.0" discussion.

No, my phone isn't a smartphone, but that doesn't mean that I can't pull in the same amount of data. It makes no sense to charge more for the type of phone, when they both have the same connection.

By the way, with that logic the unlimited web service that my phone is supposed to get is $35 and the one for PDAs/Smartphones is $30. If the iPhone data plan is indeed cheaper, I'm sure it's because of some deal that Apple has with AT&T. As it is, that $30 data service for Smartphones, also applies to the older EDGE versions. There are at least 3 phones on their list that were only EDGE compatible.

That said, I was offered the $20 plan for my Sync, not the $35 plan it mentions on the site.

I think they'll keep the plan at $20 for the iPhone to keep it simple and keep parity with the old version. If they did, they'd have a lot of irate new iPhone buyers. As that's a point that might make people think twice about the phone, I see Apple getting AT&T to keep the same deal. I don't see them changing it, sorry.

 

[smkmn13]

No, my phone isn't a smartphone, but that doesn't mean that I can't pull in the same amount of data. It makes no sense to charge more for the type of phone, when they both have the same connection.

Not my rule...but it sure is ATT's. Check the website (or read below)...

By the way, with that logic the unlimited web service that my phone is supposed to get is $35 and the one for PDAs/Smartphones is $30. If the iPhone data plan is indeed cheaper, I'm sure it's because of some deal that Apple has with AT&T. As it is, that $30 data service for Smartphones, also applies to the older EDGE versions. There are at least 3 phones on their list that were only EDGE compatible.

That said, I was offered the $20 plan for my Sync, not the $35 plan it mentions on the site.

I think they'll keep the plan at $20 for the iPhone to keep it simple and keep parity with the old version. If they did, they'd have a lot of irate new iPhone buyers. As that's a point that might make people think twice about the phone, I see Apple getting AT&T to keep the same deal. I don't see them changing it, sorry.

Just to clarify...

ATT offers a $15 non-smartphone unlimited data plan. They also offer a $35 unlimited data plan for smartphones/Blackberrys. Neither of these include voice (but a voice plan is necessary...starting at $30ish, i think). Neither of these data plans includes messaging.

The iPhone plan includes "$40 worth of voice" - so to speak - as well as unlimited data / 200 messages (usually another $5). So, it seems to me, they're offering the iPhone AS IF it were a non-smartphone (by their rules), and Apple has cut a deal with ATT. I wouldn't be surprised if part of that deal was that data consumption would be limited by the fact that no 3G was available for the iPhone, and that deal might change in order to match the rest of the ATT smartphone data prices. Or, I suppose, I could see ATT cutting the price of the other data plans, in order to create some competition -- with the exception of 3G speed, there NO sense it getting anything but an iPhone with ATT right now, before the update.

 

[zync]

ATT offers a $15 non-smartphone unlimited data plan. They also offer a $35 unlimited data plan for smartphones/Blackberrys. Neither of these include voice (but a voice plan is necessary...starting at $30ish, i think). Neither of these data plans includes messaging.

The iPhone plan includes "$40 worth of voice" - so to speak - as well as unlimited data / 200 messages (usually another $5). So, it seems to me, they're offering the iPhone AS IF it were a non-smartphone (by their rules), and Apple has cut a deal with ATT. I wouldn't be surprised if part of that deal was that data consumption would be limited by the fact that no 3G was available for the iPhone, and that deal might change in order to match the rest of the ATT smartphone data prices. Or, I suppose, I could see ATT cutting the price of the other data plans, in order to create some competition -- with the exception of 3G speed, there NO sense it getting anything but an iPhone with ATT right now, before the update.

I didn't see the $15 plan before. I missed it, I thought it was only the media service and not web as well. That could be the case. I'm thinking that Apple will keep them in line for the 3G version. As I said, the PDA/Smartphone contracts are the same for EDGE/3G phones.

Just for clarification:
PDA/Smartphone unlimited data is $30.
The "$40 of voice" is because the iPhone plan is a data service on top of AT&Ts cheapest plan—$39.99. In fact, existing customers only need to add the data service to their existing plan—and renew the contract of course.

I could see the iPhone plan as being the non-smartphone plan plus 5.00 of messaging (which is where AT&T is closing the gap on the smartphone plan) that many iPhone users probably won't use as they have access to email. They're probably making a decent amount from unused messages. The only other strange thing about that is that additional messages on the iPhone plan are .05¢ and on the regular service is .10¢.

I'll give you that. You're probably right. It also makes sense why I could get the same iPhone plan on my Sync.

I still don't think that AT&T will raise the cost of data for the 3G iPhone though.

 

[17MBPC2D]

Anyone else here owns a Nokia N95 series and loving it more than the iPhone?

N95 trumps the current iPhone.

3G, WiFi, Real GPS, OMFG......Mobile Slingplayer! etc etc etc
I can take 5MP pictures and VGA Quality Video and it's automatically GeoTagged and automatically uploaded to YouTube, Flickr, etc.
Video conferencing while overseas.

What more can one ask for?!?!

Sony's XPERIA X1 and Nokia N96.......Ah, can't wait.

 

[JasonK]

Not so quick...

I bet they announce it, but I doubt it is released until the end of summer. I just want the new apps... I will try to take this in stride.
BTW-Does anyone know how large the 3g network is in the Seattle area? Just curious

 

[sleepingworker]

Nope. Apple has no intension of running an Adobe version of Flash. Flash on iPhone violates the EULA and introduces risk. Apple may consider themselves porting a mini flash that does not allow code execution, but I dough it.

If possible could you forward links of articles that support your definitive response. Everything I have read supports at least the possibility of a version of Flash in the upcoming months. Thank you in advance!

