Many people have no idea, nor a need for a smartphone. They buy iPhones because in some circles they're considered cool. A smaller phone would also help Apple keep their sales volume up in leiu the relatively soft launch of the Verizon phone.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Working on Cheaper, Smaller iPhone and MobileMe Overhaul
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If iPhone had a list of all messages brought together from facebook, sms and email accounts and made every email account work with push like it does on blackberry then I would consider paying a small fee.
At the moment I'd prefer they just made my iPhone 3G work like it used to, fast and without crashing. It seems everyone is bored and having issues with iPhones now, jailbreaking, installing android and downgrading to older versions of the software. I can't see their products appealing to techie people for much longer without some drastic improvements and changes.
At the moment I'd prefer they just made my iPhone 3G work like it used to, fast and without crashing. It seems everyone is bored and having issues with iPhones now, jailbreaking, installing android and downgrading to older versions of the software. I can't see their products appealing to techie people for much longer without some drastic improvements and changes.
Apple needs to do something with FaceTime + MobileMe. I really think communications of the future is not going to be with a phone number, at least with a phone number that has no privacy options. Do something like Google Voice and include FaceTime. I think Mark Zuckerberg is right about phone numbers -- they aren't going to be around for too much long (due to inability to block unwanted calls).
smaller device with bigger buttons
The first device will only run built-in apps and web apps, a year later they'll allow developers to ship apps for it.
Where have we heard that (very successful) story before?
In the case of the iPhone Mini (or whatever they call it, if it exists), this same schedule will give developer's months and months to rewrite their apps with resolution and screen-size independence. The buttons in the apps won't be smaller on the smaller display. In fact, for acceptance into the App store, app might be absolutely required to display much larger buttons when running on the Nano/Mini. There will just be less buttons possible on any tiny display.
That's how Palm's webOS seems to be doing it on the HP Veer. Almost fits in a wallet, except for the thickness. At the rate HP is going, Apple could take months to ship the final "nano" SDK, allow apps, and still beat HP to consumer volumes.
The first device will only run built-in apps and web apps, a year later they'll allow developers to ship apps for it.
Where have we heard that (very successful) story before?
In the case of the iPhone Mini (or whatever they call it, if it exists), this same schedule will give developer's months and months to rewrite their apps with resolution and screen-size independence. The buttons in the apps won't be smaller on the smaller display. In fact, for acceptance into the App store, app might be absolutely required to display much larger buttons when running on the Nano/Mini. There will just be less buttons possible on any tiny display.
That's how Palm's webOS seems to be doing it on the HP Veer. Almost fits in a wallet, except for the thickness. At the rate HP is going, Apple could take months to ship the final "nano" SDK, allow apps, and still beat HP to consumer volumes.
I was delighted when Apple invited me to test it, I just love it, and look how well it fits in my hand.
You are holding it wrong!!!
Hahahaha
Apple selling an iPhone for $200, with no subsidy?
They are making killer profits with a $700 iPhone that is the perfect size. There is nothing about this report that makes sense. That small iPhone would be cheaper then an iPod touch 8gb.
There is just nothing that holds up. There might be a prototype somewhere at Apple but I wouldn't expect it to cost less then $499 IF it ever makes it to market, something I doubt.
Apple selling an iPhone for $200, with no subsidy?
They are making killer profits with a $700 iPhone that is the perfect size. There is nothing about this report that makes sense. That small iPhone would be cheaper then an iPod touch 8gb.
There is just nothing that holds up. There might be a prototype somewhere at Apple but I wouldn't expect it to cost less then $499 IF it ever makes it to market, something I doubt.
No one asked for the new iPod Nano either, but here we are. A device so damn small, you can barely use it (if you haven't lost it already).I don't see an iPhone nano coming, I don't know who would want it (same with that new HP phone) but MobileMe for free? And better? Sounds good! It would be a good selling point for iPhones/iPads/iPods, if they make it more reliable. Can't wait to see what Apple comes up with next!!
Who thinks iPhone V sounds good? I do.
Apple seems to think smaller, while everyone else goes a bit bigger.
I know this is still speculation but if it did happen it would be the ideal phone for me. What i need is phone that is relatively cheap, pay as you go and with a good interface. This would offer all of that
I agree completely. I pay so much money for my iPhone... around $110 per month; it's a new Verizon contract (switched from AT&T), and I haven't received the first bill yet so not sure of an exact total.
I also have a "work" phone which is on Virgin Mobile. It costs me $27 per month. It has 300 anytime minutes and unlimited text, email, and Internet. It uses Sprint's 3G network, and it has NEVER dropped a call. I don't need a ton of minutes, and I think it's ridiculous to pay $20 per month for texting, $30 for data, when for $27 including taxes I got it all. In addition, I just upgraded it to the LG Optimus V. It's an Android 2.2 phone. For anyone that loves Android this is the way to go. It works.
