iPhone ready for another close-up and World Mode
A new report from OTR Global says Apple plans to release a UMTS/CDMA hybrid iPhone in the third quarter of 2010. If true, the new iPhone will play nice with Verizon’s network and spell an end to AT&T’s exclusivity contract in the U.S. — which is already slated to end sometime next year.
The report also notes the new phone has a larger screen and smaller body, which is consistent with photos that surfaced on iLounge last June. The device would be manufactured by Taiwan-based Asustek subsidiary Pegatron.
The developer of these displays, Host Optical, has demonstrated what it touts as a “projected capacitance touch panel,” complete with an assortment of features that it believes are much better than the ones presently being utilized in the first generations iPhone. If we believe the company, the displays have “no significant” aging effect—they don’t get progressively less sensitive over time—and are promoted to be more durable than alternatives, waterproof, plus resistant to high humidities and temperatures. Since one of the major concerns over current-generation iPhones is the continued touch sensitivity of their screens, Host’s version could be an important improvement.
A “worldmode” iPhone would be an amazing victory for Apple. The device could support any major carrier worldwide. Apple wouldn’t need to sell different versions of the iPhone to support different networks, and would most likely see a big time acceleration in sales.
This news could be bad for AT&T, which has been dissed by Apple and users alike for poor coverage, dropped calls, delayed MMS support, and lack of tethering. I’m not sure how much sympathy is left for AT&T anyway.
The OTR report says Verizon and Apple have already reached an agreement to sell the new iPhone next year, despite Verizon’s recent advertising attacks on the iPhone.
There’s no doubt that switching to Verizon might solve some issues with poor coverage and dropped calls, but users might have to pony up an additional $30 a month for a 5GB monthly “unlimited” tethering plan and $15 a month for exchange service.
