Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G

Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 9, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

The iPhone 3G features built-in GPS for expanded location-based mobile services and iPhone 2.0 software, which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync. In addition, hundreds of third-party applications already created using the recently released iPhone SDK can be used. In the United States, the new iPhone 3G will be available for just $199 in the 8 GB version and $299 in the 16 GB version.** The iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries during the year, beginning on July 11 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. “Just one year after the introduction of the iPhone, we’re launching the new iPhone 3G, which delivers twice the speed at half the price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, as well as the outstanding third-party applications created with the iPhone SDK, and it will be available in more than 70 countries worldwide later this year.” The iPhone 3G gives users the fastest access yet to the internet and email over cellular networks, using quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connections around the world. The iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to provide the fastest possible download speed. The new iPhone 3G also makes multitasking with simultaneous voice and data communication easier: users can browse the internet, get directions or check email while making a call. The iPhone 3G includes the new iPhone 2.0 software, which, alongside the iPhone SDK, contains additional features suitable for enterprise use. These include support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for wireless email updates, synchronization of contacts and calendars, Remote Wipe, and Cisco IPsec VPN for encrypted access to corporate networks. The iPhone SDK enables developers to create truly innovative applications that fully exploit the iPhone’s distinctive capabilities, including its groundbreaking Multi-Touch user interface, animation technology, accelerometer and GPS technology, on what Apple called the world’s most advanced mobile platform. The iPhone 3G includes the new App Store, which provides native applications to iPhone users. They are divided into a range of categories, including games, business, news, sports, health, reference and travel. The App Store on the iPhone works over both cellular networks and Wi-Fi. It is therefore accessible from almost anywhere, allowing users to purchase and download applications wirelessly and begin using them immediately. Some applications are even free, and the App Store notifies users when application updates are available. At launch, the App Store will be available in 62 countries. Additional features available with iPhone 2.0 software include the ability to use real-time mapping and track progress with GPS technology; move or delete multiple email messages at once; search for contacts; access a new scientific calculator; let parents, for example, set access restrictions for specified content; save images directly from a website or email them to the iPhone and then easily transfer them back to the photo archive on a Mac or PC. The iPhone 3G provides up to 10 hours of talk time on 2G networks and five hours on 3G, up to five to six hours of internet use, up to seven hours of video playback and up to 24 hours of audio playback. The iPhone 3G uses MobileMe, a new internet service that pushes email, contacts and calendars through “cloud computing” to native applications on the iPhone, iPod touch, Macs and PCs. With MobileMe, messages are transferred instantly to the iPhone, eliminating the need to check email manually and wait for downloads. Push also keeps contacts and calendars continuously up to date. Changes made on one device are therefore updated automatically on the others. Users can even take a photo with the iPhone and publish it directly to a MobileMe Gallery to share with friends and family. Pricing & Availability The iPhone 3G will be available in Germany from July 11; further details on prices and plans will be announced later. In the United States, the iPhone 3G will be available from July 11 at a suggested retail price of $199 for the 8 GB model and $299 for the 16 GB model through Apple Retail Stores and AT&T Retail Stores, and requires a two-year AT&T contract for qualified customers. iPhone 2.0 software will be available from July 11 as a free software update through iTunes 7.7 or later for all iPhone customers. Further information on availability and pricing in the United States and the rest of the world can be found at http://www.apple.com/iPhone.