How long until the 2nd generation?

[ThaCarter]

How long do you guys think it'll be until a newer iphone drops? I've been hearing 6 months, but that sounds too soon.

[iMagic]

There is word out that a 3G one (that's 3G phone technology, not 3rd gen iPhone) will be out in October.

[Surf Monkey]

There may be a 3G iPhone before the end of the year, sure. But it won't have any other features than that. I'd expect at least a year before any changes are made to the hardware. More likely that several firmware updates will come along before any significant hardware changes.

[riddlemd]

I expect that the 2g phone will be locked to one of the european cell companys and will not work in the US.

[paranoidxe]

6 months? I don't think Apple is going to focus on a new generation iPhone for at least a little while. 6 months would be a slap in the face to all those who already got the iPhone.

The video iPod is the next one that needs a product update..and we'll be lucky to see that in 6 months.

[Surf Monkey]

Agreed. Apple knows that they've locked people into two year contracts with this thing. They're not going to update the hardware for at least a year, maybe closer to 18 months. They'll release firmware updates but they won't be changing the hardware any time soon.

[iPoD15]

There is word out that a 3G one (that's 3G phone technology, not 3rd gen iPhone) will be out in October.

How soon do you think we'll know? I'm 99% sure I'm getting an iPhone and I'm eligible for a new phone in Sept. I would assume it's worth waiting?

[riddlemd]

Seriously people, we (as in American's) will not be able to use the 3G version it will be locked to a European cellphone company (Our current 3G network infostructure in the US sucks ### and could not support the stress that the iphone "2g" would put on it.) Currently people with 3g phones are a minority (Being the phones are expensive and the starting rate plan is like $39.99 just for Unlimited data, that is not counting your minutes plan.) Most of them are corprate users that don't stream youtube videos contently (which will be what happens if the iphone goes 3g)

If you want an iPhone, get one.

[Surf Monkey]

Agreed. 3G on iPhone isn't coming to America for at least two years, maybe more.

Mark my words. All updates for the next 12 months (at least) will be firmware/software based. And it's very likely that Apple will release a fair number of these, just like Sony is doing with the PS3.

[iPhoneDude]

I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Surf Monkey... a 3G iPhone would be great, but they aren't going to release new hardware for a few years, probably not until their AT&T contract is up which is 2 years I believe. While EDGE sucks, I'm thrilled with the WiFi support which for me is most places I go.

[deftdrummer1]

keep being content with your first generation iphones people. Nobody on here save for a few even gave valid reasons why there will be no iphone "not for at least a year maybe longer". C'mon people what makes you think longer than a year? The iphone already lacks many features that "ordinary" cell phones have and nearly all of the high end phones have. Some examples would be voice dialing, 3G etc. Nothing new here, so why are people so reluctant to admit that there might be an iphone v2 sometime soon? I mean shoot, look at the ipod release dates they are all almost exactly one year apart.

There are just too many things lacking on the iphone the first go around that would eliminate the possibility of a second generation in the near future. I'm not an iphone "hater" even though I'm sure I will get called that. I'm not saying there will be for sure a new iphone within the next year but you guys shouldn't be so closed minded.

[riddlemd]

keep being content with your first generation iphones people. Nobody on here save for a few even gave valid reasons why there will be no iphone "not for at least a year maybe longer". C'mon people what makes you think longer than a year? The iphone already lacks many features that "ordinary" cell phones have and nearly all of the high end phones have. Some examples would be voice dialing, 3G etc. Nothing new here, so why are people so reluctant to admit that there might be an iphone v2 sometime soon? I mean shoot, look at the ipod release dates they are all almost exactly one year apart.

There are just too many things lacking on the iphone the first go around that would eliminate the possibility of a second generation in the near future. I'm not an iphone "hater" even though I'm sure I will get called that. I'm not saying there will be for sure a new iphone within the next year but you guys shouldn't be so closed minded.

