Testing agency certifying new 4GB, 32GB iPhones?

[AppleInsider]

A standards body greenlighting cellphones for carriers has supposedly approved four new iPhone models, including a new 32GB model as well as an unusual 4GB version. A Canadian rumor is now said to be showing the smaller-capacity device.

The PCS Type Review Certification Board was said on Monday to have approved new 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions of Apple's handsets for use with AT&T.

While most have expected a 32GB model due to advances in technology, Engadget's "trusted" source for the purported leak notes that the range of storage levels is unusually wide for Apple, which until now has never had more than two capacities on sale at a time. It sold 4GB iPhones for just three months, dropping the lowest capacity in September 2007.

The company also has a history of always upgrading the feature set of its devices with each new introduction rather than it scaling back for the sake of a new model, further casting doubt on the apparent update.

Unless the claimed certification is referring to both old and new models, however, the approval would support notions that Apple is moving capacity both upwards and downwards to catch the largest audience possible. Analysts have called for lower-priced iPhones but have until now had little to no corroborating information other than a desire for their existence as part of a market share grab.

The news comes as a purported insider at Canadian provider Fido has leaked a roadmap slide that claims Apple is introducing a 4GB iPhone. It would cost $99 on a plan, according to Boy Genius Report, but would still have the same 3G and 2-megapixel camera. No mention is made of GPS or Wi-Fi, however. The device is listed as supporting "video calling" through an iChat app and is highly suspected of being a fake.

Supposed roadmap image of a 4G iPhone destined for Fido. | Image credits: Boy Genius Report.

AT&T for its part has focused less on the price of individual phones and more on the possibility of cheaper capped data plans that shed unlimited access for a lower, more accessible monthly fee.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[addabox]

If true, I can't see where an 8GB model could be anything but a $99 phone (it seems reasonable to assume that the current $199 slot will be taken by a 16GB model), which might suggest that a 4GB model (if actually sold in the US) would be free.

That would certainly change the dynamic now, wouldn't it?

[brucep]

Originally Posted by addabox

If true, I can't see where an 8GB model could be anything but a $99 phone (it seems reasonable to assume that the current $199 slot will be taken by a 16GB model), which might suggest that a 4GB model (if actually sold in the US) would be free.

That would certainly change the dynamic now, wouldn't it?

My head will explode with allL these iphoneus up dates

So if true then the itouch is going to 64g ??


TIC TOC



9

[ThatSoCALguy]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

A standards body greenlighting cellphones for carriers has supposedly approved four new iPhone models, including a new 32GB model as well as, unusually, a 4GB version.

The PCS Type Review Certification Board was said on Monday to have approved new 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions of Apple's handsets for use with AT&T.

While most have expected a 32GB model due to advances in technology, Engadget's "trusted" source for the purported leak notes that the range of storage levels is unusually wide for Apple, which until now has never had more than two capacities on sale at a time. It sold 4GB iPhones for just three months, dropping the lowest capacity in September 2007.

The company also has a history of always upgrading the feature set of its devices with each new introduction rather than it scaling back for the sake of a new model, further casting doubt on the apparent update.

Unless the claimed certification is referring to both old and new models, however, the approval would support notions that Apple is moving capacity both upwards and downwards to catch the largest audience possible. Analysts have called for lower-priced iPhones but have until now had little to no corroborating information other than a desire for their existence as part of a market share grab.

AT&T for its part has focused less on the price of individual phones and more on the possibility of cheaper capped data plans that shed unlimited access for a lower, more accessible monthly fee.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

Dear AI,


It appears that the 4GB iPhone is true. New evidence is supported by Boy Genius Report's photo taken image of a 4GB iPhone. The rumored $99 iPhone would feature quad-band GSM, tri-band HSDPA and a 2 megapixel camera. Do post this in your updated report of the mysterious 4 models of the new upcoming iPhone. This must point to one of the rumored lower-ended models of the iPhone.
Here's the link:http://www.boygeniusreport.com/

Regards

[lightstriker]

That's too many models. Apple usually keeps it to 2 or 3 models to reduce costumer confusion.

