In the
previous article I discussed the software/firmware changes in the 3G iPhone. This article will discuss the new 3G iPhone hardware, plans, and pricing.
The most obvious change in the 3G iPhone is the body style. The back of the phone comes in plastic that is similar to the traditional iPods. The 8GB variety ($199) is black and the 16GB variety ($299) is available in black or white. Also, there are some rumors that a Product (RED) iPhone, which would be red of course, could be coming out later this year, probably in time for the holidays. These prices reflect a dramatic reduction from the first generation iPhones, which were most recently selling for $399 for the 8GB model and $499 for the 16 GB version.
The new body has chrome metal side buttons instead of black ones. These apparently handle more smoothly and feel more solid. For those of you that have struggled with the first generation iPhone's headphone jack being recessed, this time it is flush with the body, so any standard headphone plug should work fine. The screen is the same size and the buttons and receiver are in the same place as before. First-hand accounts claim that the speakers on the bottom are of a better quality than before, though personally I was impressed with the first generation speakers.
What else comes in the box? Well first off, the standard Apple earbuds (with built in mic) will be included as before. Also, there will be a USB connector cord to sync and charge the 3G iPhone. The charger is included and is TINY compared to the original. It only has enough room for the prongs and the USB plug. The last thing in the box (beyond manuals and the standard Apple logo stickers) is a "SIM card removal device" (a fancy paper clip?).
A notable omission from the iPhone box this time is the dock, which will be sold separately for $29. It has been specially designed for speakerphone use this time.
Pricing plans vary by country, but in the United States, the 3G iPhone will operate under a regular service plan like all other phones sold by AT&T. This means a standard fee for minutes and an additional fee of $30 per month for data and text messaging. This is a $10 per month increase over the first generation iPhone's data fee. The current excuse for this fee hike is that 3G service simply costs more to set up and support (which is definitely true). Also, this helps cover the massive price drop mentioned above, which halves the current iPhone prices.
The new iPhones will be available in 22 countries on July 22nd and worldwide over the following months, eventually spanning 70 countries. I would suggest waiting a few days after launch though, as all activations will take place in-store, a 10-15 minute process that will undoubtedly bring lines to a crawl.