iPhone 3GS | Image courtesy of Apple

According to a new rumour Apple will silence the critics by bringing multitasking to the next major update to the iPhone operating system. The update will allow “several third party apps to run concurrently and in the background” writes AppleInsider.

According to AppleInsider “people with a proven track record” say that Apple has developed a “full-on solution” to multitasking on the iPhone. Details of how multitasking was implemented was withheld from the sources as iPhone OS 4.0 development “has a quite ‘way to go’ before it’s ready for prime time.”

AppleInsider goes onto cite a multitude of reasons why Apple has yet to implement multitasking, looking at security and hardware resource issues.

Alongside this prediction Misek also expects Apple to announce iPhone OS 4.0. In Misek’s note he runs down what he expects to see in iPhone OS 4.0 with his predictions running along the same lines as those rumoured by Boy Genius Report earlier in the week including, multitasking, a simpler user interface, and a new way to sync contacts and calendar apps.

Misek goes onto suggest that although many U.S. carriers will adopt tiered data plans, the iPhone on Verizon will still carry an unlimited data plan according to his “industry sources”.

“Together with our semi-conductor partners, we have ascertained that there is a reasonable chance the Asian supply chain is prepping for mass production of a new iPhone in March, for availability in late Q2, likely June,” Misek said. The new iPhone according to Misek will be capable of running on both CDMA and GSM networks.

Misek also looks forward to 2011 iPhone models speculating that Apple will release an LTE-capable “4GS” iPhone.

The rumours which come from a “trusty” source are published by Boy Genius Report and go as follows:

• There will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the iTablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)
  “A few new ways” to run applications in the background — multitasking.

• Many graphical and UI changes to make navigating through the OS easier and more efficient. We haven’t had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.
• The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but will “put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers” more than any other phone to date. Everyone is “really excited.”
• The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

Apple is holding a media event on Wednesday, January 27 in San Francisco and is widely expected to announce its long-rumoured tablet computer alongside discussions of iPhone OS 4.0 and accompanying SDK.

OmniVision Technologies is expected to see CMOS image sensor (CIS) orders for Apple’s iPhone devices grow to 40-45 million units in 2010 from 20-21 million estimated this year, according to industry sources. The sources said OmniVision has secured 5-megapixel CIS orders for the next-generation iPhone model, which will hit shelves sometime during the second half of 2010.

Omnivision is the current supplier of the iPhone 3GS 3.2-megapixel sensor.

The current public version of iPhone OS is 3.1.2 was released back in early October making it very like that 3.1.3 is in the works and likely to be presented to developers in the near future. iPhone OS 4.0 would be a major OS release and going on history would see a release in June next year.

Reid’s thoughts come off analysing the carriers different advertising campaigns, “AT&T advertising in the United States has in recent weeks clearly shifted away from iPhone as the carrier likely readies itself to lose exclusivity in the United States (to T-Mobile and not to VZ, we believe) while VZ ads promoting Droid and other anti-iPhone devices appear to have intensified markedly”.

Rumours earlier in 2009 suggested that AT&T was looking to extend its exclusive contract—which expires sometime in 2010—through to 2011 but such suggestions died off around the middle of the year.

Reid added that Verizon could pick up the iPhone in 2011 when its 4G network is more established.

T-Mobile would be an easier target for the iPhone than Verizon as it will already be able to work on T-Mobile’s GSM network but will be unable to access thaw 3G portion of the network as the iPhone is only compatible with 850MHz, 1900MHz and 2100MHz bands where as T-Mobile operates on 1700MHz.

Qualcomm who supplies GSM and 3G chips to companies such as Samsung, LG and HTC is becoming increasingly concerned about its future in the high-end handset market according to the report by DigiTimes. Currently the iPhone uses an Infineon chip whilst Palm uses Marvell for the Pre and RIM uses Freescale for the Blackberry.

Past rumours have suggested that Qualcomm could be manufacturing a “hybrid” chip aimed at the iPhone capable of being compatible with GSM carriers as well as CDMA carriers such as Verizon Wireless in the U.S. Qualcomm first manufactured chips capable of switching between GSM and CDMA in 2002.

Rumours have also suggested that Verizon is bidding to have the iPhone on its network sometime in 2010, which would require the iPhone to be able to connect to the CDMA technology which Verizon uses.

