Next iPhone to carry faster 3G?
updated 12:30 pm EDT, Fri March 20, 2009
Faster 3G on Next iPhone
Apple's next iPhone should have improved Internet access, SAI claims. A "plugged-in" tipster in the cellular business has told the publication that a "significantly faster" connection will be part of the update without mentioning other details. It's not known whether the unnamed insider is alluding to the cellular access or to Wi-Fi, either of which is potentially upgradeable with the update.
However, the most likely change is the addition of support for speed-doubled 7.2Mbps 3G given both hardware manufacturer and carrier plans. Infineon should have a new 3G chipset starting from mid-year that would support the faster speeds while also improving battery life. At the same time, AT&T has been trialing 7.2Mbps 3G since late 2008 and should roll out the speedier service this year. The provider has stressed that many of its cell towers can be upgraded solely through software rather than new equipment.
Current iPhones are limited in hardware to 3.6Mbps 3G and couldn't themselves be upgraded.
If Wi-Fi is improved, a potential candidate is a new Broadcom 802.11 chipset that would provide real Wi-Fi speeds of up to 50Mbps (versus 25Mbps for typical 802.11g) in addition to Bluetooth with support for wireless stereo audio.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2008
AT&T?
Faster 3G would be nice, but it's really up to AT&T here in the US. I'm fortunate to live in North NJ and work in Westchester, NY where we have excellent 3G coverage. I live on top of a hill and can litterally see the cell tower out my window. With a full 5 bars on my phone, the best I've managed is about 1.5Mbps. Definitely not shabby for a phone, but AT&T obviously still has some work to do just to get to the current 3.6Mbps that is theoretically possible.