One cannot turn the proverbial webpage these days without finding some mention of the impending next generation iPhone. Here are the “facts” about the iPhone 2.0 as we know them today:
- It will be 3G
- It will have GPS
- It may or may not be slightly smaller and thinner
- It will not be solar powered (that will have to wait for iPhone 3.0)
Despite the rampant speculation, the one question that seems to be oft ignored is - what else can we expect from Apple? Surely some consumers were persuaded not to buy an iPhone because it lacked 3G, but these people were certainly in the minority. The fanboys waited in line for hours for the EDGE version and will do the same for the next edition. But the challenge for Apple will be to bring the iPhone to the masses. Yes, adding 3G will be a boon for Apple in other countries where networks are more mature, but in the US Apple will likely have to do more. Will 3G and GPS really be enough to constitute the next coming of the iPhone?
Here is my list of five things that would allow me to justify upgrading from 1.0 to 2.0:
- Headphone controls. My iPhone is often in a case in my pocket which makes changing tracks or answering a call a huge hassle (well, as hassling as taking it out of said pocket and case can be). Headphone controls would ease this burden.
- Direct Downloading. If Apple TV can do it, the iPhone can do it! Apple should allow me to subscribe to podcasts (audio and video) on my iPhone. When a new podcast is available (about important things such as LOST) and I am on WiFi (or that sweet sweet 3G network) the podcast should automatically downloads. This should be done for TV show subscriptions as well.
- More Storage. This is an easy one. As much as I love the two episodes of South Park I have on my iPhone, the people around me are annoyed when I start reciting lines from the episode. Both I and they would enjoy me watching something else every so often - perhaps downloaded right to my iPhone? (see #2)
- The Little Things. It would be great if I could rotate my pictures on the device so I don’t have to keep turning the phone when playing a slideshow. While we’re discussing small things - how about voice commands? While I’m asking for things - how about a zoom feature for the camera - something jailbroken iPhone users have had for some time.
- Better Partnerships. Nike+ was a great partnership for Apple, selling Nano’s and creating the need in a market (runners) specifically for iPods. That was years ago and we haven’t seen anything as innovative since. Perhaps Apple can catch fire again with Nike (with its rumored workout suite) or others to make the iPhone an integral piece to other aspects of life as well. Maybe a Visa or Mastercard partnership to allow the phone to use NFC and double as a digital wallet?
There is no doubting that the iPhone 2.0 will be a worldwide sensation but the question still remains, what ELSE does Apple have planned? If Apple offers a thinner form factor, 3G, and GPS will it be enough or a letdown?
Most importantly, what will iPhone 3.0 look like? Will it be LTE? Will it be solar powered? Will it incorporate 3D technology? Will it move from touchscreen to simply tracking eye movements? Will it incorporate nano technology to take any form the user desires thus ending the form factor controversy? The simmering controversy that is iPhone 3.0 erupts now…