According to CNet, Apple is rushing to have the service available in time which will see pre-made ringtones available for purchase on the iTunes store, no price is currently known but sources suspect they’ll be available for “far less than $3″.

The Chinese carrier is set to hold a media briefing on Friday to discuss its fiscal results for the first half of 2009 and a China Unicom spokesman has said that the iPhone “would undoubtedly be discussed,” according to Reuters.

Additionally the report states “Apple’s iPhone manufacturing partner Hon Hai is making the iconic handset for a Chinese company, an official at the Taiwanese firm said, declining to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media”.

According to iPhonAsia mentioned is that the custom WCDMA iPhone with no WiFi connectivity will also come pre-loaded with apps specifically for China.

O2 will continue to have rights to sell the iPhone through 2012, an O2 spokesperson told Mobile Entertainment, “All I can say is that O2 has a multi-year exclusive on iPhone – and that this remains in place.”

Boy Genius Report speculates that Apple could be phasing out the iPhone 3G model in favour of an 8GB iPhone 3GS.

The Chinese based site has also posted photos of what it claims is an iPhone destined for the Chinese market.

The source stated to Shanghai Securities News that China Unicom could begin selling the iPhone around late September and the agreement set a minimum sales threshold of CNY 5 billion ($731 million), effectively guaranteeing Apple sales of one to two million devices per year.

Following this report Reuters posted that China Unicom spokesperson Sophia Tso had said that “Discussions are still ongoing, we have not reached any formal agreement,” an Apple spokesperson declined to comment.

China Unicom had 135 million subscribers as of February 2009 and runs a standard GSM/UMTS 3G network – the same as AT&T’s network in the United States.

According to Beijing regulations mobile devices can’t feature WiFi, an issue which dates back many years. The device which is said to be in tests by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and codenamed “model 90″ is expected to be available sometime in September.

Apple has been widely expected to release a 32GB iPhone at tomorrow’s WWDC opening keynote.

“The anticipated new phone is likely to start production in July with the third version of the iPhone operating system, also expected to be released next week as a free upgrade for existing iPhone owners,” writes FT.com.

The article does not go into details on what features a cheaper iPhone would include but cites Morgan Stanley analyst Kathryn Huberty as saying, “it’s either a $50 or a $100 cut” based on a survey of consumers that indicated a $50 drop “could increase demand by 50 per cent and a $100 cut by 100 per cent.” Huberty has a reputation for off the mark predictions.

The four place holders refer to an iPhone labelled “v3″ but of interest is two place holders for “IPhone 32GbV3 Black” and “IPhone 32GbV3 White”.

It should be added that placeholders on inventory systems are not necessarily a sure sign of a future product, in many cases they are guesses by staff at the retailer. The placeholders however fit with rumours of a 32GB iPhone.

The new iPhone is expected to be announced at the WWDC 2009 opening keynote on June 8th at 10.00 a.m. pacific time.

Some are speculating that with the release of iTunes 8.2 this week and the end of Push Notification testing that Apple could be preparing an imminent release of iPhone OS 3.0, although it would not be expected until July.

The most notable slide has to do with a 4GB iPhone 3G. While there is a huge disclaimer that the image isn’t the device itself, the slide depicts a 4GB iPhone model that will run for $99 and come with quad-band EDGE, tri-band HSDPA, a 2 megapixel shooter and, believe it or not, iChat video calling (oh hi, front-facing camera).

It is unknown how authentic the image is but BGR doesn’t seem very convinced.

The news follows a similar report from retailer Brightpoint in Australia who issued an End of Life warning for the iPhone 3G 16GB.

“We have just been notified that the following devices [iPhone 3G 16GB] are End Of Life and that there is only a few weeks stock available from Brightpoint,” adding “This is an opportunity to take advantage of these devices whilst they’re still available.”

Apple is widely expected to announce a new iPhone at the WWDC opening keynote on June 8th 2009, the device will likely be in public hands by mid-July.

4GB to 32GB — that’s one hell of a range, but we’re hearing from a trusted source that new iPhones in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities just garnered approval by the PCS Type Review Certification Board, the standards body responsible for certificating handsets for use with some carriers (AT&T, for instance).

Engadget goes onto speculate that Apple will use more than just capacities to help differentiate models and could make use of software to reduce features on certain models.

