Guide Note
Apple's iPhone, the latest incarnation being the iPhone 3G, combines the functionality of an Internet-enabled cell phone with that of an iPod media player. In addition to the usual suite of communication features on a mobile phone, the iPhone can access the Internet via its EDGE or 3G wireless data connection. The iPhone's multi-touch touchscreen also comes equipped with gesture recognition software that allows for navigation using intuitive hand motion.
Fast Facts
- Manufacturer: Apple
- 8GB Price: $199 (with 2 year contract)
- 16GB Price: $299 (with 2 year contract)
- Debut: June 29, 2007
- Current version: iPhone 3G
- Release date: July 11, 2008
- Specs: 4.5 by 2.4 by 0.48 inches1
- Weight: 4.7 oz1
- Memory: 8 GB and 16 GB
- Connectivity: 3G, WiFi, EDGE, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR1
- Ringtones: Polyphonic and MP3
- Supports other music and video formats, including AAC, MP3, MP4 and QuickTime1
- Runs on iPhone 2.0 software, which adds numerous functions to the original iPhone operating system2
- Original iPhones can be upgraded to use the iPhone 2.0 software as well2
iPhone 3G
On June 9, 2008, Apple CEO Steve Jobs revealed the iPhone 3G at the 2008 WWDC conference. This latest version includes 3G, GPS and improved battery life. It is thinner than its predecessor and has improved audio. Available July 11, 2008, it also ships with the iPhone 2.0 software pre-installed.
First Generation iPhone
The first generation iPhone was highly anticipated in the months leading up to its June 29, 2007 release. On launch day AT&T stores experienced long lines with some customers lining up days before.3
Exclusivity
In each country where the iPhone was officially released, Apple granted a single carrier an exclusive contract to use the iPhone on its network. Customers who wished to purchase an iPhone would be locked in to a contract with that carrier.
Software Circumvention
Computer hackers found ways to unlock the iPhone, allowing it to be used on other networks. Automatic software updates by Apple were used to counteract these hacks, but analysts have estimated that 27% of iPhones in the U.S. were unlocked,4 either to be used domestically on competing wireless networks or to be used overseas.
Carriers
- Exclusive provider in United Kingdom: O2
- Spain: Telefonica (O2 owner)
- Germany: Deutsch Telekom
- France, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland: France Telecom's wireless division, "Orange"
- Switzerland: Swisscom
- Germany, Austria, Netherlands: T-Mobile
- Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia: TeliaSonera
- Italy: Telecom Italia
- Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Greece: Vodaphone
Top iPhone Pages
Related Pages on Mahalo
IPhone Update | IPhone Firmware 1.1.4 | IPhone Firmware 1.1.4 Jailbreak | 16GB iPhone | 3G iPhone | iPhone 2.0 Software Update | iPhone Accessories | iPhone Applications | IPhone SDK | Unlocked iPhone | IPhone Tips | IPhone Jailbreak | IPhone Dev Team | IPhone Dev Center | IPhone Revirginizing Tool | IPhone Best Buy | IPhone Safe Mode | Jonathan Ive | Apple In-Ear Headphones | Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
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