Waiting for the 2009 iPhone 3.0

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 18 May 2009 13:04

Opinion and Analysis

On June 8, the world will learn even more about the iPhone OS 3.0, Mac OS X “Snow Leopard” 10.6, and hopefully some clues to the actual 2009 iPhone and other iPhone-like designs at Apple’s WWDC. So far, the rumours around the iPhone 3.0 hardware sound a lot less “insanely great” than the iPhone 3.0 OS itself…

When Steve Jobs announced the iPhone in January 2007, a truly revolutionary hardware and software platform was launched, with Jobs claiming that what he had was 5 years ahead of the competition.

It’s clear to see that Apple truly has delivered on that promise, excelling in handheld computing capabilities and user interfaces, while in iPhone 3.0 finally delivering on making the iPhone as great a phone as it is an amazing handheld computer.

Of course, there’s much to yet be achieved, including proper multi-tasking, but competitors are still far behind in the interface and software arena.

Windows Mobile 6.1 phones and devices have many features missing from the iPhone, but the iPhone OS 3.0 plugs some of those gaps, and the upcoming iPhone 3.0 device will inevitably do the same.

But what will be added to the iPhone 3.0 hardware, and what will be left out?

Although there are plenty of rumours, including a high-end model with 32GB or even 64GB of RAM, a 3.2 megapixel digital camera (and 5.0 megapixel cameras on future iPod Touches), the possibility of an FM receiver that can receive data bursts and FM radio, 802.11n Wi-Fi and video editing capabilities, none have been in any way confirmed, as per usual. 

Removable memory slots, removable batteries and a front facing camera for video calls are expected to be ignored by Apple, sadly.

What else do the rumour mongers say? Please read on to page 2…