The two features of interest are the iPhones new auto-focus camera and the built-in compass which corresponds with rumours that the new iPhone will have a magnetometer built-in.

The image is very similar to one seen back in February and simply shows a matte looking plastic but otherwise identical to the iPhone 3G.

Apple is expected to release the new iPhone at WWDC which kicks of June 8th 2009, the launch of the iPhone is pinned for mid-July.

In addition to rumours on the new iPod nano which would presumably see a release on September of this year, iLounge also publishes some details on the new iPhone.

The new iPhone will reportedly come in six versions “two storage capacities each for 3G, enhanced 3G (“3.5G/3.75G”)” and two versions for mainland China. iLounge also mentions that the casing will have a matte finish which correlates to images seen in early February.

The comments come direct from AT&T’s CEO, Ralph de la Vega who said at the Reuters Global Technology Summit last week that he could see AT&T capping data in return for lower costs.

“Right now we continue to study what is the best thing that is available, not just from an iPhone point of view, but what you can do to stimulate additional demand,” de la Vega said at the Technology Summit.

The remarks come not long after reports that AT&T is looking into offering a $20 per month iPhone plan that would give iPhone owners $10 a month in savings but see a data cap put in place.

Although not likely to be related Mac Rumors points towards a job posting on Apple’s website which seeks knowledge of ARM processors, including their NEON vector unit.

The successful candidate will have excellent understanding and knowledge of processor architecture, specifically ARM and its vector unit NEON. Additional Intel SSE or PowerPC AltiVec is also very helpful. Being able to use processor micro-architecture to write and deliver fast routines is an essential attribute.

NEON is an extended instruction set which can be compared to Intel’s SSE or PowerPC’s AltiVec and often give multimedia applications a boost. The rumour sites speculate that the instruction set could be used to aid in intensive operations involving video such as recording, editing and processing; all of which are rumoured to be a big part of the new iPhone.

As the job posting is recent it would be unlikely for it to relate to the upcoming iPhone so exact details on processor are effectively unknown.

Finally, Mac Rumors points towards another job posting on the Apple website which seeks an individual with experience in real-time media and networking applications over Wi-Fi and celluar networks and to deliver “cutting edge embedded video processing”.

Gruber who has been accurate with rumours in the past concurs with speculation that the new iPhone will come in capacities of 16 and 32GB. On top of this Gruber also describes the new iPhone as having a 600MHz processor compared to the current 400MHz processor, but states that the “next-generation” CPU will give the illusion of being much faster than the megahertz increase would suggest.

Let’s say the rumors are right — and I believe they are — that the next-generation iPhone’s CPU will be running at 600 MHz. In the same way that, say, a 90 MHz Pentium was more than 1.5 times as fast as a 60 MHz 486, the 600 MHz CPU in the next iPhone will be more than 1.5 times as fast as the current 400 MHz iPhone CPU.

Alongside the change in processor the new iPhone will also sport 256MB of RAM twice that of the current iPhone.

As we’ve heard from other sources Gruber suggests that the external casing will remain very similar to the current iPhone.

Finally the Daring Fireball blogger confirms the presence of a digital compass (magnetometer) and the ability to record video. The new iPhone is said to have an auto-focus lens which will improve still photography and videos will be able to be edited and very easily uploaded to the Internet.

The new iPhone is expected to be announced at the WWDC 2009 opening keynote on June 8th.

Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone at the WWDC 2009 opening keynote on June 8th.

The source of the information is “people familiar” with recent iPhone OS 3.0 betas.

People familiar with betas of the iPhone 3.0 software developers kit recently dug up several header files attributed to the Japanese manufacturer in a directory appropriately labeled “compass.” More specifically, the files identify Asahi Kasei’s azimuth sensor No. AK8973, a 16-pin leadless IC package measuring 4mm square and 0.7mm thick, as the chip that will help future iPhone users determine their direction. It bundles a master clock oscillator.

A digital compass would give the iPhone the ability to sense directional movements, for example the iPhone would be aware of which direction it is facing in Google Maps.

The message initially created some doubt but a report in New Zealand’s National Business Review added further credence with a quote from Telecom NZ’s chief of retail Alan Gourdie saying that the carrier was in “discussions – deep discussions – with Apple”.

