iPhone 2.0

[CD3660]

Apple is going to play it smart. They're going to let at least 1.5 years go by.

There is absolutely nothing smart about sitting on your laurels for a year and a half! Apple has not become what it is without constant improvement, innovation and timely upgrades.

It seems that a number of people on this thread are afraid that the product that they have just bought might be upgraded in the near future. It's almost as if they feel that they should be guaranteed a prolonged period of having the latest model. This is totally unrealistic in the modern age of technological advancement.

 

[taybo20]

I'm pretty sure that just a month or two ago, Jobs even said that they are working on version 2 and version 3 was in talks. Plus remember when all those rumors were circulating about a "iPhone nano". Well don't be surprised when we get a new iPhone next year.

 

[boss1]

Hold on a second.
IF apple were to release a different variation of the iPhone soon like by January, the number of iPhones sold would still count toward Apple's goal of 10 million. Who ever said that it has to be this particular iPhone model that reaches 10 mil ? Jobs simply said iPhones sold = 10 million. end of 08.


If I'm not mistaken there was a ton of rumor that Apple had a few variations of the iPhone in the works already. A ton of people were expecting an iPhone nano right around the time of announcement in January. AND At&T's contract stipulates "all iPhone models for the duration of the Apple AT&T 5 year contract" to add more fuel to the rumors.

Although I personally doubt there will be a significant revision to the iPhone in Q1 08, I would hope that Apple doesn't take too long to dish out another model for the sake of the iPhone as an appealing product line.


Put the hardware revision aside for a moment. Apple could easily bank on refreshing the image of the current iPhone by properly marketing and announcing updates to the software. That's really an advantage the iPhone has over many other handsets that Apple can take advantage of. You can do a ton with the current hardware you just have to update the software.

BUT rather than quietly release the 1.1.2 patch .. Apple can pace its upgrades and give the general public the impression that they're getting a brand new phone! with every upgrade. More software, better UI, faster Safari! etc and even make a television commercial out of it "iPhone 1.2 the new iPhone"... it's like there's an iPhone 2.0 released with every major patch.


One thing that I think you will, or at least should, see from Apple in terms of hardware revision is the naming of the iPhone product line. As the hardware upgrades do start to roll out, there are going to naturally be new pieces of software that just don't run on older model iPhones. Just like with the desktop line of Macs some hardware compatibility requirements exist for new software.

It makes it easy for Apple as the distributor of the software to be able to convey the message to the consumer of which iPhone models will work with new software if the products were named.

Say for instance, "iChat Video Mobile requires an iPhone eXtreme or newer model"

 

[johnbro23]

I think one of the most overlooked cool features that could be implemented is GPS. Apple could really get creative with integrating GPS into the existing functions of the the iPhone.

Obviously, GPS would get you the basic functionality of in-car GPS systems. But what if you could see where your friend is? They'd have to build in tons of security options, like don't show my location unless approved, or show only to a select few people on my contact list. It would revolutionize "meeting up."

Also, some sort of iChat AV will probably be on the iPhone in mid-2009

 

[zedsdead]

I see an iPhone update coming soon, however I am only expecting a 16gig capacity. I do not see any other Hardware implementations until mid-to-late next year. Apple does not update their products that quickly...iPhone 2.0 (whenever it comes out) likely will have 3G, better camera (with video), louder speakers, and possibly GPS.

As for Software updates, hopefully we will see more soon. I still want a iWork reader (with a Finder App), To-Do Lists, Chapter Selection Pulldown Menu in Movies, Games (which seem to be coming), and maybe a Radio through ATT network.

 

[nickspohn]

There is absolutely nothing smart about sitting on your laurels for a year and a half! Apple has not become what it is without constant improvement, innovation and timely upgrades.

It seems that a number of people on this thread are afraid that the product that they have just bought might be upgraded in the near future. It's almost as if they feel that they should be guaranteed a prolonged period of having the latest model. This is totally unrealistic in the modern age of technological advancement.

