Apple May Release a $99 iPhone 3GS Soon

Ed Hardy · 11-06-2009, 01:02 PM

Apple is reportedly considering replacing the iPhone 3G in its lineup with a stripped-down version of the newer iPhone 3GS. This will supposedly have the same amount of storage as its predecessor, and sell for the same entry-level price.

When its third-generation smartphone debuted in June, Apple took an unusual step: it held on to one model from the previous generation and offered it at half price.

The iPhone 3G that's still in Apple's product line-up has 8 GB of storage, while the iPhone 3GS currently starts at 16 GB. According to an unconfirmed report, AT&T will soon have an 8 GB version of the 3GS for $99.

The newest version of the iPhone and its predecessor are nearly identical, but the iPhone 3GS does have some enhancements. If Apple and AT&T do release an 8 GB version, it would have a significantly faster processor and a better camera than the current entry-level iPhone.

If this report is correct, the $99 iPhone 3GS with 8 GB of storage will be available from AT&T before the holiday shopping season is over.

More about the iPhone
Since the debut in 2007, Apple has improved the features of its smartphone, but not tremendously changed them.

Every version released so far has been the same general size and shape, has an HVGA, capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and GPS.

All iPhones have the ability to run native third-party applications that have been approved by Apple. In addition, they are able to connect to Microsoft Exchange for corporate email service.

In addition to the changes mentioned earlier, the iPhone 3GS supports a quicker version of 3G than its predecessor.

Source: BGR

Related Articles:

Antoine Wright · 11-06-2009, 04:01 PM

After the device price gets below a certain point, its all about the services and the strength of the platform to enable people to continue to be high revenue drivers.

I wonder if this is a signal of the natural effect of the iTunes platform - though I wouldn't have suspected it so fast with the cellular component of the iPhone - moreso than a sign of Apple wanting to do a deeper job of entrenching their platform to people making decisions based more on current/short-term economies, rather than anything longer term.

RobbM · 11-10-2009, 05:45 PM

I know I'm going to upgrade to the 3GS soon (from my original iPhone. Yes, I hang on to things...), and if a "stripped down" version is available for $99, I may just go for that. Of course, what does "stripped down" mean? No magnetometer? Fine. No GPS? OK, now you getting into questionable territory. There have been lots of apps I would've liked to have taken advantage of but they required GPS.

I'll have to think about this.....

Ed Hardy · 11-10-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbM

Of course, what does "stripped down" mean?

That's my term, not Apple's. So far, "stripped down" only seems to mean an iPhone 3GS with 8 GB of storage, not 16 GB or 32 GB.

-

RobbM · 11-11-2009, 04:48 PM

So far, storage isn't a problem for me. Granted, I'm getting close to the top of my 8 gig, but that's largely because of the 3+ hr movie I have on there and a pretty long audiobook. If getting 8 gig instead of 16 saves me $100, then the "stripped down" version is very appealing.

Of course, if my current storage state and the fact that I've had this model since 2007 is any indication of the future, I probably should get a higher capacity model.

Ah. I'm upgrading in January, so likely the 8 gig won't be out by then anyway.