Why would they release a "2nd gen"? 90% of the features missing are software related only thing they would update hardware wise is the radio so you can get 3G. and as I've stated time and time again vast the great divide that is the internet... AMERICA DOES NOT HAVE THE 3G INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT 700,000+ AVID YOUTUBE STREAMING USERS!
CITATION (http://digg.com/apple/600_000_iPhone_Activations_with_AT_T)

[Surf Monkey]

deftdrummer1: If you're expecting a rev 2 iPhone any time soon, you're going to be dissapointed. There's really no reason to update the hardware for at least the next year. Apple knows that they just locked all 1.0 buyers into a two year contract. The last thing they want to do is alienate all those people by bringing out a new version of the iPhone before their contract is even half way expired. Apple wants people to upgrade the hardware every time they release a new version. Therefore it stands to reason that no major changes will happen for a year to 18 months. If anything, the only hardware change I see happening over the next year is a possible capacity upgrade, but that's all. As I said above, it's FAR more likely that Apple will upgrade the 1.0 iPhone with several firmware/software updates long before a new round of hardware comes out. Remember: iPhone is not an iPod. Looking to the iPod revision cycle doesn't really tell you anything about the life span of the 1.0 iPhone.

[Eric Lewis]

id say...2 years exact..so the day peoples 2 year contract is up which would be the 29th for alot...then a new one would be out..it would be funny

[riddlemd]

id say...2 years exact..so the day peoples 2 year contract is up which would be the 29th for alot...then a new one would be out..it would be funny

Makes sense to me, I know I'd get a new one at the end of my 2 year.

[greenjbhsd]

I agree on most responses. I was thinking closer to 1.5 years, but 1.5 or 2, still a while away. As was pointed out, what most people are saying the phone is missing appears to be software related. The EDGE network will most likely be around a long while too since it is established in the states.

[zabopiti]

I can not wait v2. I have purchase an 8GB unit.
Maybe the v2 will be smaller and cheapter.

[Sowelu]

Why is everyone bringing up the ‘AT&T 2-Year Contract’ when speaking of the next generation iPhone?

What’s the connection between the next generation iPhone and AT&T’s contract? If Apple will release the ‘iPhone 2’ in 6, 12, or 18 months, are you suggesting that I couldn’t simply buy it within my two year contract and just use the new iPhone with the same service? Why not? Is AT&T going to make me keep the 'iPhone 1'?

The iPhone is not a subsidized phone like the Motorola’s of the world – so AT&T doesn’t have a hold on it, so I thought it was safe to assume that we can buy whatever we wish from Apple and use it on their service (not breaking any contract).

If we can’t just pop the SimCard into a new iPhone (like other cell phones), I am sure AT&T wouldn’t have a problem switching your existing number and account to the new upgraded phone/account that you just purchased from Apple, to run on their service.

Please, tell me why anyone would think otherwise – as I plan to upgrade to my iPhone with new Apple releases (as I do with my iPods).

[Surf Monkey]

Why is everyone bringing up the ‘AT&T 2-Year Contract’ when speaking of the next generation iPhone?

What’s the connection between the next generation iPhone and AT&T’s contract? If Apple will release the ‘iPhone 2’ in 6, 12, or 18 months, are you suggesting that I couldn’t simply buy it within my two year contract and just use the new iPhone with the same service? Why not? Is AT&T going to make me keep the 'iPhone 1'?

They'll likely make you pay for another activation and they'll reboot your two year contract when you upgrade to the new iPhone.

The iPhone is not a subsidized phone like the Motorola’s of the world – so AT&T doesn’t have a hold on it, so I thought it was safe to assume that we can buy whatever we wish from Apple and use it on their service (not breaking any contract).

That's not relevant. The issue is that Apple probably isn't going to upgrade iPhone's hardware as frequently as they do iPods.

If we can’t just pop the SimCard into a new iPhone (like other cell phones), I am sure AT&T wouldn’t have a problem switching your existing number and account to the new upgraded phone/account that you just purchased from Apple, to run on their service.

Again, when you upgrade your phone, you'll pay for a new activation your two year contract will be rebooted.

Please, tell me why anyone would think otherwise – as I plan to upgrade to my iPhone with new Apple releases (as I do with my iPods).