If people wanted an iPhone now, they would buy it, not wait for iPhone v2. Maybe a small small percent of people are doing this, but still. ESPECIALLY after they lowered the price.

So all the people that bought iPhones are going to pay $400+ again just so they can have 3G, double the capacity, and what not after having their current iPhone for just a year?

No ones going to buy an ***** new phone that just has small improvements over the last one.

So, no thanks.

 

[CD3660]

I'm not at all sure how your post relates to mine, so I don't know why you quoted me. However, perhaps I could address the points you have raised:

If people wanted an iPhone now, they would buy it...

I didn't suggest otherwise.

So all the people that bought iPhones are going to pay $400+ again just so they can have 3G, double the capacity, and what not after having their current iPhone for just a year?

I didn't say that they would but, as it happens, I do believe that a significant number of people would upgrade to 3G and 16GB if this was available. Changing hardware after a year is not unreasonable for many.

No ones going to buy an ***** new phone that just has small improvements over the last one.

This is based on the premise that 3G and 16GB are small improvements. I do not accept that premise. My view is that these would represent a major improvement, and I would buy one.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

I like the sound of that...

This is based on the premise that 3G and 16GB are small improvements. I do not accept that premise. My view is that these would represent a major improvement, and I would buy one.

Do you have any evidence that this will/when this will happen... Not that I do'nt trust you, but do you have any indication about when this is supposed to happen?

The only thing stopping me now from buying the iPhone is the lack of 16GB storage. 3G is something I don't really care about.

Also, someone said that 16GB woudn't be possible now because it would make the iPhone to thick, but the Touch isn't thicker for the 16GB either, so isn't that kind of BS?

 

[BuxtonUK]

Also, someone said that 16GB woudn't be possible now because it would make the iPhone to thick, but the Touch isn't thicker for the 16GB either, so isn't that kind of BS?

Ermm... No.

The Touch doesn't have phone components, therefore has room for the secondary 8GB chip which gives it the 16GB storage, iPhone has phone components therefore not enough room for a secondary chip (without making it thicker).

 

[dodonutter]

16GB wouldn't make it thicker but as BuxtonUK said the touch has 2x8GB or 2x4GB chip for the 16GB and 8GB versions respectively. The iPhone has 1x8GB chip in and there is no space for due to it being rammed full of other stuff.

The only way they would get 16GB into the current design is to use 1x16GB which have been released (think this was talked about in the fake '16GB iPhone released' thread) BUT they are new and expensive so would probably push the cost up. So depending on how expensive those chips are I would expect to see a 16GB iPhone fairly soon (perhaps at MacWorld Expo in Jan) Or we may have to wait for the v2 iPhone for 16GB which would most likely have to go through the FCC regs again if it had new radio chips and be another 5 months from announcement (which would be in Jan at the earliest) to released (in June for a year long cycle).

No one who knows is going to tell us any time soon so we just have to wait til Jan and see.

Personally I would love 16GB as 8GB is just too small. I recently put together a playlist in iTunes of all the songs i would want on my phone and it came to 11GB. With 2GB of pics and a couple of films i can swap out when i charge the phone 16GB would be perfect and all i need. But they aren't here yet and i want an iPhone more than i mind swapping music out ever few days so i'll happily get an 8GB...i'd just prefer a 16

 

[ne0star]

I think it will be more of an iphone 1.1 than a fully fledged version 2, and I think the only difference will be more space.

Lets face it the operating system still isn't finished, and the current iphone is capable of features such as video recording and AD2P with a firmware update.

Apple aren't usually one for simply 'clagging' hardware features onto their products. I mean look how long it took to get an ipod with a colour screen and video playback.

I don't think they are that bothered about the competition because in terms of raw specification the iphone was allready behind everyone else in terms of hardware feaures before it was released.

 

[CD3660]

Do you have any evidence that this will/when this will happen... Not that I do'nt trust you, but do you have any indication about when this is supposed to happen?

The only thing stopping me now from buying the iPhone is the lack of 16GB storage. 3G is something I don't really care about.

No evidence as such but there are many rumours flying about and it has to be the natural progression for the iPhone, particularly in Europe.

