Apple files iPhone trademark [UPDATED]
updated 03:00 pm EDT, Mon October 16, 2006
Apple iPhone Trademark
Apple has all but confirmed that its upcoming music phone will be called the iPhone, according to AppleInsider. Discovered in a southeast Asian trademark filing dated September 15th, the trademark uses the name in direct reference to a device which is listed both under the category of "MP3 and other digital audio players" as well as handsets capable of "sending and receiving telephone calls." Also covered in the application is the role of a "stand-alone video game machine," raising the possibility that the iPod-influenced phone will be able to play games such as those recently introduced with the new video-capable iPods. Apple has previously filed for related patents in the US but until now hasn't committed itself to specific descriptions and names.
UPDATE: Two different iPhone models are likely to appear, reports AppleInsider. Prudential Equity Group analyst Jesse Tortora refers to anonymous sources that claim the new phone will be available in two distinct versions: a slim, basic version will play only music while a deluxe variant will include WiFi, video support, and a dedicated keyboard for messaging. No specific timeframe was given for when the phone will appear, though analysts such as Gene Munster have speculated that MacWorld 2007 is a likely venue for the introduction.
