Lift in iPhone production, 3G coming

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 18 September 2007 05:41

Your IT - Mobility

Apple will step up iPhone production during the fourth quarter of calendar 2007 and introduce a 3G version during the first quarter of 2008, according to reports.

According to TheStreet, Apple is lifting its target for December quarter manufacturing from the previous goal of 1.54 million, but the information was attributed to an anonymous source and no indication was given of the magnitude of the increase.

The purported production buildup follows the hefty reduction in the iPhone price from $US599 to $US399. At the time, Apple CEO Steve Jobs said "We've clearly got a breakthrough product and we want to make it affordable for even more customers as we enter this holiday season."

Last week, Apple announced that one million iPhones had been sold in 74 days.

TheStreet also reports that a 3G iPhone will ship during the first quarter of 2008, attributing the information to "people familiar with the production plans." The report asserts that the new model will feature GPS.

A 3G version has been on the cards since the iPhone was revealed. Many carriers in Europe and Asia favour 3G for its higher data speeds and lower operating costs.

Apple is expected to reveal its first European carrier partners at an event in London later today.