Sturdy-jawed tech tyke and PiperJaffray analyst Gene Munster has been stirring up rumors again with his latest prediction that Apple will launch a “budget” iPhone at the beginning of 2009, priced between $200 and $300, as part of a rapid expansion plan designed to drive sales over the next two year. Expecting the lower-cost model to hit stores by the end of January 2009, Munster suggests that by that point Apple will have three distinct smartphones in the iPhone range, one of which will be the 3G iPhone and another the company’s attempt to move beyond the $400 price point. It’s possible that this higher-cost iPhone could be the much-rumored iPhone-style tablet, although Munster did not suggest that in his report.
“The iPhone is the driver with the greatest potential. We believe the iPhone will replace the iPod as a driver of significant growth for the company” Gene Munster, analyst, PiperJaffray
As for the 3G iPhone itself, Munster anticipates that hitting stores at some point between June and September “with new features”; it’s possible that this is the version the analyst suggests will launch, at some point in 2008, in Canada, Mexico, Australia, Italy and Japan. He hedges his bets regarding a Chinese launch, citing the stumbling negotiations as key problem.
Gene predicts that these new markets could “effectively double” the iPhone’s potential market each year, pegging total sales during 2009 at 45 million.
[via Electronista]
yes like PJs predicted that the PS3 would outsell the Wii. A+ for effort
As with the larger iPods, Apple seems willing to accommodate those users who do not mind a bulkier device that all “all the bells and whistles.” I’ll bet the $400+ has 3G, GPS and a bigger battery. Maybe even video and audio recording.
The lower-priced model would essentially be today’s phone and a 3G would be in in a similar form-factor, but with 3G and maybe one additional differentiator like video. Might be slightly larger for a little more battery?
Just my guesses.
i think, making the camera higher mega pixel would be a huge step for iphone and ofcourse flash should be included. video recording and longer battery life.
more pixel camera would be great.
The 3rd generation Iphone should include, better battery, better camera, flash, a tad thinner, and MMS
I think it’s good to have faster processor, a Graphic card for smoother graphics. and capabilities to switch between apps. I am bothered when I play games and suddenly someone calling, Sometime the apps will not save itself…. I also want a better battery life. better camera will also be appreciated, although actually 2MP is good because I don’t have to compress the picture before I upload it.
I would like to see MMS, and also the ability to choose SMS and MMS alerts a mix of both ringtones and alerts. Blackberry allows this it should be an ability of the iphone as well.
I have heard the 3rd gen iphone will be launched late in April.
1.PLEASE…BEGGN APPLE DONT LIKE IT WHEN TEXTPOPup..so everyone can see…example: if you let a person use your phone for any reason…if you have a personal text..it will pop up for them to read…NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!
ANOTHER THING!!!! if your phone is locked….and you lose it…a person can still make calls to run up your bill… not good!!
I would love to see MMS on the new iPhone! i wa so tired of not being able to semd pictires but i found an app on the app store that allows me to send 10 free pictures. Another useful feature is a warranty that you don’t have to pay for. My iPhone’s screen cracked for no reason and I was going to have to pay $300 to have it replaced and I don’t even know what happened to it.
They should make one worth it’s price. Without the AT&T bullshit.
@chunchine: No warranty? Where do you live?
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