As to when it is coming, my guess is by March 2008.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

Well for me thats actually quite great, my cells contract will run out around february, iPhone won't be in Holland before Januari is my guess, so I think I'll be quite willing to wait a couple of months before it comes out.

Still, I really want it

 

[CD3660]

Still, I really want it

I know how you feel. Fortunately for me, I only have to wait another 18 days!

 

[bobt]

The only thing stopping me now from buying the iPhone is the lack of 16GB storage. 3G is something I don't really care about.

Same here. I'm looking for a bit more capacity for music plus photos and things that make the iPhone worthwhile in my situation. Although I would like to see 3G for future-proofing, it is not even available in my area.

If a 16GB comes out and the price is 500-600 ish range, I'll be one of the first to buy. Otherwise I'm willing to wait a little longer.

I am concerned that the 16GB chips will be too expensive and the price premium will keep it from market for a while. Time will tell.

 

[Flying Dutchman]

I know how you feel. Fortunately for me, I only have to wait another 18 days!

Lucky you, I do quite envy you, but hey, you love it probably as much as I do, so congrats

If a 16GB comes out and the price is 500-600 ish range, I'll be one of the first to buy. Otherwise I'm willing to wait a little longer.

I am concerned that the 16GB chips will be too expensive and the price premium will keep it from market for a while. Time will tell.

Well, seen the fact that there are already 32 GB SD cards (alright they're 750$,but still) makes me think that the memory Apple is using in the iPhone/Touch have already been researched far enough for a 1x16GB chip. And like you said, if it is going to be in the 500-600 EURO (=707,70 - 849,24 US$) I'll buy it (but, probably import it, saves me about 170 euros)

 

[CD3660]

Lucky you, I do quite envy you, but hey, you love it probably as much as I do, so congrats

You could always consider getting an unlocked one from France at the end of November!

 

[pheliosaquarias]

awfully sure arent we?

Why does everyone think because what the best / standard that is out now, will be on the next iPhone?

iPhone 2.0 won't be out until late late 2008, and possibly Summer 2009.

You have to remember more than likely iPhone 2.0 will come out when the current iPhone ATT contracts start to expire.

Next iPhone probably will have 32GB, 5MP camera, 4G, etc.

i was just wondering how you can sound so sure about your prediction here. you seem like you may know what you are talking about. do you have an inside scoop? regardless, its a good point about the contract running out timing.

 

[samdaman1313]

I disagree. My view is that we will see it by the end of March 2008.

i agree! i cant wait 4 it... its soo hard not 2 buy the v1 though.. im soo excited

 

[nickspohn]

i was just wondering how you can sound so sure about your prediction here. you seem like you may know what you are talking about. do you have an inside scoop? regardless, its a good point about the contract running out timing.

Missed this post, but it would be dumb for Apple to do, and Apple as we all know, likes to be "ahead" of everyone.

If they release iPhone 2 that has only minor upgrades, it won't be that revolutionary. The next iPhone is going to have to be something that all the current iPhone owners will upgrade to, and attract new people.

 

[needthephone]

Apple have to release an update soon. The mobile phone market is faster moving than ipods or computers. New models are expected and soon the iphone will be perceived (perception is sometimes totally at odds with reality though)as old hat-like wasn't the iphone released like over a year ago, hey shiny new LG all touch screen, this must be better as its newer (WRONG!) There are a few all touch screen phones coming along now. They aren't a patch on the iphone but people want NEW models in this insatiable fickle market.

See what I mean and this is from a mac forum user
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/421445/

Time is ripe for 3G Iphone and I think it will be announced for the Australian and Asian launch.

 

[SFC Archer]

I forsee alot of unhappy predictors...

The beauty of the iPhone is that it is upgradeable as is! In years past users purchased new cell phones because of trends, features, styles or old ones were broke. Manufacturers would create lower quality products to get users to buy every 18 months or so.