 

[zync]

I bet they announce it, but I doubt it is released until the end of summer. I just want the new apps... I will try to take this in stride.
BTW-Does anyone know how large the 3g network is in the Seattle area? Just curious

Check the AT&T site. I'm sure it's all over. I get it everywhere in and around Tampa.

I don't see them announcing it with longer than a week release date. I think they'll have it ready for WWDC attendees and everyone else on June 10th.

 

[sleepingworker]

BTW-Does anyone know how large the 3g network is in the Seattle area? Just curious

Excellent!

http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

 

[maxjg]

True that Apple rarely updates consumer products at WWDC, but keep in mind what this particular upgrade would mean to most consumers. They wouldn't have any idea what 3g even was, nonetheless why they'd want it. This is something that technically minded people(which obviously include, but granted, is not limited to the WWDC crowd) care about.

 

[havenhamilton]

am i the only one who thinks that all the people who are saying the 3G dataplan will cost more and they'll keep EDGE and make 3G more expensive, are all people who are bitter they bought an iphone and can't upgrade aka wishful thinking?

i also dont think they'll come out with a 32 gb model until they increase the ipod touch.

Does anyone know the speed comparison of att 3G and verizon EVDO?

 

[winterspan]

Anyone else here owns a Nokia N95 series and loving it more than the iPhone? N95 trumps the current iPhone.
What more can one ask for?!?! Sony's XPERIA X1 and Nokia N96.......Ah, can't wait.

The N95 is a good device, and it's nice that it has GPS and a better camera than the iPhone.
But does it "trump" the iPhone? ha. The iPhone has a MUCH better interface, multi-touch, capactive touch screen, and software platform. The onscreen keyboard is actually really good due to the advanced software and capacitive touchsceen. Besides the interface, the "killer app" of the Iphone is going to be the platform. With the release of the Xcode SDK and the new firmware, you can expect to see the platform explode in popularity.. It will really be the best possible software platform for both developer and user. Symbian will never come anywhere near mobile OSX, and it will be taken over in popularity for application developers and users alike.

The other companies continue to play the game wrong. They keep making newer, better hardware, and adding random features in desperate attempt to provide something like an iPhone. What they don't realize is that the hardware is a small part of the appeal of the iPhone.

Even the companies who think they "get it", like HTC with their Touch phone and "touch flow interface" or Sony with their "Xperia X1" (that you mentioned) that has an animated launcher laid over plain old windows mobile, just don't understand. They think they can take any half-decent phone hardware with a touchscreen, and bolt on a half-baked, flashy home-screen over the top of windows mobile or S60, and they'll have an "iPhone-killer". They just DO NOT GET IT. the iPhone will win because of the consistent, easy to use interface matched with the incredible software platform they have constructed underneath. Oh, and the integration with iTunes that so many are already used to.

It's 21:09 an 82 degrees out here. I don't know where you get that all of the East Coast is cold. It's 18:09 in Malibu and 58. Waves are another story.
Just throwing it out there that the military have brought us useful inventions. Their biggest is probably the beginning of the internet and it's infrastructure—not that I'm pro military spending though.

I totally agree. DARPA and the air-force research laboratory do some great things and have invented an unbelievable amount of technology besides just designing the best weapons for killing and maiming people. That type of basic R&D and badly needed in our country, That said, the amount of money spent
on totally useless pet projects and lining the pockets of the Iron triangle is pathetic, as is the amount spent on maintaining the "empire" and military bases all over the world. Now before anyone attacks me, I'm pro-military with many extended family members that have served, and I recognize the huge contribution they make to our lives and the great aide work they do. I'm also fervently anti-war in all but the most necessary situations. e.g. WWII, ending genocides, etc.
A war started by belligerent, manipulative, and downright evil charlatans that directly led to the outright implosion of a country and estimates of 500,000 people shot to death, beat to death, tortured, blown up, or ethnically cleansed, etc while spending over a trillion dollars, all under the guise of "freeing" the very same people is NOT my idea of responsible and justified military action.

I bet they announce it, but I doubt it is released until the end of summer. I just want the new apps... I will try to take this in stride.
BTW-Does anyone know how large the 3g network is in the Seattle area? Just curious

Excellent!
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/

@sleepingworker - You forgot to check the 3G box.. That coverage in the map you posted is ONLY GSM. The 3G is supposed to be in blue... hold up - Ill post a corrected one:

3G coverage of Seattle, WA, USA in Blue color

 

[winterspan]

am i the only one who thinks that all the people who are saying the 3G dataplan will cost more and they'll keep EDGE and make 3G more expensive, are all people who are bitter they bought an iphone and can't upgrade aka wishful thinking?

i also dont think they'll come out with a 32 gb model until they increase the ipod touch.

Does anyone know the speed comparison of att 3G and verizon EVDO?

AT&T's 3G base network is UMTS, and they also have HSDPA rolled out along with it. Their webpage does not say anything about HSUPA, but i believe they are planning on rolling it out in their existing 3G coverage area
sometime this year.

Current AT&T UMTS/HSDPA network:
384Kbps upload (150-250kbps real world)
3.6Mbps download (700-1500 kbps real world)

Future AT&T UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA network*
1.5Mbps upload (500-800 real world)
3.6Mbps download (700-1500kbps real world)

*It is not currently known whether iPhone 3G will support HSUPA when it is rolled out by AT&T.

Verizon's (3G) Network is EV-DO Rev. A, which is the CDMA equivalent of HSDPA/HSUPA.
1.8 Mbps upload (450-700kbps real world)
3.1 Mbps download (700-1500 kbps real world)​

Also, note that the real-world speed figures are from reviews of laptop cards.. 3G Cellphones usually see significantly less throughput, probably in the range of 60-70% of what a laptop card would get in the same conditions.