Problem is, I love iOS so very much better. I pay for the iPhone out of my "personal" stuff just because I love iOS and want to use iOS away from work. However, the price is ridiculous considering... I would LOVE a mini iPhone that had no strings attached. Apple is obviously already accustomed to us that want prepaid and no strings attached services, as the iPad is just that way in the U.S.
I would drop my Verizon iPhone in a heartbeat even if the iPhone mini wasn't as capable. All I really enjoy is Internet browsing, email, note taking, and a few simple productivity apps. If the iPhone mini even wasn't as nice, if I could pay $27 to Virgin Mobile and get all of the features I need for $27, I could save $110 per month.
I love the iPhone 4, but I hate paying ridiculous amounts for mobile services, when there is Virgin Mobile capable of giving me unlimited 3G Internet, email, and texting along with 300 anytime minutes for $27. Want 1200 minutes and unlimited other features, it's only $40 per month... plus tax. Think of the SAVINGS.
Who shouldn't love this deal is AT&T and Verizon. This would absolutely destroy their advantages of iOS exclusivity for those who just want a simple iOS device and don't care about A5 CPUs and 1,000 apps on their iPhone to game with. For this reason alone, I almost don't believe it... but Apple is in business to make money. If they can sell an iPod Touch for $229 with a retina display, why the Hell cannot they add a 3G/voice card for an extra $20? This is the biggest con in the iPhone pricing itself. The iPod Touch is a bargain vs. the $649 price tag of the iPhone 4.
I don't know if it happens, but if it does I am sure mobile in America changes for the better for consumers, FAST! Really FAST! Competition is good, and exclusivity has hurt us iPhone users. It would be great to get multiple price range products and true freedom of networks to choose from. Competition is great for consumers, and I would be first on board.
Ya, Canadian are getting it right in the @$$ from all the telecom companies. I spend half the year in Panama. A contract phone there is 18 months on Claro. 18 months in a third world country!!! How is it possible that 3 major teleco's sell iPhones in Canada and all the plans are within pennies of each other? The CRTC is beyond a joke.
I could actually see this happening. The screen size could be the SAME as the current iPhone, and the body could be smaller (no black bezel on the top and bottom). The back could be plastic. Only 4GB and 8GB versions. No compass. Less battery life. Crappier speaker on the bottom. Maybe even use a different kind of dock connector to save space (and include an adaptor). Sell it for $50 without a contract. Instant market share booster.
Because it's an incentive to purchase additional Apple hardware and services. Why do you think Apple allows free apps, music, TV shows, podcasts and iTunes U content in the iTunes Store even though it cost them bandwidth (Podcasts and some iTunes U content do not.)?
MobileMe actually started out as iTools which was free to all Mac owners. The cost of iTools was built into each Mac. Apple could easily do the same with MobileMe.
Apple should make MobileMe free to iPod touch, iPhone and Mac owners.
No. Because Apple uses that system for certain hardware code names. The Verizon iPhone was N92.
Last edited:
So, why exactly would Apple release a Phone that prevents them from receiving any further revenue from that user from the Appstore? It would be a ridiculously dumb business move, where that user would have potentially bought an iPhone with appstore access. Make no mistake, from here on in the appstore is Apple MOST IMPORTANT asset, and synonymous with the iPhone- to introduce a new phone which does not have access to this would be a very odd and self-damaging move. I cannot for the life of me see that happening, especially since that 'marketshare booster' would be completely useless if Apple cant benefit from those users tapping into their ecosystem.
Nice reply to that poster. In a world of competing RIM and Android products, software is a free value added service over hardware. Now, I know it's not "free" to make and have servers for and all, but they don't have to make a product to give for free...
I love MobileMe service too, but I don't like advertising. What I would appreciate is a cheaper MobileMe free of advertising just like Yahoo does. Maybe $20 per year for free of advertising. The service would be identical but without ads. Then the free service would be full of ads. Now, sure I would rather no ads at all for free, but I don't think that's realistic.
Free is good, and beating Android with better SERVICES like MobileMe is yet another way to "win."
If this is true, so dumb IMHO! Not only does iOS look outdated, so does the minuscule 3.5" screen. Yah let's make a smaller, thinner iPhone.
Said it before and I'll continue to say that if Apple doesn't bring at least a 4" screen this summer, I will not be continuing the cycle of purchasing the new one as I have since the 2G was released.
And no door will be hitting me in the ass on my way out if indeed that's how it ends up!
Said it before and I'll continue to say that if Apple doesn't bring at least a 4" screen this summer, I will not be continuing the cycle of purchasing the new one as I have since the 2G was released.
And no door will be hitting me in the ass on my way out if indeed that's how it ends up!
iPod touch - $229
how much to add a phone radio to it? and remove the telecom companies greed from it???
at $200 - instant success in India and China ...
how much to add a phone radio to it? and remove the telecom companies greed from it???
at $200 - instant success in India and China ...