This philosophy is what has been changed by the invent of the iPhone. Cellular companies can no longer control the quality of the cell phone because of the iPhone. Everyone can now spend less by buying one phone instead of two in the same time period and every few months or so, get a software upgrade that brings newness qualities to the product. Other cell phones may have recieved a secruity patch or two but nothing new that made it unique again. The iPhone has changed all of this and Apple knows it.

You also have the possibilites of technology being skipped by a generation. 3G is very soon to be replaced by WiMax/LTE 3GPPP which has been approved and accepted by over the worlds top 80 industries and to be implamented by 2010. With this in mind and the lack of nation wide 3G...it "could" be that the 3G generation is skipped for the better and more effective 3GPP LTE.

Another thing that "early predictors" are failing to recognize is that, IF a product is making millions, and is popular, and is within the realm of accepted technology, and is still pulling in new users daily....then "WHY" on gods green earth would you change what is working??? Why would you want to spend excess dollars to re-invent the wheel when its the best one at the time. Wouldn't you research, develope, invent and refine the product for that rainy day when all of a sudden it is not the most popular and you can make a big statement and say ....ahhh but now we have this!!!

With all of this in mind...I agree with those that say "maybe" we will see generation 2 at the end of this year or early next year. Anything earlier is just out of the question with the way that the product is selling and moving right now. We also have the release of the SDK next month and that basically revives the current iPhone for at least another six months. This is all common marketing sense so why would you cut your own throat when you have a product already in inventory and is selling like crazy, by creating a new one before the other one is lost in the shuffle of new technology.

Just food for thought for all of you that are expecting grand things to happen in the next six months.

 

[Tom J]

You also have the possibilites of technology being skipped by a generation. 3G is very soon to be replaced by WiMax/LTE 3GPPP which has been approved and accepted by over the worlds top 80 industries and to be implamented by 2010. With this in mind and the lack of nation wide 3G...it "could" be that the 3G generation is skipped for the better and more effective 3GPP LTE.

Another thing that "early predictors" are failing to recognize is that, IF a product is making millions, and is popular, and is within the realm of accepted technology, and is still pulling in new users daily....then "WHY" on gods green earth would you change what is working??? Why would you want to spend excess dollars to re-invent the wheel when its the best one at the time. Wouldn't you research, develope, invent and refine the product for that rainy day when all of a sudden it is not the most popular and you can make a big statement and say ....ahhh but now we have this!!!

With all of this in mind...I agree with those that say "maybe" we will see generation 2 at the end of this year or early next year. Anything earlier is just out of the question with the way that the product is selling and moving right now. We also have the release of the SDK next month and that basically revives the current iPhone for at least another six months. This is all common marketing sense so why would you cut your own throat when you have a product already in inventory and is selling like crazy, by creating a new one before the other one is lost in the shuffle of new technology.

Just food for thought for all of you that are expecting grand things to happen in the next six months.

Seriously??

Oh, OK, that's a good one. Funny. You almost had me there for a moment.

I still enjoy my Motorola DynaTAC 8000 ("Brick") cell phone. I'm glad I took that $3500 plunge in 1983 knowing that Motorola wouldn't develop generation 2 because they were selling a product that was making millions, and was popular, and was within the realm of accepted technology, and is still today pulling in new users daily. God bless analog cell technology.

 

[iStefmac]

Personally I see nothing wrong with rolling out a new iPhone as it finishes development. As great and new as the iPhone is, it works on old technology and has an inappropriately small storage capacity.

They can release a new iPhone tomorrow, basically identical, that is simply:

3G
16 gb

And people would buy it. I would trade in mine almost immediately.

The iPhone is THAT GOOD as is that adding these two simple features makes a huge difference to overall enjoyment.

 

[jontucker]

Wouldn't you research, develope, invent and refine the product for that rainy day when all of a sudden it is not the most popular and you can make a big statement and say ....ahhh but now we have this!!!

That is exactly right. I heard a while ago that Intel are 5 generations ahead of what is currently on the market and the main reason is that they want to maximize the return on their investment in the development of each generation by keeping each one as 'the current model' for as long as possible. Whether thats actually true or not, I don't know but it makes a hell of a lot of sense.