Apple Starts Field Testing Next Generation iPhone (3,1)

[dagamer34]

No offense but where do some of you come from?

Verizon? No thank you.
Smaller screen? What? Bigger, or the same. This thing already suffers from too small a screen for what it does. How do you expect anyone over 40 to use one? Not that I expect 14 year olds to think about that, but still.
Removable battery? No thank you. Unnecessary headache. Charge your phone.

How about some improvements, instead of ideas that would ruin the iPhone:
PA Semi/Apple designed chip clocking over 1GHz.
1 GB RAM
802.11N
32/64 gb standard storage at $199/299.
5 MP camera w/ better lens (if they can't do it, then no biggie)
640x480 resolution on a 3.5 x 2.5" screen.

HD video output via mini display port.** This one is a wish, and I label it as such, so that people understand that its completely unreasonable (as long as this thing called TV exists)

1) Competition between AT&T and Verizon means cheaper prices for you
2) 1GB RAM - RAM in computers is made up of several chips, not one. There isn't space for that much.
3) 802.11n - probably not for the speed, but just so that you can connect to a 802.11n only network.
4) Capacity has doubled for the last 4 years, we'll see if it keeps up again.
5) Megapixels != quality. More megapixels = more noise if the sensor size isn't increased.
6) They'd probably keep the same aspect ratio as previous iPhones and iPod Touches, so it would probably be 720x480 (DVD resolution). It would be interested to see if Apple was forward thinking enough to make the new iTunes extras scalable enough that they would work with a higher resolution screen.
7) Any video output would be through the 30-pin dock connector, and probably only when it is attached to a dock (similar to the Zune HD)

 

[lazyrighteye]

Yeah yeah -bigger this, faster that...

I'm a big fan of connecting my iPhone to a TV/projector for movie viewing. Nifty. But why stop there? Give me the same capabilities used during Apple's keynotes: where anything seen/heard on the iPhone is also seen/heard on an external monitor. Games/apps, web, Mail, Camera - anything.
And while I'd be happy with a 30-pin option, wireless is preferred (for gaming, especially).

 

[cvaldes]

I call BS. Sounds far-fetched.

Apparently, you know nothing about hardware engineering.

For a device such as a smartphone, it is logical that field testing would commence around this timeframe given an expected June launch.

Apple engineering would need time to test, rework and retest prototype hardware before submitting the device for FCC approval and then ramping up manufacturing.

Based on previous rumors of new hardware identification tags being seen in the wild, plus the fact that Apple had to announce the original iPhone about six months before delivery date, this is a very plausible story.

This also matches the hardware testing schedule of many other technology companies. Most other companies pre-announce or give sneak previews into the upcoming hardware. Apple usually does not, so one is forced to guess at what they are up to. Still, the time is completely in line with what one would expect for a hardware development and release cycle.

 

[Ammo]

Honestly...some of the venom over Verizon is amazing.

Why do some people NOT want the iPhone on Verizon? Makes no sense to me.

For crying out loud...consumer choice is a good thing.

 

[dasein]

Why use an immature and probably costly 4G chipset that might only be useful for a few months, in a handful of cities, before its time for the next generation of the iPhone (2011) to be released.

Think like a consumer. Would you purchase a new smart phone sometime in 2010 on a 2 year contract knowing full well that both carriers within 1 year will be rolling out their LTE systems? This will be particularly true in larger metro areas that will come into service first. If you wait until the system in built out even half way, you risk losing new smart phone purchases. That's why you're really rolling this new system out. The old handles voice comm fine.

 

[ski1ski1]

Think like a consumer. Would you purchase a new smart phone sometime in 2010 on a 2 year contract knowing full well that both carriers within 1 year will be rolling out their LTE systems? This will be particularly true in larger metro areas that will come into service first. If you wait until the system in built out even half way, you risk losing new smart phone purchases. That's why you're really rolling this new system out. The old handles voice comm fine.

