AT&T counting on new iPhone this summer; carrier apps to figure prominently?
By Chris Ziegler 
posted Mar 23rd 2009 2:28PM
posted Mar 23rd 2009 2:28PM
Rumor has it that AT&T's gearing up for yet another door-busting, riot-inducing summer filled with new iPhone hardware, which would certainly jibe with everything we've heard in the past few months (never mind the fact that June is officially Apple's iPhone release cycle these days, and indeed, AT&T's apparently saying that the June cycle is becoming "a tradition"). That's not terribly interesting at this point -- what is interesting, though, is how AT&T plans to play it. Apparently, the carrier wants to ramp up its -- ah, how should we put this in a politically correct way -- "integration" with Apple's hardware, including a U-verse app that we're guessing will approximate the functionality to be offered by Verizon's FiOS. What really has us worried is not so much the U-verse app specifically, but the possibility that AT&T's sick and tired of having its crapware left out of its highest-profile device, leading to non-removable garbage like Cellular Video on a future iPhone's home screen. It's still a bit early to sound the alarm there, but you know, we're paranoid types around here. It's said the new device will be faster, though the exact meaning of that is a little unclear; the iPhone 3G's chipset is already 7.2Mbps-capable, so we're not sure if the carrier is simply referring to its ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Finally, it's said that a $99 netbook running something other than Windows (don't suppose that'd be Linux?) will be launching this summer, following on the 3G-enabled Aspire One that hit Radio Shack late last year. Heads up, though, AT&T: give us an iPhone with your Mobile Email app on the home screen, and let's just say we can't be held accountable for our actions afterwards. We know you wouldn't do that, but just sayin'.
I sure hope they would know if they are getting a new iPhone this summer.
I don't think the iPhone 3G is 7.2. It's 3.6 if I can recall. I'm on Rogers and I have never been able get anywhere in the >3.6 range that 7.2 HSDPA offers.
The article says the HARDWARE can do it, but it's not activated.
Just found an official leaked marketing document.
It will be called the iPhone CP (copy/paste), and it will run on the EDGE network.
Unfortunately, we will have to wait another year for the iPhone 3GCP, as Apple is testing to make sure that copy and paste is fully secure and compatible with 3G speeds.
I wouldn't know, I'm on AT&T and can't get a 3G signal woth a crap...
@Sneakz,
The iPhone 3G operates off of 3.6, but the hardware in it can support 7.2, it simply hasn't been activated in the carrier settings because the AT&T HSDPA network does not currently operate off of 7.2 HSDPA. All the iPhone needs is a software update or a carrier update and the phone will be more than able to connect to a 7.2 HSPDA network. I don't think there will be a third gen iPhone, but probably just some carrier updates and some unannounced features of iPhone OS 3.0 and how they will interface with the iPhone.
Just my opinion.
Mobile Email? I thought U-Verse was AT&T's television service.
its all kind of stuff..... telephone internet blah blah
Unless it can go to the kitchen and make me a samich who cares.
You know what? I think I'm gonna make a Sandwich-making app just to piss you off!
@ Tarnation
if you dont care then why did you read the story and post a comment.
you know you care ..... nice try though :)
I just like screwing with people.
Good save...
@ MastrCake
easy, there. :P
@a ham sandwich...
Look who talking... a sandwich!
heres hoping it's actually a step up from second gen iPhone, instead of just a rehash.
I agree, hoping for a bunch of new stuff this time around. I was a little disappointed with they announced the 3g as that was really the only new feature. Hopefully this one will have better things to come.
Er, I considered GPS a pretty big feature in addition to 3G.
One of my favorite things about being a T-Mobile customer is that they simply don't offer any lame media services so all their phones are totally untouched by carrier crapware.
Not in Germany.... . although they didn't dare touching the iPhone Carriere branding is SOOOO uselsesss.... When I went to the US I had to use a Verizon Phone... i was like omfg ...
