3G iPhone to pack GPS, thicker redesign?
updated 04:15 pm EDT, Fri April 25, 2008
3G iPhone Detail Leak
Apple's increasingly anticipated 3G-capable iPhone will add more than just the speed when it launches in the summer, according to a tip allegedly passed on to Engadget. The rumor appears to validate firmware references and other clues that the device will include native GPS for live map tracking but also confirms another that the device will undergo a conspicuous outer change: the anodized aluminum back is being replaced by an all-black glossy shell with a chromed volume rocker. The change also remedies complaints about the headphone jack by making it flush with the rest of the phone body, according to the claim.
These external designs will also reportedly make the new iPhone rounder but won't have any perceivable effect on the screen size. The overall design will be slightly thicker, although no confirmation is yet available as to whether the bulk is due to additional hardware or simply a virtue of the more visible changes.
The report further disputes claims that the 3G iPhone will be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference in June, and instead alludes to a ship date in July. However, "numerous" examples are already described as in testing, while prolonged iPhone shortages also suggest an earlier release.
i was hoping
04/25, 04:56pm reply
the form factor would stay the same so my first generation wouldn't be "dated". Oh well.
greenG4
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Aug 2002
yesterdays tech
04/25, 05:06pm reply
I'm just going to have to spring for the new one and toss this outdated old iPhone. Maybe I'll give it to the kids to play with.
Haroscarfel
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2007
Thicker is good...
04/25, 05:06pm reply
providing that space is going to be filled with a long-life battery. Apple needs to differentiate the old iPhone from the new iPhone. That way the new iPhone owners will know who's got the latest and greatest.
I sure hope the new iPhone has 3G, because if it doesn't there'll be plenty of people cursing Steve Jobs for leaving out too many common features that EVERY other smartphone has. 12 million iPhone units sold for sure this year.
Constable Odo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2007
Yep
04/25, 05:32pm reply
The Constable's got it right, albeit the new form factor is more an issue to create differentiation in Asia, and force all the cool folks with grey market phones to upgrade, in order to gain face.
I would hope they retained the dimensions, but doubt it. They want everyone to buy new accessories too. :-)
ZinkDifferent
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2005
I was just thinking...
04/25, 07:38pm reply
...about all the new iPhone cases that have to be repurchased by those upgrading to the thicker iPhone...
MeandmyMac
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
Thicker iPhone? YES!!!!
04/26, 01:26am reply
I really like my current iPhone, only after I skinned it with a rubber case. It felt thicker and I handled it with less fragility than during the first two weeks I didn't have anything. It felt very slippery. Now if the next gen's going to be thicker because they're accomodating a larger battery for better life, then sign me up! The rest is just gravy.
dimplemonkey
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2001
iPod Touch
04/27, 12:07pm reply
The iPod Touch looks great. Any new iPhone should have that nice matte black finish.
AllanCook
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jun 2006