David Morton (mortonmanor)
Apple just announced the details of the 3G iPhone at the World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC). This new phone is just a bit thicker (.02 inches to be exact), but sports many new features ranging from the obligatory 3G high speed connections to GPS support to a ton of new features in the 2.0 software release.
Starting at $199 for the 8GB version and $299 for the 16GB, the 3G iPhone is around half the cost as the old version.
What they didn’t say…
While these updates are truly amazing (many of the new software features will be available free to existing iPhone users*), it was interesting what they left out. For example, there was no mention of AT&T nor whether they will be charging more for the high speed data connections.
Current iPhone users pay a $20 premium for unlimited data. When I visited Apple and AT&T after the announcement, the links to the existing plans were gone. I suspect that we will see the cost increase to around $35-$45/mo for the new, fast data access.
I have a call into AT&T to find out the scoop. In the mean time, what do you think?
[UPDATE 3:30 PST] AT&T’s iPhone web site still shows the old, 2G iPhone and related plans. But if you dig further into their press pages you find two press releases here and here. The first release contains this nugget:
- With a two-year contract, the price of an 8GB iPhone 3G will be $199; the 16GB model will be priced at $299.
- Unlimited iPhone 3G data plans for consumers will be available for $30 a month, in addition to voice plans starting at $39.99 a month.
- Unlimited 3G data plans for business users will be available for $45 a month, in addition to a voice plan.
New Data Rates and Voice Plans
While still lacking details, it is clear the faster data will cost at least $10/mo more. It also seems that they have added new voice plans so light phone users may be able to trim their bill.
What’s interesting is the chasm between the consumer and business data rates. Consumers pay $30/mo while enterprises will pay $45/mo. It will be good to hear what business users get for that extra $15/mo.
my iPhone was actually a gift from my girlfriend. i really love this phone and i think that this is the best phone that money can buy. i like the features and the design.