Final iPhone 3.0 rumours

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 08 June 2009 17:13

Opinion and Analysis

The potential iPhone 3.0 hardware launch in just a few hours, along with a potential surprise appearance of Steve Jobs, is keeping the faithful buzzing in anticipation, already secure in the knowledge that Mac OS X 10.6 and iPhone OS 3.0 will be properly unveiled unto the world, while a new iPhone itself now (and not in a few weeks) is also expected!

Whether a brand new iPhone 3.0 launches in a few hours at the yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), a new iPhone for 2009 is a given.

Whether a larger “iPhone Tablet” will also make an appearance this year, or will be delayed until 2010 as analysts suggest is yet to be seen, but a 2009 iPhone is badly needed.

To start with, the latest apps are pushing the processing and RAM memory limits of the existing iPhone 2G and 3G models.

16GB is too small an amount of memory when the iPod Touch already offers 32GB and the Nokia N97 will offer it this month, too.

So, iPhone rumours have revolved around:

- a larger 32GB (but not, strangely, a 64GB) storage option
- a front facing video camera for iChat and 3G video calls
- potential new names: iPhone Video, iPhone 3GS
- a faster processor, possibly from new processor subsidiary PA Semi
- a faster processor could mean proper multitasking
- double the RAM (256MB)
- better battery life (despite that faster processor)
- sleeker cool new design, different rim
- more colours
- an FM transmitter
- a potentially re-positioned headphone socket
- a magnetometer/compass
- 3.2 or 5 megapixel camera with autofocus
- video recording
- onboard photo and video editing software
- possibly higher resolution screen
- possibly OLED screen (as sported by the Zune HD)
- a cheaper $99 model (still on a 2 year plan)

There’s still no removable battery rumour, nor any for removable storage, which is a shame.

Some kind of blockbuster iPhone Tablet launched in a few hours would knock everyone’s socks off, along with an iPhone 3.0, likely blitzing the TechCrunch tablet with amazing functionality (but a higher price), while the iPhone 3.0 hardware and software blitzes the market with the most sophisticated and advanced mobile computing and communications experience.

As noted, the iPhone Tablet/netbook may still be yet to come in several months time, but the iPhone 3.0 is certain. Now we just need Apple to deliver it, whether in a few hours or a few weeks -  preferably with Steve Jobs himself delivering the boom!