[P L]

4GbIf true, probably aimed toward the young. MMS, iChat, Facebook, 2mp Camera etc. "Or China".

[Tac22]

Originally Posted by ThatSoCALguy

Dear AI,


It appears that the 4GB iPhone is true. New evidence is supported by Boy Genius Report's photo taken image of a 4GB iPhone. The rumored $99 iPhone would feature quad-band GSM, tri-band HSDPA and a 2 megapixel camera. Do post this in your updated report of the mysterious 4 models of the new upcoming iPhone. This must point to one of the rumored lower-ended models of the iPhone.
Here's the link:http://www.boygeniusreport.com/

Regards

not only all that...... but it says video calling....????? look at the pic

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/...oadmap-leaked/

or here it is

[Tac22]

and take note that image is not actual product... so the chrome bezel still may be black in the next gen

[ThatSoCALguy]

Yes but we are still in the dark regarding full specs and design on the upcoming iPhone. True? False? Only time will tell until Apple officially sheds some light and reveals the "new" iPhone.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by lightstriker

That's too many models. Apple usually keeps it to 2 or 3 models to reduce costumer confusion.

They could be for different markets. But I don't know who that standards body is for...

[Cubert]

"The company also has a history of always upgrading the feature set of its devices with each new introduction rather than it scaling back for the sake of a new model."

Ummm....didn't Apple do exactly that when they introduced the iPod mini and the iPod shuffle? Both had less memory than their predecessors.

[MTO]

I hope like hell the iPhone doesn't go cheep! I like it being exclusive I don't want everyone and their brother having the same phone as me. I want them to remain jealous because their to cheep to pay for the jesus phone. Grrr
I hope the 4 gigger is for other countries and get the 32 and 16.
Oh and I am hoping that bezel is a frosted (sand blasted) chrome like every other aluminum product Apple makes. If this would be the case then with the matt back the phone would almost perfectly match my iMac.
From what I can tell from those pictures floating around the chrome logo and all the other stuff is not polished silver like on the current handset.

[andrewmcg]

what if the 4gb device isnt an iphone but a tablet device with a 3G module built right in. then it would need to go through certification just like a phone would. the low capacity makes sense given that such a device wouldnt be primarily used for carrying around copious amounts of music.

the carriers seem to be quite pleased with the netbooks on sale with 3G built in because they can offer the hardware for free up front and then charge a hefty monthly fee. such a tablet device would fit exactly with that sales model.

[macslut]

It makes no sense for Apple to come out with a 4GB iPhone. Very few people would buy it, and the cost savings would be insignificant...I'd bet it would even cost more since there would be costs associated with having the additional model, and lost sales due to people not buying as much media and apps from Apple.

[ZenTigerpaw]

Originally Posted by MTO

I hope like hell the iPhone doesn't go cheep! I like it being exclusive I don't want everyone and their brother having the same phone as me. I want them to remain jealous because their to cheep to pay for the jesus phone. Grrr

Ok, that's funny. Doesn't everyone and their brother have an iPod these days? This will be no different and, infact, help Apple.

[Chris_CA]

Notice the "ad" doesn't mention the App store.
I would think the APp store is on of the biggest drivers of the iPhone.
However, since Apple is not getting rich off the apps, so they could make an inexpensive phone and not lose anything from App store sales.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by macslut

It makes no sense for Apple to come out with a 4GB iPhone. Very few people would buy it, and the cost savings would be insignificant...I'd bet it would even cost more since there would be costs associated with having the additional model, and lost sales due to people not buying as much media and apps from Apple.

Plus, if the linked photo is to be believed, it would have video chat, necessitating an additional front facing camera, while still being specced as having a 2MP main camera.

So, bare bones hardware to hit a price point, but somehow including an all new front facing camera? Can't see it.

[ecking]

The fido thing is probably true, the people at fido are morons, thus the video calling mistake.

[kernkraft]

Three years' contract is just too long. Who wants a commitment that lasts for almost a third of a decade? Also, a 'cheapo' iPhone would be pretty expensive for 99USD on a three year contract. Apple might be playing with us. There is just too much manipulation with these iPhone and next-year netbook-like devices. Or the MB Air, for that matter!

