Apple Said To Be Working On 'World-Mode' iPhone

[Mobile Mike]

From CNET: Apple said to be working on 'world-mode' iPhone | Wireless - CNET News

The latest posting to suggest an imminent rapprochement between Verizon and the iPhone comes from the AppleInsider blog, which on Friday said that it's gotten wind of Apple having contracted to build a Verizon iPhone that would debut in the third quarter of 2010. More broadly, according to AppleInsider, the new "hybrid iPhone" will work on both the GSM/UMTS and the CDMA systems, meaning that Apple will be able "to sell a single global handset to all carriers, and specifically to Verizon Wireless in the US." In the U.S., carriers AT&T and T-Mobile are in the GSM/UMTS camp, while Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel are in the CDMA camp.

This is just a rumor, but still, it's a rather interesting development. I guess we'll see if there's any reality to this rumor next Summer when it's likely Apple refreshes the iPhone again (as they've done regularly since the phone's 2007 initial release).

[viewfly]

The research note also identified the new phone as having a 2.8" screen, which is significantly smaller than the current iPhone's 3.5" display.

Last summer, component pictures indicating the development of a smaller 2.8" iPhone model appeared on the web next to the standard 3.5" parts currently in production, and a Chinese-language newspaper reported that an upcoming model of the iPhone would be smaller and lighter.

Without any mention of both larger and smaller versions in OTR's report, it appears but has not yet been confirmed that next year's iPhone will scale down in size while also gaining compatibility with all major mobile networks.

[viewfly]

Verizon's DROID, cancelation fee launch

Verizon's merciless attacks on AT&T's 3G network coverage in ads spoofing the iPhone's "there's an app for that" slogan were another factor which left some observers to think that Verizon could not possibly be in talks with Apple to sell the iPhone anytime soon, but the OTR report indicates that Verizon and Apple have already hammered out an agreement to sell the new iPhone model within the year.

Verizon recently launched two smartphones aimed squarely at the iPhone: the BlackBerry Storm 2 and Motorola Droid. At the same time, the provider also announced a new cancelation policy that charges users a hefty $350 when they attempt to back out of contracts involving "advanced devices."

Last year, the company found little lasting enthusiasm from users who assumed that the original Storm would be closer to the iPhone in terms of features; whether the new fee is an attempt to penalize unsatisfied users or to profit from switchers next year, it may result in users rethinking their purchases right now.

With reports breaking the news that Verizon will be selling the iPhone within the year, sales of the Storm 2, Droid, and next year's Palm Pre may end up repressed if customers decide they'd rather wait for the iPhone to arrive instead of facing the prospect of a major cancelation penalty and the loss of their subsidy credit by buying an alternative device now.

Droid reviews have largely described it as a second place alternative for users who want to stick with Verizon. That being the case, the prospect of a Verizon iPhone appears poised to deflate Droid sales this holiday season.

[viewfly]

The news might not be good for AT&T either, considering that many users have switched to AT&T solely because they wanted to get the iPhone. The availability of a Verizon iPhone may cause AT&T buyers to hold off on new purchases until they see what kinds of competitive deals AT&T and Verizon will offer once the iPhone's exclusivity with AT&T ends next summer and the new "worldmode" iPhone appears.

It does however give AT&T a year to improve its 3G network and roll out the 3G MicroCell before being hit with mass defections from iPhone users irate over service issues. AT&T can still advertise that its 3G network is faster than Verizon's CDMA2000 coverage, and that it offers some features that CDMA2000 does not, including simultaneous voice and data and easy to use, multiple party conference calling.

AT&T has struggled to keep up with the pace of iPhone development, failing to immediately implement iPhone 3.0's MMS and tethering features, and remaining unable to take advantage of the faster 7.2 Mbps HSPA data potential of the iPhone 3GS. The threat posed by a "worldmode" iPhone should push AT&T to deliver a year of high priority network upgrades, and potentially result in more competitive service plans.

[viewfly]

Sorry, forgot to give the reference for the above posts:

AppleInsider | Report: Apple to launch Verizon iPhone in Q3 2010

Charylee, thanks for the clean up of my double post before.


VF

[Steve B]

Well, if this information and pictures are correct. I am not necessarily happy that they are making it smaller. To me, screen real estate is important to such devices as the iPhone. They should keep it the same size. Changing it could cause people to say "nevermind...I'll stay with AT&T".

[viewfly]

Maybe the move from the 3.5" to 2.8" is an request/attempt to increase the battery life.
I agree, I would not be happy either.

But I think the reading of this rumor is that ONE device would be made for all carriers. So staying with ATT would not keep the larger screen.

Any thoughts?

[Steve B]

Originally Posted by viewfly Maybe the move from the 3.5" to 2.8" is an request/attempt to increase the battery life. I agree, I would not be happy either. But I think the reading of this rumor is that ONE device would be made for all carriers. So staying with ATT would not keep the larger screen. Any thoughts?

Good point, if it was one-for-all...AT&T would also have the smaller one. However, they need to make a longer lasting battery and/or give us better control of the device.

Its just a smaller screen is ridiculous. Correct me if I'm wrong but, couldn't they change the kind of display that they use so it is more energy efficient? I forgot what that kind of screen tech is called.

[hme83]

Originally Posted by Steve B Good point, if it was one-for-all...AT&T would also have the smaller one. However, they need to make a longer lasting battery and/or give us better control of the device. Its just a smaller screen is ridiculous. Correct me if I'm wrong but, couldn't they change the kind of display that they use so it is more energy efficient? I forgot what that kind of screen tech is called.

Is it AMOLED you are thinking of?

[Steve B]

Originally Posted by hme83 Is it AMOLED you are thinking of?

That rings a bell. LOL Thanks.

[hme83]

Originally Posted by Steve B That rings a bell. LOL Thanks.

LOL. You're welcome. At&t's Samsung Impression (a877) has an AMOLED display, so you'd think that technology could be used rather than reducing the display size.