Depending on the specs, I will be picking up the new version. It can only get sweeter. I love my iPhone 3G :)
You must live in one of the fewplaces that AT&T has 3G.....
Wow, shocker. Seriously, I think the majority of readers here know that new iPhones come in summer.
I did miss that picture though.
I still find it crazy that carriers don't have mobile apps to manage your account and do things like: check minutes, check SMS messages left, check data usage, pay bills, etc. I really shouldn't have to log onto wireless.att.com to check this stuff or clutter up the SMS app with iphone messages from random numbers!
they don't want you to know how much you're using, because that would mean less people going into that ridiculous "overage zone"
on verizon there are * numbers you dial and it simply texts you your minutes and data useage, im sure at&t has to have something like that
There are apps on the app-store that do that...
this is true. I wouldn't mind a free app from the app store. But I really don't want a default, non-deletable app. That would piss me off. I don't think apple will let that happen.
On AT&T, on everything but the Iphone, you can log into your account via their web portal and check all that stuff, as well as add remove features.
@zephxiii
What are you talking about? Everything BUT the iPhone? iPhone can login and check that stuff to. Hell, there is automatically a bookmark for it in Safari. Try again please.
There are the star codes that you can enter to get this information. They are on the iPhone. They are a little hidden though they have been there since the beginning. They are they same on any ATT phone. You can enter them on the keypad page or by going to Setting/Phone/ATT services.
tap SETTINGS tap PHONE tap AT&T SERVICES.
Did you even EXPLORE your phone?
I just upgraded from a 4GB to a 3G and I'm excited about the 3.0 software. Too bad they didn't have new iPhone news ready for Macworld this past season cause that woulda really gotten the buzz going.
I just hope the next iPhone has a better battery, better grip (the 3G slips out my hand)
Video capture would be great too.
Well, there was a "leaked" photo of a matte iPhone not too long ago.. so you may get your wish:
http://www.engadget.com/tag/matte+iphone/
@Quantumphysics,
You Apple-hater. How dare you make a criticism of Apple. May the Lord Jobs Almighty smite you down.
kccboy - Stop being dense. I don't see how he's criticizing Apple at all, he's just listing things he wants. That's perfectly reasonable, IMO. You, on the other hand, are just being a jackass.
cool!!
I really hate carrier crapware
Knowing Apple and how locked down they like to keep their devices, they'll tell AT&T to make a submission to the app store.
Boy Genius Report got this from the same source:
"New iPhone announcement around mid-June (duh)" sez BGR
"Bring back the aluminum rear!" sez MastrCake, who hates plastic overloads, even if it looks decent on the iPhone 3G
They got rid of aluminum to add GPS. The iPhone doesn't have great antennas to start, so removing the aluminum back was required to get GPS to work.
they needed it for 3G too
MastrCake apparently does not understand that aluminum blocks cell radio signals, which is why the 3G went to an all plastic back.
If my guess is correct, there is a huge likelihood Apple is not going to send out a new version of iPhone. Saturating its own niche market so fast might have a negative impact coming from their fanbois
Don't worry, I eat fanbois for breakfast.
Or, I could just make an app called "Fanboi Feast"... but that would never make it past Apple.
Then you probably don't know Apple. Apple releases product updates a lot! 4 iPod Nanos since 2005, 3 iPod Shuffles since 2006 (i believe), 2 iPhones since 2007. Its no new thing that Apple releases new products in only a short period of time after a previous product release. I know if Apple released a new iPhone this summer, I will do just like I did last summer, and wait in line all morning for it.
Yes, Apple shouldn't release a new model iPhone this year. I guess Nokia, LG, Samsung, RIM, and Motorola shouldn't release new cellphones this year either. -_-
I don't think Apple would tolerate AT&T's stupid apps being unremovable on the home screen, I could see them available on the appstore though
yeah, you're probably right.
