Earlier this morning, Steve Jobs announced that the 3G iPhone will be available on July 11th. Since then, hundreds of Apple nerds have been hunched over their keyboards, inviting repetitive stress injury as they dutifully re-word Apple’s marketing copy.
In the meantime, let’s examine the lesser tidbits that accompanied this announcement.
Requirements
The 3G iPhone page notes that iTunes 7.7 is required for iPhone software 2.0, undoubtedly to accommodate the App Store (as of this writing, 7.6.2 is the current version).
Data plan pricing
A call to my local AT&T store (no Apple Stores in my area) revealed that data plan pricing will not change.
Warranty
Phone comes with up to two years of tech support as long as your wireless agreement is active. Also, the iPhone, its battery, and all included accessories are covered against defects for one year from the purchase date. So, no change from the original warranty.
SIM ejector tool
For the first time, Apple is shipping phones with a SIM card ejector tool. No more Official Apple Paperclips in the mail.
Overall look
That darn chrome edging is gone! I’ve always disliked the band of chrome that separates the original iPhone’s screen from the rest of its body. The iPod touch is much more attractive without it. The 3G iPhone sports a black edging, which is much nicer.
Plus, the back panel is black plastic. It’s less distinctive that way. The sliver backing and black antenna area of the original design identifies the device as an iPhone from across a room. I’ll wait to see a 3G model in person before I make a final judgment.
