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Apple to Launch Next-Generation iPhone in Late August, Offer Unsubsidized 3GS for $350?
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If Apple are still selling an iPhone 3GS 8GB as new from their website and multiple third party outlets, I seriously doubt they're refurbished handsets. They can only get away with that sort of thing as replacements surely?
I'm still using an archaic 3G. Not 3GS, a regular 3G.
After iOS4 came out, it became literally unusable. Even after they put out that iOS 4.1 or whatever it was that was supposed to be a bandaid for the 3G users, it's still garbage. Camera takes 15 seconds to open, typing has massive delays, everything is like that. It's a *terrible* user experience at this point and I can't wait to throw it through a wall when the new iPhone comes out.
So that's the equivalent of the 3GS on iOS5, let alone any software updates beyond that. Plain and simple, a 3GS--for a whopping sum of $350--is going to be a *horrible* buy. If this rumor is true, they will be selling a THREE year old phone come next summer/fall towards the end of the cycle that people will be planning to use for probably a minimum one year if not two making it as old as *five* years old when people upgrade, that was designed to run on early-mid 2009 software and realistically maybe iOS4 and really nothing beyond that.
I do doubt the credibility of the rumor, however, because Apple doesn't support iOS products beyond two years really. You get the software that's current when the device is new, the following year's major update, and after that you're on your own.
I can't fathom buying a phone that's so far outdated (and in reality is just a bump on the 3G which is yet another year older) for such a high price. Going to be a LOT of angry people.
After iOS4 came out, it became literally unusable. Even after they put out that iOS 4.1 or whatever it was that was supposed to be a bandaid for the 3G users, it's still garbage. Camera takes 15 seconds to open, typing has massive delays, everything is like that. It's a *terrible* user experience at this point and I can't wait to throw it through a wall when the new iPhone comes out.
So that's the equivalent of the 3GS on iOS5, let alone any software updates beyond that. Plain and simple, a 3GS--for a whopping sum of $350--is going to be a *horrible* buy. If this rumor is true, they will be selling a THREE year old phone come next summer/fall towards the end of the cycle that people will be planning to use for probably a minimum one year if not two making it as old as *five* years old when people upgrade, that was designed to run on early-mid 2009 software and realistically maybe iOS4 and really nothing beyond that.
I do doubt the credibility of the rumor, however, because Apple doesn't support iOS products beyond two years really. You get the software that's current when the device is new, the following year's major update, and after that you're on your own.
I can't fathom buying a phone that's so far outdated (and in reality is just a bump on the 3G which is yet another year older) for such a high price. Going to be a LOT of angry people.
Iphone 3GS currently $425
I dont see why this is news. Who cares if the 3GS sells for $350, i currently work for at&t and the phone without contract is $425. With contract its $49, an its selling really well, i would even say we sell more 3GS somedays then the iPhone 4. I really think at&t will drop this phone to FREE on contract, once the "4s" or "5" is out. The 3GS for FREE on a 2 yr contract will sell like hot cakes.
I dont see why this is news. Who cares if the 3GS sells for $350, i currently work for at&t and the phone without contract is $425. With contract its $49, an its selling really well, i would even say we sell more 3GS somedays then the iPhone 4. I really think at&t will drop this phone to FREE on contract, once the "4s" or "5" is out. The 3GS for FREE on a 2 yr contract will sell like hot cakes.
1) 449 -> 399 is not a price 'slash'
2) 349/399 is not a low priced phone.
I'd be surprised if apple kept the 3GS on. Is it likely to support iOS 6? It'd be smarter (IMO) for them to update the internals but perhaps keep the 3GS externals to bring the price down (non retina display etc) but have innards that will take iOS 6. People will be pissed if they buy a new phone that won't even take one OS update
2) 349/399 is not a low priced phone.
I'd be surprised if apple kept the 3GS on. Is it likely to support iOS 6? It'd be smarter (IMO) for them to update the internals but perhaps keep the 3GS externals to bring the price down (non retina display etc) but have innards that will take iOS 6. People will be pissed if they buy a new phone that won't even take one OS update
You clearly don't have a 3G, do you?
I agree with the above poster in not buying outdated equipment. I mean, I love the phone, but IOS 4 on my 3G is really, really frustrating. I hate to say it, but I'm going to buy the latest and greatest just so I don't have to have that experience for as long as possible.
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There is no way after a 15 month delay that apple would only upgrade to an A5 processor and an 8 megapixel camera for a 4S. I believe that they will keep a similar design that will be thinner and perhaps put aluminum on the back, same screen size, A5 and 8 megapixel camera.
There is no way after a 15 month delay that apple would only upgrade to an A5 processor and an 8 megapixel camera for a 4S. I believe that they will keep a similar design that will be thinner and perhaps put aluminum on the back, same screen size, A5 and 8 megapixel camera.
but they will also keep selling the 3GS according to this article. one of them should be discontinued
Virgin Mobile is increasing prices this week, I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up getting an iPhone.
But the 3GS is going to have to be more like $250-$300 unsubsidized to sell well.
