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Is an "iPhone Pro" coming?

m-dogg

m-dogg

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Mar 15, 2004
1,339
8
Connecticut
I can't help but feel that Apple will be announcing a new high-end iPhone model sometime soon...

While they added 3G & GPS, in many ways it feels like this model went down-market. Usually Apple keeps their price points about the same and adds lots of new features. In this case, they added the bare necessities, and cut the price.

I'm starting to think that the stage has been set for them to announce a new, higher end model with an aluminum back (similar to plastic macbook vs. aluminum macbook pro), better camera (maybe with video?), 32GB storage, front-side camera, etc...

Since the internal radio specs would still be 3G, I don't think they'd have to do any special FCC filing either...they may be able to just roll it out on the fly.

So what does everyone else think? Make sense? Or am I crazy? ;)
 
i dont think they will bring out a pro version.

They will def update the iPhone but not for 6-12 months because people that have just brought the new iPhone 3G wont want to change again.

It will happen but not for awhile.
 
I think we will see a 32Gb model in September or January, but don't think there would be anything else. Would be awesome if there was though!
 
metal was dropped due to signal strength on the radio signals (and there is a lot of them haha) not due to costing, so basically NO, That would just be the same model with more storage, which eventually would probably come out but wouldnt warrant being called an iphone pro.
 
speakerwizard said:
metal was dropped due to signal strength on the radio signals (and there is a lot of them haha) not due to costing, so basically NO, That would just be the same model with more storage, which eventually would probably come out but wouldnt warrant being called an iphone pro.
Click to expand...

I never really heard about issues with signal strength though...

I don't know if they would (or should) call it an iPhone Pro, but I think this just might be the way they introduce an "iPhone Nano" - This new model announced yesterday will essentially become the low end phone, and then they'll add a higher spec (and more expensive) model that slots in above.

I mean, the market has shown that there a lot of people willing to pay ~$500 for an iPhone...what did Steve say, 6 million that they've sold so far? Certainly, they'll sell significantly more at these lower price points, but a market does exist at the higher end.
 
m-dogg said:
I never really heard about issues with signal strength though...

I don't know if they would (or should) call it an iPhone Pro, but I think this just might be the way they introduce an "iPhone Nano" - This new model announced yesterday will essentially become the low end phone, and then they'll add a higher spec (and more expensive) model that slots in above.

I mean, the market has shown that there a lot of people willing to pay ~$500 for an iPhone...what did Steve say, 6 million that they've sold so far? Certainly, they'll sell significantly more at these lower price points, but a market does exist at the higher end.
Click to expand...

I agree. A better camera and 32Gb (to name only 2 features) have been missed out to be put on the next version. Wouldn't it be great Apple announce a new model on July 11th, or just say iPhone now available in 32Gb. Wishful thinking i guess though....
 
How much more pro do you need to get? Did you not see the half hour spent yapping about how they developed the 2.0 firmware with Fortune 500 companies? They'll probably add things like video later. I wouldn't be shocked to see the storage doubled on both versions late this year or early next year. It'll definitely happen within the next 12 months.

As for this front-side camera fascination, I don't see that happening. I see an external camera that uses the dock connector happening first. As much as some people love to dream, video conferencing on a phone is not exactly the next big thing (not to mention there's no video at all yet).

If anything, I see a smaller/less-featured iPhone for the market of people who don't want to fork out $20-30 for the data every month. Basically an iPod Touch that makes calls.
 
m-dogg said:
I can't help but feel that Apple will be announcing a new high-end iPhone model sometime soon...

While they added 3G & GPS, in many ways it feels like this model went down-market. Usually Apple keeps their price points about the same and adds lots of new features. In this case, they added the bare necessities, and cut the price.

I'm starting to think that the stage has been set for them to announce a new, higher end model with an aluminum back (similar to plastic macbook vs. aluminum macbook pro), better camera (maybe with video?), 32GB storage, front-side camera, etc...

Since the internal radio specs would still be 3G, I don't think they'd have to do any special FCC filing either...they may be able to just roll it out on the fly.

So what does everyone else think? Make sense? Or am I crazy? ;)
Click to expand...