But even if it was forced on us I'd just hide the icon with Poof
If AT&T puts their crapware on the new iPhone, I might be sticking with the original v1. I decided to skip the 3G (v2) and wait for v3. If AT&T screws with this I'll have to consider an Android based phone, if there's no way to delete their crap, depending on how bad it is. Maybe if they let me move it to a "dead apps" page I could live with it. I have zero intention of using any of that shit.
Agrees with MastrCake on the aluminum...
I agree. If AT&T loads the device with their own sh*tty features, I'll stick with the 3G. I highly doubt Apple would let them throw some junk like that on there. If they do, that makes me a saaaaddd panda..
Apple wouldn'T let them do that... but wait... they released the new shuffle.... and Steve is absent OMFG..... i am scared
couldn't you just make a separate home screen to put just all the at&t crapware on and not worry about it anymore?
Separate home screen.
Maybe, I do that now. I have a "dead apps" screen that is the last screen.
follow-up.
Assuming they let you move the stuff from the main screen, that is.
I have to say I'm a little dubious about this. I have a hard time seeing apple caving on something like this, but you never know...
Looking forward to better battery life and video chat in the new one. Hopefully it will get announced at WWDC this year!! It is interesting now how AT&T is trying to get some benefits from the iPhone by releasing apps for their products.
If there is a new iPhone this summer i'll get one. If no new iPhone, I'll keep using my EDGE version until it does arrive or it dies on me.
I have a friend who worked for Apple (retail) last year and I am trying to figure out if Apple has announced a "no time off" week like they did last year to get ready for the launch and whatnot. Unfortunately she's just being a tard and won't ask her friends who still work there for me.
ah carrier crapware. thats why the iphone could have never worked with verizon. they put so much crapware on their phones you can't even tell what kind of phone it is anymore
hahah TRUE!!! they even call theire phones different...
you are correct sir.
Verizon also crippled the use of GPS on their Blackberries (Pearl - not sure about other models) to only work with with the carrier branded navigation software (not to mention a monthly subscription fee).
I seriously hope it wouldn't come to that. Probably just keep my 3G, but it would stand to reason its all software stuff and highly unlikely apple would build it in for them. I could see at&t stuff in the app store like previously mentioned.
and if it does happen. jailbreak ftw!
other than a faster processor and an autofocus camera I have few complaints with my 3G. If I could only get 3G service here in asheville *shakes fist*
anyone also considered the iPhone software circle?
1.0 came with iphone 1.0
2.0 came with iPhone 3G
3.0 comes with iPhone......?
btw anyone guessing for names yet?
iPhone HD?
iPhone CW (Crap Warez)
No. You are the very first person to suspect that the Summer release of the 3.0 firmware could coincide with the June/July expected release of the next iPhone.
You're also the first person to notice this trend given one valid data point.
guaranteed Apple uses "iPhone HD" when the screen gets a major update.
Very doubtful Apple will let them pre-load U-Verse. If so, it would have to be removable. Honestly, I live in NYC and never knew about U-Verse until I read about it here and other blogs. How many people in the US actually have U-Verse? How many of those people actually have iPhones? I'M guessing it's a very small number (less than 10,000.) Apple would not take that risk especially when their firmware and hardware on the iPhone has been lacking in broader features.
I also can't see apple regressing back to a physical keyboard.
Man, Apple better shoot those ideas down quick.
If I find garbage apps on my phone that I can't delete, I'll be introducing my new iPhone to Mr. Gefängnis Aufbrechen so fast it'll make your head spin.
I've reflashed my W580i to clear it and I won't hesitate to do it again.
Funny thing is, I was apathetic on that subject until I heard about them forcing that stuff on their customers.
here is hoping they offer a 32gb or bigger iphone! if they do i will pull the trigger and get one.
Just like a good little sheep...
a sheep? the only apple product i own is an ipod. I have a razr for a cell phone. However if i can get rid of my ipod and razr and make it into one device, i will surely do that.
