iPhone 3.0 listings show four all-new iPhone, iPod touch models
Tucked within Apple's iPhone 3.0 beta firmware are hardware strings that mention not one but two unreleased iPhone models as well as similar changes in store for the iPod touch.
An exploration of device strings by the same source that correctly leaked MMS and tethering ahead of Apple's iPhone 3.0 preview event now finds that there are at least four and as many as six new devices in the pipeline that would share OS X iPhone as their foundation.
Again speaking to Boy Genius, the insider notes that the previously discovered iPhone 2,1 has been joined by iPhone 3,1 as well as iPod 2,2 and iPod 3,1. As Apple always uses the first number in these device identifiers to refer to major revisions, the naming schemes allude to a second major reworking of the iPhone in testing at Apple as well as a minor revision of the current iPod touch and a third-generation overhaul.
The original iPhone shows in these listings as iPhone 1,1, while the iPhone 3G appears as iPhone 1,2 -- a minor upgrade to an existing design. The first- and second-generation iPod touch show as 1,1 and 2,1 respectively.
What an additional iPhone revision would involve isn't clear. Despite persistent claims of a smaller and lower-cost iPhone, Apple has publicly embraced a one-size-fits-all approach and has shot down rumors when brought up by one analyst in its latest fiscal results conference call.
Potentially more intriguing are two new devices that don't fit into either the iPhone or iPod categories. One, referred to as iProd 0,1, is a complete mystery and suggests an early prototype rather than a finished device. An iFPGA device doesn't include any model revision numbers but appears to reference a field-programmable gate array, or a chip whose functions can be reprogrammed either by the user or the manufacturer after it's created.
It's unclear whether these are actual placeholders for future products, references to individual components for other devices, or else serve an entirely different purpose. However, the sudden ballooning of device string entries hints that iPhone 3.0 may be used as the foundation for a much larger platform expansion rather than a simple upgrade for Apple's existing handhelds.
An exploration of device strings by the same source that correctly leaked MMS and tethering ahead of Apple's iPhone 3.0 preview event now finds that there are at least four and as many as six new devices in the pipeline that would share OS X iPhone as their foundation.
Again speaking to Boy Genius, the insider notes that the previously discovered iPhone 2,1 has been joined by iPhone 3,1 as well as iPod 2,2 and iPod 3,1. As Apple always uses the first number in these device identifiers to refer to major revisions, the naming schemes allude to a second major reworking of the iPhone in testing at Apple as well as a minor revision of the current iPod touch and a third-generation overhaul.
The original iPhone shows in these listings as iPhone 1,1, while the iPhone 3G appears as iPhone 1,2 -- a minor upgrade to an existing design. The first- and second-generation iPod touch show as 1,1 and 2,1 respectively.
What an additional iPhone revision would involve isn't clear. Despite persistent claims of a smaller and lower-cost iPhone, Apple has publicly embraced a one-size-fits-all approach and has shot down rumors when brought up by one analyst in its latest fiscal results conference call.
Potentially more intriguing are two new devices that don't fit into either the iPhone or iPod categories. One, referred to as iProd 0,1, is a complete mystery and suggests an early prototype rather than a finished device. An iFPGA device doesn't include any model revision numbers but appears to reference a field-programmable gate array, or a chip whose functions can be reprogrammed either by the user or the manufacturer after it's created.
It's unclear whether these are actual placeholders for future products, references to individual components for other devices, or else serve an entirely different purpose. However, the sudden ballooning of device string entries hints that iPhone 3.0 may be used as the foundation for a much larger platform expansion rather than a simple upgrade for Apple's existing handhelds.
Comments
Maybe the iPod 2.2 and iPhone 2.1 are Nano designs based on current-gen technology, while the iPhone 3.1 and iPod 3.1 will be getting the hardware overhaul.
for once, apple is having a laugh at us, the string PRODDERS.
c'mon, everyone. let's laugh with apple laughing at us.
shares back up to 150 before we know it!
iProd?
for once, apple is having a laugh at us, the string PRODDERS.
c'mon, everyone. let's laugh with apple laughing at us.
shares back up to 150 before we know it!
Hopefully Apple doesn't start sending cease and desist orders to all stores that claim to sell "Products" because it sounds too much like iProd. Just like they did for Podium versus iPod.
All I know is that I'll be watching the model numbers from whatever gets announced this summer with great interest. If they're working on iPhone 3,1 already at this early date I'd feel mighty leery about picking up an iPhone 2,1.
+1, might be satisfied with the 3.0 software update whilst remaining on my cheap unlocked contract and hold out for a potential 3,1. Interesting stuff.
Could iProd be the purchase of the forthcoming firmware 3.0 for previous-gen iPhones?
I figure it's a code name something different that we haven't seen yet, ie: "the next 'i' Product".
iPod, iPhone.. the release name could easily be iBook or iPad, or whatever.
All I know is that I'll be watching the model numbers from whatever gets announced this summer with great interest. If they're working on iPhone 3,1 already at this early date I'd feel mighty leery about picking up an iPhone 2,1.
Weird version numbers huh?
I wouldn't be surprised to see them jump straight to 3 with the iPhone. They did it with some of their iLife applications to bring them in line. Good idea to pay attention to those numbers though.
iProd?
for once, apple is having a laugh at us, the string PRODDERS.
c'mon, everyone. let's laugh with apple laughing at us.
shares back up to 150 before we know it!
Probably short for "iProduct"... meaning, a test name.
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles...y_product.html
Hey, got an idea for ya', d-D: DON'T BUY IT! Don't upgrade from Tiger to Leopard! Don't upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard! Don't buy anything from anybody! THAT'll show 'em!
Hopefully Apple doesn't start sending cease and desist orders to all stores that claim to sell "Products" because it sounds too much like iProd. Just like they did for Podium versus iPod.
iProd?
for once, apple is having a laugh at us, the string PRODDERS.
c'mon, everyone. let's laugh with apple laughing at us.
shares back up to 150 before we know it!
I want it back at $200. Won't be satisfied until then..... my rule is, no more than 2 shares of AAPL per iPhone.... er.... iProd...
Probably short for "iProduct"... meaning, a test name.
That was my first thought too. They were just testing the ability to quickly add new products
to the OS (although that, in itself, is encouraging
I wonder if the iFPGA device is there as a test of allowing device makers to have access to
the dock connector??????
iProd
Lots of Google results for iProd along these lines:
iProd
Aha! You may be onto something
If I'm not mistaken FPGA's are a lot more expensive than a regular fixed function chip and are really only used for prototyping. It's unlikely that the iFPGA is going to be a real product, especially one that end users can reprogram.
Insert Papermaster HW here. Though it would be cool if it were an FPGA-based production unit. Shape-shifting hardware, how green is that?
McD