It's very likely that Apple and ATT want you to go for at least a year on the current hardware before you upgrade. Is that really such a huge problem for people? Why the rush to throw out your new iPhone and get another one in less than 12 months?

[joeylang]

I hope that they wait atleast 18 months, because if they wait a year and a bad as one comes out, there is no way i am gonna be able to get it. 18 months would be alright because i could get it for christmas next year, but no way they can release it in a year. Like many people have said, it would just ####s iphone users off. I wouldnt be suprised if they followed the same timeline though and in like january 2009 anounce the 2g version and then come out around june again. This would be ideal for me.

[Sowelu]

They'll likely make you pay for another activation and they'll reboot your two year contract when you upgrade to the new iPhone.



That's not relevant. The issue is that Apple probably isn't going to upgrade iPhone's hardware as frequently as they do iPods.



Again, when you upgrade your phone, you'll pay for a new activation your two year contract will be rebooted.



It's very likely that Apple and ATT want you to go for at least a year on the current hardware before you upgrade. Is that really such a huge problem for people? Why the rush to throw out your new iPhone and get another one in less than 12 months?I am not in a rush to get rid of my iPhone (I am actually obsessed with it). It will be the best iPod, Phone and PDA that I've ever owned once they do just a few software updates (iChat, Copy & Paste, more mail options, etc.).

I was just concerned with what would happen when Apple *does* put a new one out (whether it be 6, 12, or 18 months from now). In other words, I was concerned that AT&T would say, ‘If you want a new phone, you’ll have to wait until your contract is up’, or something like that.

I am sure AT&T will wave activation fees and so on for existing customers (what’s another $35 anyway), but the contract reboot is pretty much a given. However, if AT&T is still the only iPhone carrier at that point, then I won't have a problem starting from the beginning again.

I wonder how they'll handle the SIM/Account/Number swap? I guess I'll worry about that when the time comes.

[Surf Monkey]

Waive activation? Highly unlikely. ATT didn't waive mine when I bought iPhone 1.0. I don't see why they'd waive it for 2.0.

[riddlemd]

Waive activation? Highly unlikely. ATT didn't waive mine when I bought iPhone 1.0. I don't see why they'd waive it for 2.0.

Well if they don't update the SIM information there are already hacks out there that allow you to activate your iPhone and use it with out a sim.(can't make calls or serf on EDGE, but everything else works.)

I would guess a week or two after the release of a "2g" (I still laugh to my self when I think about it.) there will be a hack to do the same.

[pohatu771]

keep being content with your first generation iphones people. Nobody on here save for a few even gave valid reasons why there will be no iphone "not for at least a year maybe longer". C'mon people what makes you think longer than a year?
Apple can't approach cell phones like they approach iPods. If they've sold 1 million phones already, that's about 999,000 people that won't upgrade their phone before their contract expires. The reaction to a new phone will never be as strong as this time around, but introducing a new one in less than a year (as a replacement, not an addition to the line) would be ridiculous.

The current customers are tied in for 2 years, at least. New customers can join at any time. There's really very little that can be improved on the hardware that most people need. I think the biggest demand for 3G is the people who spend their time online and talk about it. My mom, my sister, my friends... none of them know what 3G is.

MMS messaging is a software update. Most of the things that are stopping people I know from buying it (except for the price) are software- the only thing that's not software is the AT&T service- because Verizon is a near-universal provider around here.

[Surf Monkey]

Well if they don't update the SIM information there are already hacks out there that allow you to activate your iPhone and use it with out a sim.(can't make calls or serf on EDGE, but everything else works.)

I would guess a week or two after the release of a "2g" (I still laugh to my self when I think about it.) there will be a hack to do the same.


Hacking the phone is a little different from ATT waiving the activation fee, isn't it?

[servognome]

A true 2.0 iPhone I wouldn't expect for 2-3 years.
Based on how the iPhone is being marketed, it is most comparable to the RAZR. So I would expect a 3G line of iPhones to be released in the US in about a year (Europe will probably receive them at launch). Also expect small incremental hardware updates every 9 months along the lines of more memory, improved camera, etc.

What's great about the iPhone is most of the power lies in the software, which means Apple can continually improve many of the features through new firmware.