The iphone currently already does every task i personally would ever need to, so for me its the best option. Plus i am on AT&T already,
This would only nudge even more people into the anonymous jailbreakers club. Not that I condone such a thing but I imagine connecting through SSH would make quick work of any crapplet.
that picture is a TOTAL PHOTOSHOP DISASTER!
Wait, what? That's an actual spy shot.
It can't be a spy shot, it's not blurry enough
The new laptops sold by AT&T will come standard with Ubuntu. That's what the inside scoop is from the managers in AT&T east coast.
i dont understand why everyone is complaining. Regardless if At&t apps are pre loaded and undeletable people are still going to buy the phone. How many people use the stock app, unless you understand or care about the prices i can gurantee there are many people who dont use it.I can't stand At&t because of their customer service but i have the iPhone on Tmobile network. I am counting down the days the exclusive rights are over.
you are going to be counting for a while... their contract isn't up with AT&T until 2012.
june of 2013...
I'm curious- can anyone give me any insight into when we can expect (if ever) to have iPhones on any other carrier? Google searches render different results and the debate between my friends and I rages on.
Some say 5 years (2012), some say 3 years (2010).
http://www.crn.com/retail/209902710
It will probably be faster in the sense that it will have faster upload speeds (HSUPA), and a faster processor .
IF there are AT & T apps installed, they will be removable, and to me means that the exclusivity agreement will be over next year.
are these phones going to be unlocked?
Yes... well only yours because your a tool!
yes cuzz your a tool
Yes...please...give us the iPhone on other carriers! This will be the third iPhone announcement for AT&T. Enough already! The moment Apple announces another iPhone on AT&T, I'm going to chunk a sledgehammer at big brother up on the screen, because that's exactly what they've become...
WOW, sorry the iPhone is to good for Sprint... but hey you'll get the Pre
Engadget, please start a poll:
If AT&T forces their crapware on the new iPhone rumored to be released this June, would you:
- Jailbreak your iPhone to remove the AT&T crapware
- Unlock your iPhone and go with a different provider
- Buy non-iPhone from another provider
- Ignore the crapware. Life goes on.
Speaking as a U-Verse subscriber, I would love iPhone integration. Anything that is unremovable/uncustomizable from AT&T, though would be unacceptable. Just keep it a normal app.
I'm calling it
iPhone Video
____________________
Video recording
no longer EDGE
alu housing, small plastic
____________________
That's it.
It would go with the theme of OS 3.0... adding stuff that other phones have had for years.
Every other 3G phone has Video. It's the first selling point of 3G. Video Calls.
For small businesses that run largely off of Google apps, this could be enough to get people to switch from iPhones to a hopefully improved Google phone, once the AT&T contract expires.
It will not come to this - why would it? AT&T are in no position to negotiate more favourable terms with Apple as they must realise they are in a very fortunate position to have the exclusive that every other carrier would jump at.
I am pretty sure the CEO of Verizon would sleep with ROSANNE in order to be able to offer the iPhone.
Still have my original from the first launch day...where i paid a 15 year old boy to stand in line for me...yes, i have no shame. I'm looking forward to June, maybe it will be time to upgrade...or just pay another 15 year old boy...
AT&T crapware? Yeah, right.
The ONE thing you can count on Apple to do is to not allow some other vendor's crapware on their platform. You might not like the stuff Apple includes, or you might not like Quicktime/iTunes on Windows, but they stubbornly refuse to let other companies to force them to do anything. For better or for worse.
Yeah, I want a iPhone now because of the 3.0 OS update. I kinda figured they were going to release a new iPhone in June. Now I gotta figure out should i just add a line for $10/ a month or just pay $399 for an early upgrade....
@a ham sandwich...
Look who talking... a sandwich!
Dammit, that was supposed to be a reply.
My bad!
Sisyphus
Thats the dumbest thing i've heard. Of course all future iPhones will run 3G if not a future network i.e. 4G. Go back to verizon and you're iphoney blackberry storm.