On June 9, 2008, Apple unveiled the new iPhone 3G, which combines all the groundbreaking features of the iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast as the first generation iPhone. It also includes built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software that supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs hundreds of third-party applications built with the recently released iPhone SDK.
In the US, the new iPhone 3G is priced at $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. The iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries later this year, starting with customer availability in 22 countries on July 11, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US.
iPhone 3G
Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO, announced the release of the new iPhone 3G just one year after the original iPhone. He mentioned that the new iPhone 3G is twice as fast and half the price. Additionally, he highlighted that the iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, runs third-party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in over 70 countries worldwide this year.
The iPhone 3G offers users quicker Internet and email access through quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA, providing voice and data connectivity globally. It supports Wi-Fi, 3G, and EDGE networks, seamlessly switching between them for optimal download speeds. Additionally, the new iPhone 3G enables multitasking with simultaneous voice and data communication, allowing you to browse the web, use map directions, or check emails while on a call.
The iPhone 3G comes with the latest iPhone 2.0 software, which includes the iPhone SDK and important enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support for push email, contact, and calendar syncing.
It also offers remote wipe and Cisco IPsec VPN for secure access to corporate networks. The iPhone SDK enables developers to build incredible applications that make use of the iPhone’s innovative Multi-Touch™ interface, animation technology, accelerometer, and GPS technology on the most advanced mobile platform in the world.
The iPhone 3G comes with the new App Store, offering iPhone users a wide range of native applications across different categories such as games, business, news, sports, health, reference, and travel.
You can access the App Store on your iPhone through cellular networks and Wi-Fi, making it convenient to purchase and download applications wirelessly from anywhere. Plus, some apps are free, and you’ll receive notifications from the App Store when updates are ready. The App Store will be accessible in 62 countries upon its launch.
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The iPhone 2.0 software offers a range of new features, such as real-time mapping and GPS tracking, the ability to mass move and delete email messages, search for contacts, access a scientific calculator, enable parental control restrictions, save images from the web or email directly to your iPhone, and easily transfer them to your Mac® or PC photo library. The iPhone 3G provides an impressive 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and 5 hours on 3G, with up to 5 to 6 hours of web browsing, 7 hours of video playback, and 24 hours of audio playback.
The iPhone 3G utilizes MobileMe™, an innovative Internet service that syncs email, contacts, and calendars from the online “cloud” to native applications on iPhone, iPod® touch, Macs, and PCs. MobileMe email ensures that messages are instantly delivered to the iPhone, eliminating the need to manually check for new emails and wait for downloads. Additionally, push technology ensures that contacts and calendars are always up-to-date across all devices, so any changes made on one device will automatically reflect on others. Moreover, with the iPhone, you can easily capture a photo and share it directly to a MobileMe Gallery to keep your friends and family in the loop.
The iPhone 3G is set to launch in the US on July 11, with the 8GB model priced at $199 (US) and the 16GB model at $299 (US) in Apple and AT&T stores. Customers will need to sign a new two-year contract with AT&T to qualify for the purchase. The iPhone 2.0 software will also be available on July 11 as a free update for all iPhone users through iTunes® 7.7 or later. For more details on pricing and availability of the iPhone 3G in the US and worldwide, please visit www.apple.com/iphone.
- Speeds may vary depending on site conditions, as determined by 3G and EDGE testing.
- The purchase of iPhone 3G (8GB) and first generation iPhone (8GB) requires a new two year AT&T rate plan, sold separately.
- Apple has been a pioneer in the personal computer industry since the 1970s, and continues to lead in innovation with its computers, OS X operating system, and digital media products like the iPod and iPhone.