New iPhone Firmware Update 2.0 Provides Some 3G iPhone Clues (2008)

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If there still was any doubt that a 3G iPhone is coming soon, this new settings screenshot should provide some clarity. This iPhone settings screen with a 3G toggle switch (see image) was found in the latest beta release of the iPhone’s 2.0 firmware.

3G iPhone Clues

In April, Apple released beta version 3 of its iPhone SDK. Hackers found that the new firmware contains references to an updated chipset—namely, the SGOLD3H from Infineon. This chip adds support for 3G networking, including WCDMA – the 3G flavor used in Japan and Korea.

So according to Apple’s SDK and Firmware updates, a 3G iPhone is definitely coming very soon.

Apple’s stores are also indicating that a new iPhone is coming soon. While the Apple stores have been having a shortage of iPhones for a couple of weeks now, the Apple website now is also saying there is no ship date available.

Also, AT&T employees have already suggested a release date of June 15th for the new 3G iPhone.

Add all these clues up and it’s a pretty safe bet to say that the new 3G iPhone is coming out either late May or early June.

Why Would You Want To Turn Off 3G?

So why would you want to disable 3G on your new 3G iPhone? Because 3G drains cell phone batteries very quickly. In this screenshot, Apple has included a toggle setting to turn 3G off, and use AT&T’s slower but more battery-friendly EDGE network instead. Probably a very useful feature if you are almost out of juice.

How Much Will The New 3G iPhone Cost?

The 3G iPhone has been rumored to have a starting price even higher than the original iPhone at $599 for the 8GB and $699 for the 16GB. No word on whether the data plans will remain the same with the new 3G data speeds.

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