Think like a business. This is all the more reason for Apple to wait until 2011 before supporting 4G, if the iPhone remains exclusive to AT&T. What a better reason for customers to want upgrade again in 2011. So they can have a phone that supports 4G. Think back on the iPhone history. The first one didn't support 3G, and 3G was way more widespread at that time then 4G will be in the first year or two. Then when the iPhone 3G came out, many people wanted to upgrade. There is no risk to losing smart phone purchases. Why support a technology that won't even begin to arrive until 2011 (if the iPhone remains exclusive to AT&T). What a perfect reason to upsell your customers the new 2011 iPhone with the highlight feature of supporting 4G. Most people who buy an iPhone in 2010 (on AT&T) will not see 4G until 2011 best case scenario (and that will be very limited), and probably on average not until 2013. Way past the 2 year life cycle of an iPhone bought in 2010.

But this is all if the iPhone remains exclusive to AT&T. If the iPhone moves to Verizon next year, then I can see the possibility of the next iPhone supporting 4G (in addition to supporting EVDO) since they are at least 1 year ahead of AT&T in the 4G rollout.

 

[Caralvarez24]

Please come to verizon.. PLEASE

THIS!!!!!!

 

[jav6454]

THIS!!!!!!

It ain't happennening people. Carry on.

Your old 1st Gen didn't have GPS, which I doubt would ever work through an Aluminum back..

It would have worked fine. Remember the plastic cover on the 1st Gen, that's where the antenna for GPRS, EDGE and GSM radio was under. The GPS chip could easily fit there.

 

[Ddyracer]

My guess would be the same hardware in a smaller 2.8inch screen size. Dont really think they`ll upgrade the processor anytime soon.

lol! smaller screen? I DON'T THINK SO! hardware upgrades? YES!

 

[onoble]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this yet: wireless synching!

It doesn't even have to be bluetooth, just the ability to sync with your computer through your wifi would be amazing. I really don't understand why they don't have this yet ... they do it with time machine.

 

[jav6454]

I can't believe no one has mentioned this yet: wireless synching!

It doesn't even have to be bluetooth, just the ability to sync with your computer through your wifi would be amazing. I really don't understand why they don't have this yet ... they do it with time machine.

Illogical. There is a benefit, but the huge con is battery usage while not being plugged. So, not the greatest thing if you plan to charge your phone.

 

[skellener]

Next gen iPhone? Not until June 2010. Let's see...my guess is:

- faster chip
- sharper screen
- possibly a 64GB version
- better camera

I think the next gen iPhone will have more to do with new software than radically new hardware. Faster speeds, yes. But really, how many more radios can they realistically put in the iPhone at this point? Apple will most likely implement new features from faster processing power. I think one obvious one will be the facial recognition feature from iPhoto. The instant/easy WiFi network connection feature talked about earlier this year will most likely be new to the iPhone (that removes the need for a router). I think that maps will also play a large part now that Apple owns a map company. Also expect to see more MobileMe features to try and get you to pay for the $99 per year service.

I'm not really sure we'll see the iPhone on the non-GSM carriers. If Apple becomes non-exclusive with AT&T the only other choice is T-Mobile. They haven't exactly been slamming the iPhone like Verizon has. I don't think we'll see it on other carriers until 4G. It'll be AT&T and T-Mobile until then.

People keep saying they want iChat. If they mean two way video, I think that will have to wait until 4G as well. The carriers seem to have a hard time delivering video content right now in one direction. I think more bandwidth is needed for two way for millions of people to actually use. As far as iChat for typing/texting, check out Beejive on the app store. Probably the closest thing to iChat you are going to find for the iPhone.

 

[ImNoSuperMan]

You think Apple will update the iPhone 3GS by putting in significantly smaller display? One that make usability more difficult without having to rewrite programs. Don’t mention vectoring or resolution because that is a moot point when all your buttons and your keyboard are smaller and harder to use.

I think it’s safe to say that the 3.5” display was well thought out as the ideal display size for a mobile well before Apple ever announced the first iPhone.

I was talking about this specific model only. Didnt imply that it`ll replace the current 3GS. About time Apple had more than 1 iPhone model available.

why get a smaller screen? thats irrational.

lol! smaller screen? I DON'T THINK SO! hardware upgrades? YES!