[floccus]

Originally Posted by andrewmcg

what if the 4gb device isnt an iphone but a tablet device with a 3G module built right in. then it would need to go through certification just like a phone would. the low capacity makes sense given that such a device wouldnt be primarily used for carrying around copious amounts of music.

the carriers seem to be quite pleased with the netbooks on sale with 3G built in because they can offer the hardware for free up front and then charge a hefty monthly fee. such a tablet device would fit exactly with that sales model.

Except that a tablet would more than likely require even more on board memory b/c of the internal space available. Apple doesn't like having expanded memory capability, so to produce a tablet that would logicallyb e priced between a Macbook and the iPhone (before any subsidy) would mean having the storage capacity fall between those ranges as well. What would be the point in having a bigger screen if you can't hold more movies, tv shows, etc than you can already hold on the iPhone?

The only way this should be real is if its going to be a free with contract deal that also features a cheaper data plan to really bring in more customer. Think about it, Apple wants to sell higher margin products. Its ATT that wants more people locked in to 2 year contracts.

[charlituna]

Originally Posted by ThatSoCALguy

Yes but we are still in the dark regarding full specs and design on the upcoming iPhone. True? False? Only time will tell until Apple officially sheds some light and reveals the "new" iPhone.

yep. this is all just rumor. heck we don't KNOW there is going to be new phone hardware at this point. it seems likely but it ain't fact until Apple tells us what's up.

i for one hope the data plan thing is true. I'd love to pay a bit less for a 'capped' plan and then turn off the freaking 3g (my roommate gets lousy 3g in our neighbor and just switched to edge with his blackberry) and use wifi for my data thanks to our apartment net and like 30 copy shops and coffeehouses around us (and around work)

[MacTripper]

Apple is just covering it's bases with all these models.

Jobs are still declining and people might well only be able to buy the 4GB model with stripped features and lower monthly fees.

Of course the smart people will buy the model with the most memory, this way they avoid the problem of having to need more space later, thus being able to keep their iPhone longer.

IMMO Apple is going to decide based upon what people are buying and switch gears a few weeks/months after release.

I'm excited about this iPhone, Apple has decided what people want and put those features it into this version.

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by macslut

It makes no sense for Apple to come out with a 4GB iPhone. Very few people would buy it, and the cost savings would be insignificant...I'd bet it would even cost more since there would be costs associated with having the additional model, and lost sales due to people not buying as much media and apps from Apple.

Well, there can be a benefit to having a scaled down, cheap phone that no one wants. The adds can say "Get an amazing iPhone for only $49 (with contract)" and it could bring in to the stores folks who want a iPhone, but can't see paying more up front. Then when they get in the store: "well, that is a good phone, but for just XXX$ more you can have more memory and a faster processor and..." Cha ching--you sold a 200$ iPhone (with contract) to someone who never would have entered the store to spend that kind of money...

That has not been Apple's game in the past, but an argument can be made that it would work well in the cell phone arena...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by addabox

If true, I can't see where an 8GB model could be anything but a $99 phone (it seems reasonable to assume that the current $199 slot will be taken by a 16GB model), which might suggest that a 4GB model (if actually sold in the US) would be free.

That would certainly change the dynamic now, wouldn't it?

The 4GB extra NAND doesn’t cost anywhere $99, so unless Apple also reduces other components I can’t see that option if the 8GB is $99 and identical in every other sense.

Originally Posted by P L

4GbIf true, probably aimed toward the young. MMS, iChat, Facebook, 2mp Camera etc. "Or China".

The China variable may not be relevant to this post as it relates to a standards body in the US, perhaps one of the radio testing companies that works in conjunction with the FCC. Perhaps they’d test it in the US and then again in China, but I’m thinking that would not be likely unless the 4GB model is also planned for the US market.

