Next iPhone set for arrival

 

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Posted on 5 Jun 2008 at 12:43

Apple is set to unveil a new version of the iPhone. The follow-up to the successful first model is expected to be the main attraction at Apple's developers' conference on Monday 9th June.

The new iPhone will include a set of new programs and will provide support corporate e-mail. It will also keep some of the successful features from the original version, such as the touch-sensitive screen, wireless internet access and media functions.

"The thing for Apple is to be able to leverage the iPhone for further innovation, or they run the risk of being the next (Motorola) RAZR, which was iconic in its own way, but for which innovation did not come fast enough," said Shiv Bakhshi, director of mobility research for market research firm IDC.

Although details of the specifications of the iPhone remain sketchy, analysts are expecting the device to have 3G capabilities. "I see 3G as important for the U.S. but essential for overseas," said analyst Avi Greengart of Current Analysis. "It will be appreciated by technology enthusiasts and anybody who wants to get fast web browsing outside the hot spots."

Apple is also launching the iPhone "applications store", which will allow iPhone users to buy programs made by developers outside of Apple. This marks a u-turn by the company, which initially blocked third-party software from the device.

"That's important for developers who can now build this out as a critical platform for Apple," said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst with Jupiter Research. "The potential here is sort of unlimited."

There is also speculation that the device will be available at a much lower price than the original and include the ability to download songs from iTunes using the cellular network, rather than having to be connected to a Wi-Fi network to get music from Apple's online store.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota