Apple Appears Ready to Release a $99 iPhone 3GS

Apple is apparently in the verge of replacing the second-generation iPhone 3G 8 GB that's still in its product lineup with an updated version: an iPhone 3GS with the same storage capacity that will sell at the same $99 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.

There have been unconfirmed reports for months that this arrangement is going to come to an end, and this change is now apparently imminent.

A customer who recently purchased an iPhone 3G 8 GB was sent one... in a box clearly labeled iPhone 3GS 8 GB (as shown here). The device recived was the second-generation model, not the newer one, so only the packaging had been updated.

This was a refurbished unit, and it was apparently packed and shipped in a convenient box, showing that there must be iPhone 3GS 8 GB units in stock at Apple.

The Same, but Different
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.

According to earlier uncofirmed reports, the new 8 GB model will sell for the same price as the curent version: $99 with a two-year service contract.

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.

In the U.S., this smartphone is available exclusively from AT&T.

Source: Gizmodo