What would a 3G iPhone mean?

[Traxan]

I've done my reading, and I understand the networks and all. But it strikes me that a 3G iPhone is more of a strategic move to open up other markets around the world (namely Japan).

The main question on my mind is, if I get an iPhone now and there is a next gen, will the old ones be upgradeable, or are we talking all new hardware? I had an iPhone for all of 4 days before having to return it against my desire (very long story) and really want one now.

 

[chr1s60]

I've done my reading, and I understand the networks and all. But it strikes me that a 3G iPhone is more of a strategic move to open up other markets around the world (namely Japan).

The main question on my mind is, if I get an iPhone now and there is a next gen, will the old ones be upgradeable, or are we talking all new hardware? I had an iPhone for all of 4 days before having to return it against my desire (very long story) and really want one now.

There really isn't a definite answer to your question since none of us really know what the next gen iPhone will have. I can tell you that some of the software that will be on the next gen iPhone may end up being available in a software update for the current iPhone(Charged upgrade?). There will also probably be things like 3G and increased storage, which current owners will not be able to upgrade to because it is a hardware issue.

 

[anti-microsoft]

There really isn't a definite answer to your question since none of us really know what the next gen iPhone will have. I can tell you that some of the software that will be on the next gen iPhone may end up being available in a software update for the current iPhone(Charged upgrade?). There will also probably be things like 3G and increased storage, which current owners will not be able to upgrade to because it is a hardware issue.

If the iPhone/iPod touch get software updates just like the Mac (OS X Upgrades . Ex: Tiger -> Leopard) Than that would be awesome!!!

 

[MacGeek7]

I would also think that  would purposefully withhold certain software upgrades from first generation iPhone/iPod touch users just like they did with software upgrades between different generations of previous iPods like putting gapless playback only in 5G iPods and newer.

 

[ert3]

For us state side i doubt a 3G iPhone will mean much considering how piss pour the coverage is here.

Edge made more sense for the launch of the iPhone because its more ready available in more countries.

True some countries where left out due to having mainly 3g only networks but we in EDGE coverage zones outnumber them.

If you really want to know what a 3G iPhone means then check the 3G coverage in your area to see if it really should even matter to you.

 

[anti-microsoft]

I would also think that  would purposefully withhold certain software upgrades from first generation iPhone/iPod touch users just like they did with software upgrades between different generations of previous iPods like putting gapless playback only in 5G iPods and newer.

Yeah but since the iPhone/iPod touch run OS X...then it could be different...

 

[MacGeek7]

Yeah but since the iPhone/iPod touch run OS X...then it could be different...

True but on that note then there are features in Leopard that aren't in Tiger so they might charge for some software upgrades

 

[anti-microsoft]

True but on that note then there are features in Leopard that aren't in Tiger so they might charge for some software upgrades

Thats what an upgrade is all about:

Apple makes up/develops new features-> they show/demonstrate them to us-> We all go "wow thats amazing!" and go off and buy the damn thing!

 

[MacGeek7]

yep...that's why I'm still waiting for iPhone 2.0
I'm hoping for iChat, 802.11n Wi-Fi, slightly better camera, and larger flash size

 

[Traxan]

The big question mark is how many things will be hardware vs. software. If they add WiFi, likely since the Touch has it, then iPhone 1.0 is obsolete.

Man it drives me nuts. Every other tech company talks about product plans way down the road. We know what Intel is doing for the next 4 years. Apple won't say what they are doing next week.

 

[chr1s60]

If the iPhone/iPod touch get software updates just like the Mac (OS X Upgrades . Ex: Tiger -> Leopard) Than that would be awesome!!!

I think this will be what happens. When the next iPhone is released with new software and everything, I think G1 users will be able to upgrade to the new software for somewhere between $30-$50. If the new features are worth it and the price wasn't much higher than that, I would definitely upgrade.

The big question mark is how many things will be hardware vs. software. If they add WiFi, likely since the Touch has it, then iPhone 1.0 is obsolete.

The iPhone already has WiFi. The only hardware things I can think of would be 3G, increased storage, better camera w/ a different location, and a different processor.

 

[Traxan]

So 3G can be added without requiring new hardware?

 

[Shredster00]

So 3G can be added without requiring new hardware?

No, 3G does need new hardware