3G iPhone On Track For Next Year
Erick Schonfeld
29 comments »
In remarks at the Churchill Club, AT&T’s CEO confirmed what most Apple-watchers have been suspecting: a 3G iPhone will come out next year. Sounds like they fixed that battery-drain problem. Hopefully, these things won’t start exploding like those laptops a year ago.
Mike makes fun of me for toting around a Blackberry, but I’d rather wait for the 3G version of the iPhone to come out before thinking about switching. AT&T’s slow-as-molasses EDGE data network cripples the current iPhone (IMHO). The WiFi option for surfing the Web on the iPhone today is a nice backup, but you can’t really count on it for constant mobile connectivity. A 3G iPhone would certainly become yet another Apple lust object/upgrade, but will it be enough to accelerate sales to hit the 10-million mark Steve Jobs set as a goal for next year. It all depends on the price, and you can be sure that isn’t going to be cheap. My guess is $599.
During the same talk, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson also pooh-poohed Verizon’s supposed plans to open up its network. According to Bloomberg:
Stephenson called the Verizon Wireless plan “overblown.” “The industry’s headed that way,” he said. “We are probably one of the most open networks in the world, not just the U.S.”
Thousands of developers create features for AT&T’s network, and consumers can buy phones at the full price if they don’t want to buy a subsidized model and sign a contract to use the company’s wireless service, Stephenson said.
I have my issues with AT&T’s network (slow and spotty coverage in my experience), but at least I can download any app I like to my Blackberry without going through them. The same cannot be said for Verizon, which only allows approved apps on its phones (usually ones where it is getting a cut of the download fees).
When will it hit Asian countries? The normal iPhone is not availabl here as yet. Btw a 3G iPhone will be a great device given the high data speeds of 3G it will increase the internet usage over mobile phones.
3G is what I’ve been waiting for and reason I haven’t bailed on my Sprint service. Can’t come too soon.
I personally fail to see how something that doesn’t have a “proper” keyboard could be considered a useful device for emailing or blogging.
Gotta say $599 is a big stretch for a phone. I’d guess they will just replace the existing model, same terms etc just with 3G.
Erick…You can poo all over the EDGE speed but once you’re out of the major metro areas 3G becomes almost non existent at least on Verizon. I’ll take slow over “none” any day. Hopefully the new iPhone will be able to connect to whatever is available.
I am hearing a lot of feedback from businessmen that regret switching to the iPhone and are longing for their old BB’s. It is more than just the network speed…Blackberry’s are simply just a more business friendly device. Bells and Wistles don’t help me make money.
Regarding BB app’s……I believe Verizon does not control what you can/cannot download on a RIM device. They should be the only ‘open’ phones on the VZW network though.
Nice one Judo, an additionnal “nerd tax”
Even if the next iPhone costs $1,500 people will line up to buy it.
Erick,
Just curious if you have actual evidence, such as a link etc regarding your claim that Verizon only allows you to install applications that they get a cut of. What about Blackberry themselves? They have a very long process you have to go through as well as pay for to get your application approved. I am assuming Verizon only utilizes approved apps partially for security reasons, as well as some profit motive. However it would be great if you can provide actual evidence, even if anecdotal to your claims, or is this just an assumption. Thanks
“Fix” the battery drain problem for 3G phones? LOL.
By their very nature, 3G phones consume more power vs 2G/GSM phones due to increased device radio requirements.
The “fix” is probably a 3G radio with better power management facilities and a better battery.
if you want to download apps directly you get spotty coverage with at&t. If you don’t care about direct downloads then yoiu get great coverage with VZ. VZ takes money from those vendor downloads to build a stronger network.
I want one this Xmas.
silly question that I probably know the answer to, but -
Could existing iPhones get an ‘upgrade’ to 3G when it’s available?
Or will we ‘early adopters’ need to buy a whole new iPhone to access 3G? Sorry, I just don’t know much about this technology…
Erick (or anyone else in the know):
Have you heard any more specific information as to release timing beyond 2008? Ie, early/late, Q1/Q4, May…
Thanks.
yes, we have iphones in humboldt county that are slow due to edge networks BS network…super fly on our visits to SF.
Gizmoproject (Sip phone client) on 3G iphone and you have nice backup to call US and worldwide almost for free. (Skype may join in but it’s still closed end as compare to Gizmo IMHO). Well I’ve to find someone to take my two current iphones.. and I think it will be same price as today’s or if it cost more, will thow in more storage.. price can’t go up - it’s not made out of oil
Apple will never go 3g, NEVER!
http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com
Most open network ever - lol.
In Australia most networks are open.
Telstra, Optus, Voda take whatever phone you want.
Use whatever apps you like.
Only 3 has a lock on handsets having to be bought from them.
@adam - Sorry, 3G is a hardware thing, so no upgrades likely.
Now for my naive questions:
1. What’s the price differential between 2G and 3G chips?
2. Are there any 3G chips which are backwards compatible with EDGE?
-Ian
Crazy iPhone.
I have an iPhone and I will still go and buy 3G one when it comes out.
Edge is simply too slow most of the time. Besides Google Reader mobile version which is kind of lite, it’s impossible to browse any other site with it.
Shahar Nechmad
CEO, NuConomy
http://www.nechmads.com
Didn’t I just mortgage my house to buy the last iPhone? Guess it’s back to the Virtual iPhone http://vphone.red-rome.com until the housing market recovers.
Ummm….. With a Blackberry with Verizon Wireless you can actually download ANY 3rd party app that you want. They do not cripple their PDA or Smartphone devices with their generic UI. You should probably get your facts straight about Blackberries and their providers before making claims my friend.
Most open network??? Has he ever traveled outside of the US? Yes, they do let you download most apps on your Blackberry. However, they sometimes block usage of those that they don’t like and might compete with their services.