Second generation iPhone with 3G coming early 2008?
This verges on the border of rumour and reality, for I think that most people believe that a second-generation / export model of the iPhone will have 3G capability, if it's to compete with other handsets.
"Early 2008" is that which 'a Swedish firm has received assurances' about, according to Apple Insider. They seem a little surprised that Europe, at least, could get hold of a 3G model by January 2008, but it sounds highly plausible to me.
Whether it will be the first model that those outside the US see, or not, remains to be seen. Wil lthere be two iPhones, one with and one without 3G? After all, not everyone (so I've heard) is so bothered about 3G if they have decent wi-fi, and are more concerned about the entertainment potential of their mobile.
Apple Insider says:
Apple's choice of cellphone networks would obligate it to use a particular form of 3G known as High-Speed Download Packet Access (HSDPA). At first, this would seem to be something of a misstep: the standard has barely lifted off the ground in the Cupertino-based company's home turf. Only a handful of US cities currently offer AT&T's particular brand of 3G to subscribers.
It also makes the (obvious to us Europeans) statement:
Thankfully, HSDPA also happens to represent Apple's best shot at selling the iPhone beyond American borders. In Europe, cheaper data rates and widespread 3G networks encourage Internet access from smartphones to the extent that many cellphone giants lavish more attention on their phone lineups for that continent than anywhere else. Nokia's range toppers, for example, are often badged as "multimedia computers" rather than cellphones.
In related news, Apple Insider report that:
Representatives for Apple this week were said to be casing out a Unipart Trade Logistics-operated mobile phone repair centre in Europe to determine whether it would be suitable to handle iPhone repairs.The Nuneaton, England-based depot is reportedly used by UTL to handle after-market hardware and software faults from other mobile phone manufacturers and network operators.
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- iPhone basics: Which UK network will take the iPhone?
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