2.8 has been in the rumors for quite a while. So there`s a good chance it could be that smaller model only.

 

[butterfly0fdoom]

Kind of tired of people saying the iPhone would be crippled on Verizon's network. That isn't happening with recent phones (see: new Blackberries and the Droid).

Note the "recent". As in "After the iPhone was released". Guess what? Bad reputations are harder to get rid of.

 

[SpinThis!]

Based on previous rumors of new hardware identification tags being seen in the wild, plus the fact that Apple had to announce the original iPhone about six months before delivery date, this is a very plausible story.

You do realize hardware identification tags can be spoofed? Apple creates the tags—they can use anything they want, even a previous generation tag to test a new device. Or it could be anyone just messing around. Those stats are hardly reliable sources.

But I generally agree with the rest of your post. Apple probably has been testing new hardware prototypes "in the wild" long before the 3GS even starting shipping. Really nothing new to see here. This is really just Apple's hype machine at work. Apple certainly knows how to get the rumor community talking about new products.

 

[kdarling]

Keep trying again. HSPA+ (which is the standard AT&T will use a bridge) is what is going to be software updated.

The only relationship that HSPA+ has to LTE, is that it can optionally use an all-IP backend.

That does not remove the need to add new radios for LTE.

All AT&t needs to really do is do the essential Cell tower tweaking as you say which is new 700MHz Block A (or B) radio waves and software upgrading the units to allow LTE to HSPA+ systems.

You are right, LTE is not GSM based, it's UMTS based, which AT&T is currently rolling out, hence when LTE comes around software update to LTE.

No, LTE is NOT just a software update for ATT.

• UMTS (aka 3G) is currently based on WCDMA radios.
• LTE requires totally different OFDMA radios.

Yet Verizon displays areas covered by Rev 0 as 3G speeds, blatant lie that is.

You are mistaken. They haven't even had any Rev 0 areas for over two years.

 

[vngannxx]

Here we go again

 

[freddiecable]

agree with you! they really need to and should release alternative screen size WITH the same resolution so that the apps will still function.

some people ridicule an iphone nano simply because they cant understand that some people has got smaller fingers than themselves. and there are some of us that dont need a texas size tablet to bang their forehead against but rather use our small sized fingers (sorry for being harsh)

I was talking about this specific model only. Didnt imply that it`ll replace the current 3GS. About time Apple had more than 1 iPhone model available.



2.8 has been in the rumors for quite a while. So there`s a good chance it could be that smaller model only.

 

[ski1ski1]

2.8 has been in the rumors for quite a while. So there`s a good chance it could be that smaller model only.

The same 2.8 rumor (and I believe from the same source) was also around for the iPhone 3GS. And we all know how that rumor proved to be wrong. A 2.8 only iPhone is highly doubtful.

 

[cvaldes]

You do realize hardware identification tags can be spoofed? Apple creates the tags—they can use anything they want, even a previous generation tag to test a new device. Or it could be anyone just messing around. Those stats are hardly reliable sources.

Of course I realize that someone could be playing a trick on the rest of the world.

However, I'm using Occam's razor. The easiest explanation is that there is a new device in the wild. There are people walking through Apple's hallways all the time holding devices draped in black cloth.

 

[heisetax]

Size does matter

For me:

-Phone redesign
-Slightly larger screen
-iChat
-Better camera
-Flash (camera)
-Cheaper/free docking station
-3GS as standard

Probably some more, but none I can think of!

I'd like to see a much larger screen as I am unable to see more than 1 ine in a spreadsheet when in landscape mode. I don't need to see the 129 lines I see in Excel, but a few more than 1 would really help. A hardware keyboard would help, but we know that will never happen from Apple.

 

[Rot'nApple]

Also this is a concept for the new iPhone I found on another thread:

As long as Apple keeps the same "candybar" design as was used for the iPhone, 3G, 3Gs, 4th phone... that image can also be applied to the following description: "this is a concept for the new iPhone I found on another thread"... for the fifth phone, six phone, seventh phone eighth phone... you get the point. Unless Apple adds a button to the front, changes screen size, adds a noticeable sensor, changes color scheme, makes a clamshell case etc... who would know the difference between the image of this model and a prior version?

