iPhone gets 8hr battery life, glass screen
updated 09:15 am EDT, Mon June 18, 2007
iPhone Gets 8-Hour Battery
Ahead of the much publicized launch, Apple today revealed a surprise upgrade to the performance of the iPhone reaching stores. The device now claims a practical talk time of a full eight hours -- a major increase from the five-hour figure claimed for the device in January. Music playback has also been increased to an all-day 24 hours while Internet browsing and video playback have been extended to six and seven hours respectively. Standby time has been lengthened to 250 hours (over ten days), the company says. The firm points out that the final specifications make it one of the most capable devices in its field.
"With 8 hours of talk time, and 24 hours of audio playback, iPhone’s battery life is longer than any other ‘Smartphone’ and even longer than most MP3 players," Apple's CEO Steve Jobs says.
Beyond the battery upgrade, Jobs also notes that the iPhone's 3.5-inch touchscreen has been upgraded from plastic to lens-quality glass, which helps both visibility as well as resistance to scratches. This too is better than other rivals -- including the latest devices such as the BlackBerry Curve, Apple says.
Prices remain the same at $499 for the 4GB version and $599 for 8GB. Both require AT&T service and will be available on June 29th at 6PM, though the official announcement doesn't mention earlier claims about the need for a two-year contract, which has also been dropped from the company's ad campaign.
that's impressive
06/18, 09:48am reply
Good for Apple for actually being the best on battery life. Seems like they've learned a lot of lessons from iPod-land.
Also, the glass screen seems like a benefit—definitely clearer optics, I wonder what other reasons?
Zkatz007
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 1999
Good news, bad title
06/18, 09:48am reply
Wow, usually you don't expect Apple to be the ones touting battery life over competitor's products. Usually it's the other way around. Good to hear about the scratch-resistant surface as well. It seems they're really trying to get this product work right from the start, rather than focusing solely on making a good looking product (witness the 1st gen nano).
No word yet though if the battery is removable. I wonder also if this "upgrade" in battery capacity is due to better batteries themselves, or improvements to the software power saving. Probably both...
I gotta say though, what a bad choice of a title for this article. Seriously, at first glance you make it seem as if the maximum life you're going to squeeze out of this isn't even enough to last through the average work day. Poor, poor choice of words.
Visnaut
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
AAPL +3
06/18, 10:15am reply
Nice 3 point jump in stock value this morning. Wonder if this bit of news has anything to do with it.
Zaren
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
iPhone excitement
06/18, 10:20am reply
I have never owned a cell phone (I know, sad in this day and age), but I am stoked about this product! Some state that their Blackberry or Treo does this-or-that better.
I, however, to not desire, want or need a Blackberry, Treo, or other "smart" phone. The iPhone, on the other-hand, has me desiring this phone immensely! That's saying something. I'm sure MANY others feel the same way.
Apple's has been very smart about the iPhone. Quality of product, timing, listening to potential customers (by allowing 3rd party apps through web 2.0 technologies and by increasing, and releasing info on, the battery life). It seems they have covered al the bases.
This phone is going to ROCK right out of the gate and will only get better!
Smurfman
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2001
2-yr Contract
06/18, 10:43am reply
Why require a contract? If you can't use the phone on any other network, and you just paid $600 for it?
If AT&T will be the exclusive provider for the first 2-3 years then there is no reason to have it, it is just a marketing negative.
ClevelandAdv
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2004
Wow.
06/18, 10:50am reply
Good changes to the phone, Apple. Better to be using quality, albeit more expensive parts, than risking a huge backlash over battery life and screen.
There is, however, one more thing. ;) 8 gigs of storage, max? Jeez, 16 and 32 sound so much better in comparison, especially considering this isn't just a media player, it's going to be THE media player for most people.
Oh well. Here's looking forward to the first third-party offering flash upgrades.
gambit-7
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2001
LOL
06/18, 11:19am reply
I'd love to c the face of the morons that sold a few days ago LOLOLLLLLLLLLLL
jarod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
I 'm asking my self
06/18, 11:32am reply
What the next surprise-change announcement to the iPhone would be.
Perhaps this little hole in the middle of the on-off button, would be the 2nd camera for video conferencing through some sort of an iChat app?
That would be a smash hit! :)
stefbystef
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001
stef:
06/18, 11:37am reply
haha Yea, that would be a smash hit! Unfortunately, the camera would have to have been identified in Apple's schematics and FCC documentation by now.
I was thinking a 30-pin attachment for future video-conferencing capabilities (obviously featuring forward-facing camera) would be neat as an accessory.
Also, bluetooth GPS module (think: Nike+) would be a cool addition, too.
The potential for this piece of technology is incredible.
gambit-7
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2001
gambit-7:
06/18, 11:44am reply
I would like though the camera in the iphone. using an external device would render the device somewhat bulky.
On the other hand, video conferencing should be considered "silly" using the network of you mobile provider (unless you have enough money), so an external camera addition would make sense if you would use it at home through your wireless internet. Gosh, this device is amazing.
Apple did it again. :)
stefbystef
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001