Originally Posted by Tac22

and take note that image is not actual product... so the chrome bezel still may be black in the next gen

I’d figure that the chrome bordered models would be the higher-end versions and the chrome-less models would be the lower-end. This is my guess based on the less attractive mock ups I’ve seen without the chrome, but what do I know, I think the Zune HD looks nice.

Originally Posted by Cubert

Ummm....didn't Apple do exactly that when they introduced the iPod mini and the iPod shuffle? Both had less memory than their predecessors.

Those other devices were completely different classes of PMPs geared toward different types of customers, not just customers wanting to spend less.

[al_bundy]

Apple better not price the 32gb at $399. Or they will open themselves up for another whippin like they got in the 1990's.

If the 32gb is more than $299 come next week I'm going to buy a return 16gb 3g and wait until microsoft or palm comes out with something.

New xbox features announced today are nice

[al_bundy]

Originally Posted by macslut

It makes no sense for Apple to come out with a 4GB iPhone. Very few people would buy it, and the cost savings would be insignificant...I'd bet it would even cost more since there would be costs associated with having the additional model, and lost sales due to people not buying as much media and apps from Apple.

Just for the apps
I bought a 16gb for my wife and it's too much for her. And most music can be had streamed over the Internet

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

Apple better not price the 32gb at $399. Or they will open themselves up for another whippin like they got in the 1990's.

If the 32gb is more than $299 come next week I'm going to buy a return 16gb 3g and wait until microsoft or palm comes out with something.

You may be disappointed. Using the iPod Touch prices released last September, the 8GB is $229, 16GB is $299 and the 32GB is $399. I don’t know how much NAND has come down since last year and we can assume that the next iPhone will have a better camera, faster CPU, and more RAM.

It would be nice if the 32GB iPhone matched the current 16GB iPhone price, but I don’t think that the price of 16GB NAND last year equals the price of 32GB NAND this year. And if the AT&T’s lowers their bottom-tier required pricing plan it may mean that the initial cost of the HW for the higher-end models will go up, which could be a reason why Apple is also releasing more models.

[al_bundy]

this is tech, every year you're supposed to get more for same price or less money

flash came down in price, a lot. check newegg for usb flash drive prices

and the touch isn't paid for over 2 years like the Jesus Phone

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

this is tech, every year you're supposed to get more for same price or less money

flash came down in price, a lot. check newegg for usb flash drive prices

and the touch isn't paid for over 2 years like the Jesus Phone

1) Tech getting cheaper does not mean that it will necessarily double speed/capacity every year at that same price point.

2) You have to consider the other HW changes potentially arriving in the device, not just the capacity. (eg: ARMv7 Cortex-A8, double RAM, higher category HSDPA, HSUPA inclusion, higher Mpx camera, better CMOS, higher resolution display, denser battery, magnetometer, sonic screwdriver)

3) The iPhone is paid for every month to Apple, it’s AT&T that is making their initial subsidization loss back every month for two years. Hence my comment regarding initial price changes if AT&T changes their plan options.

4) Please don’t refer to gadgetry as a divine being, it’s just a tool.

[addabox]

Originally Posted by solipsism

The 4GB extra NAND doesn’t cost anywhere $99, so unless Apple also reduces other components I can’t see that option if the 8GB is $99 and identical in every other sense.

As I said in another thread, Apple doesn't tier its prices according to component costs, it tiers its prices to maximize up-sell.

[al_bundy]

Originally Posted by solipsism

1) Tech getting cheaper does not mean that it will necessarily double speed/capacity every year at that same price point.

2) You have to consider the other HW changes potentially arriving in the device, not just the capacity. (eg: ARMv7 Cortex-A8, double RAM, higher category HSDPA, HSUPA inclusion, higher Mpx camera, better CMOS, higher resolution display, denser battery, magnetometer, sonic screwdriver)

3) The iPhone is paid for every month to Apple, it’s AT&T that is making their initial subsidization loss back every month for two years. Hence my comment regarding initial price changes if AT&T changes their plan options.

