How would you change Apple's iPhone 3G?

It has technically been available for three weeks today (and a few hours in the US, but who's counting?), although we're confident quite a few of you are still waiting to actually hold your very own iPhone 3G. Still, those that have braved the excruciatingly long lines and got lucky with AT&T's apparently random Direct Fulfillment approach surely have something to say. We've already confirmed that firmware 2.0 has some serious issues that need dealt with, and aside from elaborating on those, what else would you have done differently with Apple's second handset? Would you have changed the overall design more dramatically? Finally included a user-removable battery? Used a casing material that wouldn't crack for no good reason under pressure? There's still time for your input to be heard before firmware 2.1 arrives (ahem, Apple?) -- sound off below!

[Eric @ Aug 1st 2008 7:03PM]

Lower the data plan (AT&T)
Add User requested features like copy/paste etc!

[Tinu @ Aug 1st 2008 7:19PM]

If iPhone could somehow make Engadget report less on iPhones ;-) j/k.

[check ur numbers @ Aug 1st 2008 7:27PM]

The cheapest BlackBerry/PDA Data service on AT&T is $35 a month...still think it's too expensive?

[Flashpoint @ Aug 1st 2008 7:34PM]

I wouldn't have a problem with the expensive data plan if I could be able to use the iphone 3G as a Wifi and 3G data tethering antennae for my laptop.

Do you know how happy people would be if they didn't have to buy a PC card or USB cellular modem and could just use the phone to fill in that duty?


The Battery life SUCKS. They need advanced Lithium Polymer.

[kevinm @ Aug 1st 2008 7:43PM]

I'd like if they offered Edge service for $20/month if that is even technically viable to just use the Edge service only. It's for those like me who live in an area (most of the U.S. in fact) that doesn't have at&t 3G.

[Stellar Developer @ Aug 1st 2008 7:46PM]

I'd start by taking off that ridiculous icon with one from sony

[Techie @ Aug 1st 2008 7:49PM]

Simple things that Apple can do to improve their iPhone. Better signal, 5.0 to 8.0 mp camera with recording abilities, flash, LED light bulb flash light, changeable battery, water proofing the device and give people the god damn option of changing their carrier!

[Patrick @ Aug 1st 2008 7:53PM]

MP means very little. It's lens size at this point, and iPhone has a better picture at 2 MP than other phones at higher.

[Asher Madan @ Aug 1st 2008 8:13PM]

UNLOCK IT FROM THE FACTORY!

[BLee @ Aug 1st 2008 7:56PM]

I don't even need high megapixels.. I just want a quick shutter.. and make one of the side buttons in camera mode to take a picture..

cut and paste would be nice..
bb msger? lol
30$ data plan is comparable to almost ANY other data plan in the US.. if you want a smartphone.. expect to pay for the data..

all carriers should lower txt msg plans.. its criminal how expensive they are..

[caleb @ Aug 1st 2008 8:13PM]

@blee
How bout I compare it to the 2.5G iPhones dataplan?

Hmmm... $20 vs. $30. "Um, no thanks, I think I'll stick with what I've got."

Drop the data plan back down to $20 and throw back in the txt messages and you've got another sale.

[Muhammed @ Aug 1st 2008 9:01PM]

Direct PC interface.
use as a Mass Storage Device.

[gletob @ Aug 1st 2008 11:26PM]

Put on Alltel
P.S. First OS X 86 post first time I used OS X

[mymaclife @ Aug 1st 2008 9:27PM]

When will it make coffee?

[d @ Aug 1st 2008 9:49PM]

@mymaclife
when it overheats

[AJC @ Aug 1st 2008 9:52PM]

Isn't this post the "How would you change Apples iPhone 3G?" Not, "How would you change at&t's voice and data plans?". Last time I checked the iPhone is on par if not cheaper monthly to own then any other PDA on a decent carrier with 3G speeds.*

Except for Canada. heh

[computer.dude.28 @ Aug 1st 2008 10:27PM]

Stop bitching about data plan prices. My HTC 5800 runs minimum $50/month and $75 if you want free evenings/weekends and unlimited text messaging. 250 minutes.