Apple DID NOT cut the price of the iPhone one cent. ATT is just picking up part of the tab and only IF you are a new subscriber/additional account. If you bought an iPhone last year odds are you will not get the iPhone for $199/$299 according to this memo: http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

The memo has a special not for "upgrader" pricing. Typically cellcos require 18-24 mos. of use before they allow you to upgrade at a subsidized price. Nothing official yet, but upgrades could be paying substantially more if they want a 3G.

As for front camera... corporate would not appreciate this. In fact, they'd like the back camera removed. Many companies to not allow camera phones due to corporate espionage.

32GB will come in a few months, but right now it seems Apple feels it would undercut the Touch. I would love a 32GB iPhone and feels its needed with the App Store coming. I have a feeling a larger capacity Touch is coming in Sept and a 32GB iPhone will then follow.
 
Chupa Chupa said:
Apple DID NOT cut the price of the iPhone one cent. ATT is just picking up part of the tab and only IF you are a new subscriber/additional account. If you bought an iPhone last year odds are you will not get the iPhone for $199/$299 according to this memo: http://gizmodo.com/5014909/att-memo-to-retail-managers-shows-iphone-3g-policy

The memo has a special not for "upgrader" pricing. Typically cellcos require 18-24 mos. of use before they allow you to upgrade at a subsidized price. Nothing official yet, but upgrades could be paying substantially more if they want a 3G.
Click to expand...

No necessarily... I read this as saying.. If your a current 2G customer who pays thier bill on time.. you will become eligible for upgrade pricing.

"When the 3G device launches, all active postpaid customers in good standing with a 2G iPhone will be eligible to receive the qualified upgrade pricing for a 3G device regardless of service tenure. (Customers that would not otherwise be eligible due to tenure will be made eligible at launch)."
 
No pro. The iPhone will simply become to the phone market what the iPod is to the MP3 market. Everyone will pay a little bit more than usual to get something worth having.
 
There's definitely room for a Pro model (as there's room for a Classic, Nano, Shuffle iPods)

Better camera (with flash and zoom), ceramic back to make the signal strength even better, 32GB (that's coming in autumn anyway), cut and paste.

OK, OK the last one was a joke :)

Whether they'll release one or not is another thing. It's not beyond the realms. There's probably a market.
 
Does anyone find it interesting that Steve did not have the physical iPhone on stage with him and from what I read no one has gotten a first hand look at the new phone? Makes me think we might be in for a good surprise before the release. Wishful thinking but you never know.
 
i thought they had some on show for people to play with at wwdc?

i hope this is the case and they bring out iChat!
 
Nipz said:
i thought they had some on show for people to play with at wwdc?

i hope this is the case and they bring out iChat!
Click to expand...

maybe your right. I personally have not read one hands on review or seen any other pictures except of what apple has posted on their website.
 
surfer99 said:
maybe your right. I personally have not read one hands on review or seen any other pictures except of what apple has posted on their website.
Click to expand...

Here is at least one review…
From the BBC:
My play around with the device was shared with another half a dozen journalists and my try out certainly seemed to live up to the hype. It was quick to download and the page was easy to see and read.

It's hard to comment on the claims about battery life obviously because, surprise surprise, no one would let me take it home and test that out. However Apple state that there is 300 hours of standby time, five hours of 3G talk time, five to six hours of browsing, seven hours of video and 24 hours of audio power.
Click to expand...
etc…
 
Actual photos of the white iphone have been posted. Not sure if they got to hold it or try it though.
 
"See you this week"

To add to the speculation of this, why did jobs say that he will see us later in the week??? Is something fishy going on?? I should hope so!!
 
lol we have been waiting a year so one more month isnt going to hurt! (much)
 
a456 said:
No pro. The iPhone will simply become to the phone market what the iPod is to the MP3 market. Everyone will pay a little bit more than usual to get something worth having.
Click to expand...

sure, but the iPod has several products in its lineup. so does apple's desktop and laptop lineup. why wouldn't they offer multiple iPhone models?
 
emotion said:
There's definitely room for a Pro model (as there's room for a Classic, Nano, Shuffle iPods)

Better camera (with flash and zoom), ceramic back to make the signal strength even better, 32GB (that's coming in autumn anyway), cut and paste.

OK, OK the last one was a joke :)

Whether they'll release one or not is another thing. It's not beyond the realms. There's probably a market.
Click to expand...

Yup - That's what I was thinking...just that if they chose to add another iPhone model to their lineup, I think it would more likely slot in at the top end vs. the bottom end.
 
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