3G, 16GB iPhone for Europe in November?
updated 11:00 am EDT, Sat September 8, 2007
T-Mobile Germany Ad
Apple may launch its iPhone campaign in Europe with a 3G-capable iPhone with enhanced storage, according to what appears to be a leaked ad from T-Mobile Germany. The ad promises a version of the handset with support for 3G-level cellular Internet access using both the US-friendly HSDPA format and typically Europe-only UMTS, with theoretical download speeds reaching the format's full 3.6Mbps. It also suggests that the device will carry 16GB of memory, representing the first storage upgrade to the device since its launch in June. Visual Voicemail and the 2-megapixel camera would remain the same as for the US version.
The ad includes an error which references the device in one instance as an iPod, but otherwise appears to be consistent with T-Mobile's advertising and may reflect a desire to return to two-tier pricing for the iPhone after the drop to $399 for the 8GB model, if proven accurate. The 3G iPhone would sell for 499 Euros ($687) including a coupon for the iTunes Store, and would be available with phone plans that all offer unlimited data and vary only in terms of general calling minutes and SMS messages. An "L" plan would offer 200 minutes and 100 messages for 50 Euros ($69) per month; "XL" and "XXL" plans would jump to 300 and 400 minutes respectively for 60 Euros ($83) and 70 Euros ($96) per month with 150 and 200 messages each.
The provider itself hasn't officially confirmed its selection as Germany's exclusive carrier but has already been caught preparing support materials for the iPhone, in one case hosting images for the product on its own website.
T-Mobile's reported ad would also be the first to commit to a definitive release date for the iPhone outside of the US, slating the handset for a release with the carrier on November 12th. Apple has already promised a fourth-quarter release for the iPhone in Europe but has yet to formally announce a timetable for the launch. The California firm is expected to accompany the German introduction with an O2 version in the UK and an Orange version for France.
[via MacBidouille]
"iPod" reference no error
09/08, 12:18pm reply
The "iPod" reference you call an "error" actually says
"Integrated iPod with video player"
That's my phone, right there. :)
analogika
Posting Junkie
Joined: Feb 2005
Sure is an error...
09/08, 12:28pm reply
It says 'Apple iPod 16GB' - there's the error.
So, Hmm. Do cancel my order for an iPod Touch ? €500 is about £340, which is about £80 more than the Touch, plus there's the monthly contract. Of course, you get Google Maps, a camera, weather and stocks.
Hmm. decisions, decisions !
Gee4orce
Mac Elite
Joined: Dec 2000
No why the h***...
09/08, 02:48pm reply
... wouldn't they sell them here? Oh, let me guess: they'll release in Europe first, for fear of stock concerns, and then release later in the states. Great...
Evan Light
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
methinks
09/08, 03:07pm reply
they are the same phone. We are just waiting for an upgrade to turn it on...
mmmdoughnuts
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Canada HSDPA
09/08, 04:02pm reply
Question is when will Apple release a 3G iPhone for Canada? Rogers should have HSDPA released in all major cities by the end of this year.
imagine engine
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
HSDPA = UMTS
09/08, 04:15pm reply
What is the c*** about HSDPA being US and UMTS being Europe? HSDPA is one of the UMTS 3G (3.5G) standards.
Soon to be replaced by HSUPA, HSxPA and LTE.
Its the frequencies that differ, not the protocols. 2100Mhz for Europe and either 1900 or 850Mhz for North America.
kgretton
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2005
damn apple
09/08, 07:21pm reply
As soon as they bring the 16GB to the states, they'll probably drop the 8GB and sell the 16 for 200 BUCKS.
gitcypher
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2007
UMTS == HSDPA
09/09, 12:10am reply
kgretton beat me to the punch, and is entirely correct. HSDPA is the evolution of UMTS. The frequencies are what differ. North America uses 850/1900 for UMTS/HSDPA and the rest of the world uses 2100. The ad doesn't say what frequencies they'll be using, but I really hope Apple has the smarts to use a triband HSDPA chip. That would allow them to market the same SKU in North America.
mroach
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
addendum
09/09, 12:13am reply
My last post title should not have been UMTS == HSDPA. That's technically not correct. It's more like HSDPA is to UMTS as GPRS is to GSM, except GPRS is packet switched and GSM data was circuit switched.
mroach
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2007
the hidden text
09/09, 03:14am reply
does anyone else also notice the hidden text at the bottom? It says "MacBxxxx" i can't make out the rest.
Also for 49€, T-Mobile is unlikely to provide 200 minutes free WITH 100 SMS and unlimited data. The existing tariff they have now is 49€ with ONLY 200 minutes included WITHOUT free sms or data transfer plan.
gooch
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Dec 2006