[Konstantin @ Aug 1st 2008 10:41PM]

With the device itself a removable battery would be a HUGE improvement. Also, please give the iPhone the 32GB capacity! As for software, more integration between applications would be welcome. For instance, make it possible to have a link to a facebook page in the phone book.

[Charles Watson @ Aug 1st 2008 11:43PM]

I'd like built in call blocker and the ability to forward a text would be nice. Also better security so any chick that see my phone cant get into my texts

[Max Savin @ Aug 2nd 2008 12:48AM]

It needs a file system like WinMo

[OQuaTanginWann @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:27AM]

Someone said the iPhone needs a call-blocker and they are right.

But there is a work-around.

First make a contact named Blacklist. Then make a 30 second or less mp3 of nothing. Then convert it to a ringtone via the iTunes renaming hack and assign it to the contact. It will still vibrate and light up when you get a call, but it's better than nothing.

[computer.dude.28 @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:44AM]

oh, I forgot to mention up there about my 5800, Canada.

[Prokanda @ Aug 2nd 2008 2:56AM]

yeah.... I pay $20 a month for unlimited data/bb messenger with pin support/REAL push e-mail on my blackberry... and $15/month for unlimited texting/pic messages on tmo with my curve on a FAMILY plan (covers all lines)...

so, $30 for the same thing on att and only coming with.. what.. 200 messages on their standard text pack? they can do better.. rather, they should do better.

[Dirk S @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:33AM]

Better battery life (even if it makes the device fatter)
Bug free and more responsive FW
Auto Focus camera, slightly higher res
Universal inbox for email
Cut and paste
Spotlight
Build in Spam filter
iChat camera at front (but this would only be meaningful with better battery life).
Allow apps to synch to to-dos and other stuff on Mac
Faster syncing (via cable)
No more hic-ups with (charging) with iPod certified equipment
Full bluetooth

[Rich @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:23AM]

I wouldn't change the iPhone, I'd change the idiot iPhone fanboys.

[nerdtalker @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:43AM]

1. Drop AT&T, it's killing you guys
2. At least CONSIDER making a CDMA version for the US. Verizon/Sprint needs love too, guys.
3. A2DP Bluetooth, Stereo. You've made a friggin mobile media center and blatantly held back this feature. Especially lacking on the iPod Touch version...
4. If you can't ditch AT&T, at least force them to bundle texts again. This is just plain extortion. Taunt us with iChat-like SMSing, and then rape us with the cost of it.
5. Fix the cracking
6. Longer battery life, way longer. Perhaps Power Savings/Balanced/High Performance settings like in OS X/other mobile platforms?
7. Fix Safari random crashing
8. Offer a non-commit price at the stores, and make your people actually know about it, so I can buy one and not walk out having to AT&T activate (I swear, I've gone in 3 or 4 times, told them it exists and that I will pay ANY AMOUNT, and get blank deer-in-headlights stares)
9. Tethering; do it. Out of box. I can already create a mobile WiFi AP on my WinMo device. Do it with Apple finesse.
10. FIX MOBILE ME
11. FIX MOBILE ME
12. FIX MOBILE ME (DID I MENTION, FIX MOBILE FAIL?)
13. Better signal quality reporting, and switch to EDGE voice when 3G signal is way too low. Honestly, sometimes EDGE (good signal) seems faster than 3G (bad signal). Figure that one out.
14. Stop lying about "double the speed, half the price," AT&T was the fine print which makes that a blatant lie.

[Meridimus @ Aug 2nd 2008 8:50AM]

Minimum monthly price in the UK is £30 for the "unlimited" data plan and about 4 messages and a slap.

Please, please, please let's have Adobe Flash player?!! I don't care how you do it, just bloody do it.

[kccboy2004 @ Aug 2nd 2008 11:07AM]

I think that it would be good to start again and try to get it right first time. mind you alpha testing is almost finished

[pgk @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:13PM]

Here's to hoping that painstakingly collecting all suggestions from the comments allow me to reply to the first post in this thread - if that's what I'm doing (praying to the comment system gods here).

