AT&T to cut plan cost of next iPhone?

Stephen Withers
Friday, 08 May 2009 12:08

Your IT - Mobility

Instead, tethering may be disabled once a monthly limit (5G?) is reached. Heavy users may be encouraged to use a dedicated 3G modem rather than tethering.

(Answer me this: why do carriers try to charge one price for data delivered for consumption on a handset, another price for tethering, and yet another when a USB or other modem is used? It just doesn't make sense, except as a way of screwing a few extra dollars out of the poor customer.)

Apart from the new software features (which will apparently be available as an upgrade for existing iPhone 3G owners), what will Apple come up with to make the 2009 model attractive?

The iPhone was quite distinctive when it first arrived, but from a styling perspective other manufacturers are now equalling Apple. Don't downplay the importance of fashion in the mobile market.

Expected changes such as a video camera largely represent Apple's efforts to catch up with the competition, and are unlikely to win new converts.

Can the Cupertino kids pull another rabbit out of the hat?