4) Please don’t refer to gadgetry as a divine being, it’s just a tool.

i remember when PC's cost $5000

every year it was faster, more memory, less money. every new generation of chips is cheaper to make than the last generation.

cheapest 32GB flash card is $90 at NewEgg. Apple is probably paying no more than $20. about the same price as 16GB cost last year. chips are no twice as dense

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

i remember when PC's cost $5000

every year it was faster, more memory, less money. every new generation of chips is cheaper to make than the last generation.

cheapest 32GB flash card is $90 at NewEgg. Apple is probably paying no more than $20. about the same price as 16GB cost last year. chips are no twice as dense

Yet none of that states that capacity doubles every year while maintaining the same pricepoint.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by addabox

As I said in another thread, Apple doesn't tier its prices according to component costs, it tiers its prices to maximize up-sell.

Good point.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

i remember when PC's cost $5000

every year it was faster, more memory, less money. every new generation of chips is cheaper to make than the last generation.

cheapest 32GB flash card is $90 at NewEgg. Apple is probably paying no more than $20. about the same price as 16GB cost last year. chips are no twice as dense

What part of this portion of solipsism's post did you not understand: "2) You have to consider the other HW changes potentially arriving in the device, not just the capacity. (eg: ARMv7 Cortex-A8, double RAM, higher category HSDPA, HSUPA inclusion, higher Mpx camera, better CMOS, higher resolution display, denser battery, magnetometer, sonic screwdriver)".

Please take a moment to actually read things before spouting off.

[Dunks]

Originally Posted by MTO

I hope like hell the iPhone doesn't go cheep! I like it being exclusive I don't want everyone and their brother having the same phone as me. I want them to remain jealous because their to cheep to pay for the jesus phone. Grrr
I hope the 4 gigger is for other countries and get the 32 and 16.
Oh and I am hoping that bezel is a frosted (sand blasted) chrome like every other aluminum product Apple makes. If this would be the case then with the matt back the phone would almost perfectly match my iMac.
From what I can tell from those pictures floating around the chrome logo and all the other stuff is not polished silver like on the current handset.

I wouldn't worry too much about your iphone experience being exclusive. Your command of the English language is sure to invoke the jealousy of the masses. Grrr indeed.

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by MTO

I hope like hell the iPhone doesn't go cheep! I like it being exclusive I don't want everyone and their brother having the same phone as me. I want them to remain jealous because their to cheep to pay for the jesus phone. Grrr
I hope the 4 gigger is for other countries and get the 32 and 16.
Oh and I am hoping that bezel is a frosted (sand blasted) chrome like every other aluminum product Apple makes. If this would be the case then with the matt back the phone would almost perfectly match my iMac.
From what I can tell from those pictures floating around the chrome logo and all the other stuff is not polished silver like on the current handset.

Can someone translate?

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by lightstriker

That's too many models. Apple usually keeps it to 2 or 3 models to reduce costumer confusion.

It is actually one model and 4 configurations. ;-)

I'm more interested in the possibility of a 64Gb iPod Touch.

[al_bundy]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

What part of this portion of solipsism's post did you not understand: "2) You have to consider the other HW changes potentially arriving in the device, not just the capacity. (eg: ARMv7 Cortex-A8, double RAM, higher category HSDPA, HSUPA inclusion, higher Mpx camera, better CMOS, higher resolution display, denser battery, magnetometer, sonic screwdriver)".

Please take a moment to actually read things before spouting off.

The exact same thing happened with computers. 1994 a $5000 computer had no network card, no modem, no 3d graphics, no cd, etc. Every year the price dropped, more memory, more storage and the newest gizmo was now included and it cost less than the year before.

My work issued blackberry 8330 has a video camera. And that's like the cheapest bb around

[anantksundaram]

Originally Posted by al_bundy

The exact same thing happened with computers. 1994 a $5000 computer had no network card, no modem, no 3d graphics, no cd, etc. Every year the price dropped, more memory, more storage and the newest gizmo was now included and it cost less than the year before.

OK. Good point.

[MacTripper]

Originally Posted by anantksundaram

Can someone translate?

Yes, I'm fluent in over 6 million forms of communication.

It's a strange dialect...

...I think he said he likes the iPhone and will buy one of each version to place in his secret closet shrine.