Hardware changes:

- battery life
- better camera (2MP+, better lens, flash,autofocus, faster shutter,zoom hardware shutter button)
- changeable battery
- memory card slot
- more capacity
- front facing camera
- no more hic- ups with (charging) with iPod certified equipment
- A2DP bluetooth
- stereo speakers
- IR LED for use as TV remote
- back surface non- slippery and non- fingerprint sensitive
- include a dock
- haptic Feedback
- higher resolution screen
- allow game controller snap- on accessories
- fingerprint reader and strong encryption


Software changes:

- copy/paste
- video recording
- file system / mount as hard drive
- legal tethering
- Bug free and more responsive
- File browser
- easier switch to different mail account
- sync tasks, to do lists, notes
- faster syncing (via cable)
- editing word docs
- local file storage accessible between apps
- MMS
- sort email by sender, subject
- landscape keyboard everywhere
- turn by turn nav
- ‘Adobe’ Flash support
- ability to attach photos and files from within an email message
- undo function while typing
- text to speech engine for reading out SMS and E- Mail messages
- standard included voice dialing
- bluetooth sync options
- SMS Receipt Notification
- ability to put full res photos so you can actually make good use of the pinch zoom
- ability to delete/hide default icons
- keep my program icons where they are when updating.
- mail / message icon on the top status bar
- more useful "today" type of screen that shows appointments, to- dos, missed calls, etc.
- when a new email arrives, read the name of the email sender and the subject over the headset
- GMail Push
- iTunes Store access over 3G
- the ability to tap status icons at the top of the home screen and get information.
- agreement with Hulu so we can watch the stewart, Colbert, and 30Rock
- shortcuts to common actions (turn off WIFI, turn on VPN)
- open new tab" functionality in Safari
- ability for non- itunes audio apps to run in background
- fix backup speed
- open contacts with search mode and keyboard active
- more google maps functions, e.g. move waypoints, avoid tolls etc
- better calendar month view
- customize home button double click action
- context menus
- print via Bluetooth
- choice of browsers
- improved email handling (multiple signatures )
- HID BT Profile (to allow use with a BT keyboard)
- sound profiles (e.g. Silent, Pager, etc)
- VOIP, like Skype OVER 3G

[Ravi @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:48PM]

faster shutter for camera

lock certain applications

restrictions to display certain "notes" items

ability to delete photos (synched from itunes, not the ones created by the phone)

[xor24 @ Aug 2nd 2008 3:15PM]

@pgk
About the snap on game controller i see no reason a accessory using the 32-pin dock connector couldn't work as a dock conector (im not sure...)

[Fozzy Bear @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:40PM]

i'm sorry... i don't want native MMS app... let AT&T make the app and put it in the store for free or something... i don't need it and don't want it on my phone.

[Ken @ Aug 2nd 2008 10:17PM]

Just fix the constant !@#$ing reception issues with 3G turned on, instead of having your GENIUSES tell us to "just turn 3G off". I have dropped about 80% of my calls on 3G in the 3 weeks I've had the phone, in a heavily blanketed 3G area according to AT&T.

[skunkMG @ Aug 4th 2008 2:38AM]

yea, that's true, The plural for Genius is Genii though.

[BluesK1d @ Aug 4th 2008 10:46AM]

The iPhone is a decent piece of hardware already. Now iFanatics are another story...

[Matt T. Wakeling @ Aug 7th 2008 12:16AM]

For ALL THOSE PEOPLE with poor 3G reception, please visit

http://www.fixmy3giphone.com and log your issue.

The more complaints / reports of 3G poor reception we get the sooner Apple will at least admit there is a serious problem.

[LongshotX @ Aug 11th 2008 12:43PM]

Go Jaguars.

[Dyranios @ Aug 1st 2008 7:04PM]

Copy and paste, uncrippled bluetooth

[Saint @ Aug 1st 2008 7:19PM]

Stop with the copy/paste shit, please!! Come on, I can bet you'll only use it once!

[Khris @ Aug 1st 2008 7:35PM]

@ Saint

I'd use it several times to paste that you're a moron after each of your comments!

[Viakenny @ Aug 1st 2008 7:46PM]

uncrippled Bluetooth? just ask the RIAA.

[Rai @ Aug 1st 2008 9:10PM]

he means, ADD IN STEREO BLUETOOTH!!!!