Vodafone currently sells the iPhone in New Zealand but this news suggests Apple is looking to expand beyond a single carrier in the country.

The site recaps some features already heard in past rumours but adds the following details:

• 32GB and 16GB to replace current capacities
• $199 and $299 price-points to be maintained
• Discontinuation of the metal band surrounding the edge of the device
• OLED screen
• Double the RAM and processing power
• Apple logo on the back to light up
• Rubber-tread backing

AppleiPhoneApps.com also covers every feature in great detail.

The site does not cite a unveiling date but the WWDC Keynote on Monday June 8th would be the most suitable stage.

Consistent with recent rumours from a Chinese based forum Hardmac notes that the iPhone will remain largely unchanged in physical appearance.

The future iPhone models will have exactly the same shape and size than the current iPhone 3G, despite fakes and rumors circulating.

Hardmac also reports that the iPod touch and iPod nano will see refreshes in September with both set to include a camera.

Apple should refresh models for the iPod nano and Touch in september. Both should now include a camera, similarly to the iPhone.

The first report came from Silicon Alley Insider who stated that Apple may allow “users to select two apps that can run in the background.” Additionally Apple could approve certain applications to run in the background based on certain criteria.

John Gruber of Daring Fireball then chimed in saying that a “second-hand source” had described a new Dock Apple was working on that had “one special icon position where you could put a third-party app to enable it to run in the background.”

Finally MG Siegler reports on TechCrunch that although it is by no means a “done deal yet, Apple is definitely trying to come up with a way to offer background support for third-party apps. They went on to note that while Apple may have something to say about it at WWDC, it’s very unlikely that any solution would be ready at that time, and could be a situation similar to how Apple announced Push Notification at WWDC last year but said it was coming in a few months (which it later was delayed until iPhone 3.0).”

The note from Munster followed Apple’s press release regarding the WWDC opening keynote on June 8th. “As indicated in today’s press release, we believe Apple will focus on the new version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard at WWDC,” wrote Munster continuing, “While some investors may be expecting Apple to launch redesigned iPhones at WWDC, we do not anticipate the launch in early June.”

Additionally Munster adds that an event held later in June or early-July could usher in a “family” of iPhones. “We continue to expect multiple models, possibly a high-end iPhone with improved specs from the current version and a low-end version with lower capacity and fewer features along with a reduced pricing plan,” wrote the analyst.

On the other hand Daring Fireball author John Gruber has come out to describe Munster’s claims as “goofy” adding that a new iPhone model at WWDC was “probably the easiest and most obvious Apple prediction of the year.”

Gruber’s comments don’t come without valid reasons, the blogger writes that if the new iPhone is to incorporate a magnetometer and video recording as per the rumours then that would require “new APIs, and if Apple wants to have WWDC sessions for the new hardware-specific APIs, they have to announce the hardware first.”

The poster on the forum suggests the following for a future iPhone:

• 600MHz CPU (currently 400MHz)
• 256MB RAM (currently 128MB)
• Digital compass (magnetometer) and FM
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• 32GB size
• No major changes to battery, display or casing

Both Mac Rumors and AppleInsider are dubious of the sites claims.

Examples of how this could be used include pointing your iPhone’s camera at a building and the phone telling you what building it is by combining GPS, accelerometer and compass information. The iPhone could even overlay graphics and text on top of the image to provide additional information. Another application described is the ability to show information about stars and constellations simply by pointing your iPhone towards the sky.

The $10 price drop would bring the price of the tariff down from $69 to $59, a saving of $120/year. The move is said to be announced at next months Worldwide Developers Conference where Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone.

Commenting on the current price of an iPhone over a two-year contract, Cotes said:

“This price does not address the whole market,” says Cote. And the price barrier has started to be a concern for Apple. For example, says Cote, “Wal-Mart iPhone sales haven’t met expectations.”

The news would suggest that with the release of iPhone OS 3.0 Apple could loosen some of the restrictions placed on “objectionable content” in the App Store.

iPhone OS 3.0 Offers iPhone Camera Improvements

A questionable report from iPhones.ru shows that pictures taken using the new iPhone OS 3.0 beta software show significant improvements compared to the current public iPhone OS 2.2.1.

Although it is perfectly feasible for software updates to offer improvements in cameras the results shown are significant.

[Editors note - I will personally do some testing myself over the next few days.]