Now that Apple has flummoxed the Street, the consumer and competitors with the precipitous iPhone price cut, the release of the iPod Touch, the issuance of $100 store credits to purchasers of iPhones at the original release price, there’s only “one more thing” Apple needs to keep things turned upside down - release a 3G iPhone in time for Christmas.

Assuming the European markets will demand a 3G iPhone, Apple can’t release a 3G iPhone in Europe and not offer the product in the States.

The only question is: When will Apple release the 3G iPhone?

Re: The 3G iPhone: When?

[quote author=“DawnTreader”]Now that Apple has flummoxed the Street, the consumer and competitors with the precipitous iPhone price cut, the release of the iPod Touch, the issuance of $100 store credits to purchasers of iPhones at the original release price, there’s only “one more thing” Apple needs to keep things turned upside down - release a 3G iPhone in time for Christmas.

Assuming the European markets will demand a 3G iPhone, Apple can’t release a 3G iPhone in Europe and not offer the product in the States.

The only question is: When will Apple release the 3G iPhone?

AT&T already has UMTS/HSDPA rolled out to 35 cities in North America, if Apple can apply enough coercion, AT&T could easily have a National 3G network by Christmas. However, I doubt that AT&T will upgrade it’s entire network for just one handset maker that has accounted for less than 250,000 new subscribers. The costs in spectrum leasing is a bit on the prohibitive side, I don’t think we’ll see AT&T with 3G until congress follows the cell carrier’s demand that they regulate on the federal level instead of the local level, allowing them to lobby for better rates on radio spectrums. That pretty much leaves Apple with the choice of making an iPhone with two radios for both GSM and UMTS. HP already makes a phone that’s capable of running Quad band GSM and Tri Band HSPDA, Apple can easily do the same.

Link

2 possibilities:

1: new 16G 3G phone ready to go at $599 for Nov 12th worldwide.
2: Europe Nov 12th; US: MWSF. Software update at MWSF reveals features already hidden in the Euro version.
(3: The leaked T-mobile ad is a deliberate fake leak)

Steve already effectively said the $399 iPhone is the iphone for Christmas. But maybe the 8GB iPhone will have already upgraded to 3G hardware; just needing software update. (The joys of subscription accounting speculation.)

Edit: price seems a bit high for the Euro version if the only differences are 16GB and 3G, so I suspect another item; I suspect iChat AV/videophone camera, not revealed until Jan.

I’d like to see a 3G roll out in November with European shipment dates. If not, I suppose we will see a 3G iPhone debut in January. Should Apple announce a 3G phone for Europe, I don’t think the company can hold off on shipping it in the States.

Dumb Question:  Would a 3G iPhone have a different chip, or could the existing hardware support it with a software upgrade?

Different chip - uses more power so battery life will be less but I don’t know by how much.

HAB

I think it’s only the analogue radio chip that’s different/extra, and it can be switched off when not in use, so battery life is not compromised except when you use 3G. Hopefully Apple would incorporate automatic battery saving.

Adding 3G may require a modification to the form factor as well, depending on how it would fit into existing case. Would another chip be removed, or the case get a bit fatter?

[quote author=“willrob”]Adding 3G may require a modification to the form factor as well, depending on how it would fit into existing case. Would another chip be removed, or the case get a bit fatter?

We only know about the alleged bulkiness of 3G technology from components in use by other OEMs from around a year ago. We have no idea what components have been designed since, or what deals Apple has struck to incorporate new secret technology. One thing is for sure: Apple’s devices don’t get any thicker around the waist with age. If the iPhone changes size, it’ll be on a diet not a feeding frenzy.

I still say the price cut was to clear inventory to make way for a 3G iPhone launch in Europe earlier than originally planned, and we’ll see it in the market Late October/early November. I’m on record saying from months back that I thought the chances were strong the iPhone would be launched 3G in Europe. I feel that even more strongly now, and will eat humble pie if it isn’t. Frankly, to overcome iPhone fatigue and ensure the iPhone isn’t ridiculed by the European press for its “slow” internet access (a statement which is now almost totemic in nature), I think Apple needs to get the 3G 16GB iPhone out there, and out there now. Otherwise Europe might very likely go “meh” - especially with the advent of a 16GB iPod touch

Of course, conspiracy theorists might say the launch of the touch is meant to boost sales of Apple devices until they can get a new 3G iPhone out. Maybe Apple decided to skip the EDGE iPhone altogether and will launch it after Christmas, and to ensure they had a killer product for the holiday season they brought forward the launch of the touch. Who the hell knows. I don’t, the bears don’t, the bulls don’t, and Scott Mortiz sure as hell doesn’t. All I do know is that its going to be an Apple Christmas. iDon’t care what anyone says, between the iPhone and the iPod, Apple will sell 30M+ handheld devices this season, and that’s the only thing that matters to earnings, period.

Check this out…

I like this site they do pretty good reviews. This article suggests to me that the euro release of the iphone is not 3G.

[quote author=“mike_b”]Check this out…
I like this site they do pretty good reviews. This article suggests to me that the euro release of the iphone is not 3G.

This was in the news a few weeks back.. that’s what discouraged me back then that there would be a 3G iPhone before Christmas. But things seem to have changed since. Frankly I know from personal experience that it doesn’t matter a damn whether its EDGE or 3G - EDGE at its best is more than fast enough - and I don’t think consumers generally give a damn either - but to grab the media’s attention, Apple needs an improved device to launch in Europe IMO or although it will be a success, it may not be the rip-roaring success it might have been.
having said that, with the current discounting, the iPhone looks damn good value for money even at its current spec, and after all the software upgrades its going to get when Leopard is launched it’ll look even better.
All I care about is that Apple will sell 30M+ iPods+iPhones this season IMO. I don’t care what the mix is

[quote author=“mike_b”]Check this out…

I like this site they do pretty good reviews. This article suggests to me that the euro release of the iphone is not 3G.

AAPL said in January that 3G would come in early 2008 along with an Asian launch. The only change in tone has come from SJ after the iPod refresh/iPhone price cut where he said that AAPL had an aggressive iPhone launch schedule.

I continue to expect a 3G model in early 2008 - I won’t mind being surprised with an earlier introduction either.

HAB

Here’s another article claiming that the 3G iPhone is immanent.

I was basically asking about the 3G technology because I’m getting ready to buy an iPhone and didn’t want to get blindsided by a 3G coming out shortly after.  Does AT&T offer 3G service in some of their markets?  If they don’t then I guess the 3G question is moot for us Yanks for a while.

Yes - AT&T has a rather large 3G network and it’s growing.

HAB

[quote author=“willrob”]Here’s another article claiming that the 3G iPhone is immanent .

imminent?