[Abuzar Baloach @ Aug 1st 2008 10:51PM]

Dude, I use copy and paste on my RAZR!

[JAmerican @ Aug 1st 2008 11:22PM]

My Treo 800w has copy and paste and my Bluetooth is not crippled. Don't forget the $37 SERO plan I am on :) Unlimited Data, 500 minutes, FREE ROAMING!!

I LOVE SPRINT!

Low Ranked for sure :).

[Fozzy Bear @ Aug 1st 2008 11:44PM]

@ JAmerican

First, it's lame Treo.

Second, everyone has roaming included on the iPhone.

Finally, you're one Sprint's last remaining customers (due, in part, to customer service a la ETFs evidenced by court's ruling against them).

But, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

[JAmerican @ Aug 2nd 2008 5:50AM]

Fozzy,

Enjoy your extremely high monthly rates and taking out that loan to support it.

iPhone has too many limitations for a real Smartphone user :).

[liv @ Aug 2nd 2008 8:14AM]

Let's analyze what you guys are asking for and see which of your claims are at least feasible:

1) fix shit casing... doable!
2) use the iPhone as 3G modem... this is a software issue... doable! (holy crap, my 5$ HUAWEI work cellphone can act as a 3G modem and the iPhone can't????!?!?!??!?//)
3) lower AT&T plans and/or unlocked from factory... it could be done but that would defeat the Purpose which is... MAKING SHIT-LOADS OF MULLAAH!!
4) copy/paste, turn-by-turn GPS, editable iWork/Office documents, iChat that works in the background, compatible with every single social network conceivable by man... yeah whatever.. doable (or already available via alternatives)
5) Stereo Bluetooth... highly doable!
6) Bluetooth Object Push profile.. cannot be done! Apple interfaces your computer with the iPhone via iTunes it does not support Mass Storage and it will never support it because of its policy. Transfering files easily isn't doable. Plus why would you copy you media from one iPhone to another when you can simply buy music, movies and TV shows using iTunes... it would defeat the Purpose!
7) USB Mass Storage... see # 7)
8) Change the FUCKING HEADPHONES!!! for fuck's sake... a 10 $ pair of standard Creative earbuds is better than those crappy Apple earbuds...
9) that would be all... but keep in mind that you should thing reasonably... some things just can't (or rather WON"T) be done...

[Fozzy Bear @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:31PM]

@ JAmerican

a) they're not extremely high when compared globally or across most carriers...

b) no loan needed... my income supports my lifestyle... but since you're of the mindset a loan for the iphone is required... your income must be leave something to be desired... which is why you're with sprint, on a treo, with a $30 plan... but again, that's not a jab... just inferences based upon your provided commentary.

you buy what you can afford.. it's only sensible... no one faults you for it... i just think the treo and sprint are both jokes... esp after they tried to nail me for the ETF 4 months outside of my contract and then required me to pay late fees when i refused to pay it. and now that they're struggling big time... the courts rule they're, in fact, major douchebags.

[Kermit @ Aug 3rd 2008 5:11AM]

@Fozzy

Really, do you think the ruling, if/when it stands, is only going to affect Sprint and the way they handle ETFs, I'm pretty sure every US carrier had/has the same policy?

Since it sounds like Mommy and Daddy are paying your over priced iPhone plan, did they also buy you your Escalade, since they can probably also afford your over priced gas bill as well?

[JerryA @ Aug 4th 2008 3:27PM]

I agree with JAmerican. I've had zero problems with Sprint so far. Their unlimited data package is 1/2 of what the iPhone's is and they have by far the bet coverage in my city.

The iphone is a good device but I won't switch over to a service that charges me more for less. My use of Sprint is based on the cost per benefit, not how popular it is. I could care less if more people are on ATT or VZW. They cost more and provide equal or lesser service in my city. As such, I am waiting for some Android phones to show up and see what is available on a decent carrier that doesn't advertise more but charge higher rates.

Oh, and you want to complain about some issue with ETF? I would much rather deal with a company that is no more shady than the next regarding contracts but I won't do business with a company that illegally monitors millions of Americans for the feds.