 

[Maserati7200]

Yeah, since I read the rumor, I suddenly want to buy iBart too. It doesn't matter that the Bay area is 6,301 miles from where I live.

Hahaha

I'd like to turn all services on and make it through a 9am to 11pm day. I hope it's time for OLED.

I have to say a resounding no for OLED. Sure, it has its advantages and whatnot, but the disadvantages are not worth it. OLED's have a very short life, and different colors die at different times and such. Just no. Lets just stick with LED backlit LCD's until something better comes.

I hope the next iPhone brings:
[...]
iLife for iPhone
iWork for iPhone
[...]

iWork for the iPhone makes sense. About iLife, don't we already have it? I mean we could trim clips, edit photos in the photo app. Garageband? That would be too processor intensive for such a small device, and even if it wasn't, it would be hard to get much work done with multiple tracks on that small screen. I think it's obvious why iDVD wouldn't work. And iWeb? Well, I guess it would be nice, but I never use it.

Apparently, you know nothing about hardware engineering.

For a device such as a smartphone, it is logical that field testing would commence around this timeframe given an expected June launch.

Apple engineering would need time to test, rework and retest prototype hardware before submitting the device for FCC approval and then ramping up manufacturing.

Based on previous rumors of new hardware identification tags being seen in the wild, plus the fact that Apple had to announce the original iPhone about six months before delivery date, this is a very plausible story.

This also matches the hardware testing schedule of many other technology companies. Most other companies pre-announce or give sneak previews into the upcoming hardware. Apple usually does not, so one is forced to guess at what they are up to. Still, the time is completely in line with what one would expect for a hardware development and release cycle.

I think he was being sarcastic...

 

[JoshBoy]

* Better battery life/energy consumption
* Redial button (I mean... come on. I can't believe that's missing.)
* Limited third-party multi-tasking. (I understand and agree with the benefits of limiting MT to built-in functionality, but there's no reason not to have some kind of "white list" preference setting where you can list apps that are allowed to run in the background.)
* Allow javascript bookmarks in Safari (you can hack them in but I don't see why Safari blocks that.)

try tapping the call button again, it has had redial from firmware 1.0 dude.

 

[richd5481]

I was trying to do some research on who may have the "edge" on the upcoming 4G network release in 2010-2012 and came upon a similar thing. This article points out many of the holes in the Verizon vs. AT&T debate: http://theappleblog.com/2009/07/20/it-must-be-nice-to-be-verizon/

I have alway's been an AT&T (then Cingular, then AT&T again) wireless user, and had very spotty service until the 3G network rolled out last year in my area. Now, I have had excellent service. I have a Verizon phone for work (a blackberry 8830) and I can tell you that I have done benchmark tests comparing the load time of websites and AT&T wins hands down every time.

The only problem that I have right now is that I bought a home with concrete walls, and neither network works well. Verizon and AT&T have "FemtoCell" options, but Verizon's seems to be a better deal since it is a one time fee vs. AT&T's monthly service charge...

However, back to my original point: AT&T and the rest of the world is on GSM already and has been. Verizon will have to abandon CDMA when it rolls out it's 4G network. So, yeah, Verizon will begin rolling out it's 4G network a year before AT&T and TMobile, but AT&T's transition will be a whole lot smoother. In 2011, I can't wait to see the updated "There's a Map for That" showing AT&T's superior 4G network.

But if you are in an area that has both AT&T and Verizon, why would you go with Verizon today? 3G data on CDMA networks is by definition slower than 3G on GSM networks.

i agree the data is slower with Verizon, plus you cant talk and send email at the same time like you can with AT&T. Now Verizon is just starting to enable wifi on the phones which AT&T allowed from some time.

First Verizon attacks AT&T because of the map, AT&T + Apple counter attack with being able to use voice + data at same time, and now Verizon is going after Sprint, saying they have the slowest network.

The kicker is Verizon is now charging $350 for early termination, they did this because too many people are abandoning ship to go elsewhere.