But the 3GS is going to have to be more like $250-$300 unsubsidized to sell well.
Which will be realized by exactly no one, because all software written in the iOS library is written to include legacy hardware -- that'll especially be true if the 3GS stays on the market for another product cycle as the "cheap" iPhone.
Who's going to write software that takes advantage of GPU / CPU improvements if it means losing out on a large part of the customer base?
Phones are not computers -- speed is merely a threshold issue (will it run or won't it run). So long as the bar is set low for the older hardware, having lots of speed will be meaningless.
So... wait. You pay Apple the full price for an unsubsudized phone, and the phone still comes carrier locked??
How does AT&T even factor in if you're buying the hardware full price directly from the manufacturer?It's really sad that Apple, an American company, offers its customers less choice and freedom here than it does in other countries. Looks like I'll keep buying my unlocked phones in HK.
Edit: Apple is selling unlocked, unsubsidized iPhone 4s on their US site:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC603LL/A?mco=MjI4NTM2NTM
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You clearly didn't read my first post, did you?
The point I was trying to make, but clearly missed, was that Apple are not obliged to offer software upgrades to their devices, outside of offering updates to fixes to bugs.
So if Apple were to continue selling the 3GS, with iOS4 or maybe even iOS5 then it would continue to operate perfectly fine, as purchased, after a year as Apple do not have to offer support to iOS6.
That said, I don't see it happening. Apple are likely to drop the price of the iPhone 4 to that similar to which they're selling the 3GS. In fact you can already get the iPhone 4 for cheaper than a 3GS in the UK on some networks.
Plus, why would Apple reserve the name iPhone 5 for a 'major physical re-design' only. That could potentially mean that the 6th generation handset would be named 'Five'. Not going to happen!
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So, if this is true, if you want a "new" iPhone, your choices will be:
- A two-year-old iPhone
- A one-year-old iPhone
- A slightly improved one-year-old iPhone
I don't believe it.
So, if this is true, if you want a "new" iPhone, your choices will be:
- A two-year-old iPhone
- A one-year-old iPhone
- A slightly improved one-year-old iPhone
I don't believe it.
If the iPad is any indication, you will see significant numbers of developers taking advantage of new hardware right out of the gate. Today, many games which are barely playable on the iPad 1 run silky smooth on the iPad2 while looking much better (less LOD, greater draw distances, etc). Some of these are already universal, giving A5 iPhone users immediate satisfaction.
On the application side, third party browsers and other intensive apps will be much more pleasant to use.
Not necessary - if the carrier lock software is on a non-flashable chip, then it can't be changed unless you remove and replace teh chip. So, except for someone with surface mount soldering skills and equipment, VZW's statement could be true.
More to their point, is that even if you could unlock it you couldn't use it on another US carrier; which is what most VZW subscribers would expect if VZW unlocked their phone.
I'm not sure about the 3GS part... makes little sense to still sell it, especially if the iPhone 4 will be the discounted model.
Apple needs to take this opportunity to phase out the pre-Retina phones and unify the overall base, not only for the Retina screens but also with A4, A5 architecture, etc.
Apple needs to take this opportunity to phase out the pre-Retina phones and unify the overall base, not only for the Retina screens but also with A4, A5 architecture, etc.
One, free with contract is a powerful incentive, especially for people who really just want to use it and don't care about the technical details. I wouldn't be surprised if a significant number of iPhones never have their software updated. Macrumors posters are not very representative of the broader user base.
LOL! I love it when people say "epic fail" on Apple. Heard it with every update of every product and yet they still sell like hot cakes.
I'm just curious as to why keep the 3Gs? They should just go iPhone4 and 4s. I'm guessing the 4s will be much more than just a processor update.
Epic Fail... funny!
It's more.
yes but even the general consumer will notice that the 3GS is obviously older than other phones, not just the iPhones.
Unless Apple has a stockpile of 3GS phones they need to liquidate it makes no sense to continue selling it.
Apple falling apart
I mean I can understand having a few different models, its the only way to compete well against this android beast. But I for one decided to upgrade my wife to the Samsung Infuse. Our upgrade came around, when I would normally get the latest Iphone with, but guess what, there wasn't one! Now my line comes due in Feb, and there still probably won't be a worthy upgrade to the IP4 by then from Apple. One thing I will admit, apple has me so deep into the Apple ecosystem with apple tv's, pioneer car radio's that only work with the iphone, and the list goes on, that I have to stay with them. But man, her Infuse phone is nice!! If it wasn't for that, I would be gone!
I mean I can understand having a few different models, its the only way to compete well against this android beast. But I for one decided to upgrade my wife to the Samsung Infuse. Our upgrade came around, when I would normally get the latest Iphone with, but guess what, there wasn't one! Now my line comes due in Feb, and there still probably won't be a worthy upgrade to the IP4 by then from Apple. One thing I will admit, apple has me so deep into the Apple ecosystem with apple tv's, pioneer car radio's that only work with the iphone, and the list goes on, that I have to stay with them. But man, her Infuse phone is nice!! If it wasn't for that, I would be gone!