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May 13, 2009 9:48 AM PDT

More new iPhone specs uncovered?

by David Martin
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iClarified reports that a forum user on a Chinese-language board, WeiPhone, posted what is claimed to be a screenshot from a new, never released or announced iPhone. Allegedly, the poster has a friend working at the Foxconn iPhone factory who gave the poster access to the new iPhone.

(Credit: WeiPhone)

The posted image shows the iPhone model number, MB717LL, which contains a whopping 32GB of memory and the following specifications:

  • 256MB RAM (doubled from the original 128MB) for the Mobile version of OS X
  • Faster 600Mhz CPU (versus the current 400Mhz)
  • Real digital compass and FM radio
  • 3.2-megapixel camera with auto focus
  • 32GB memory for media, app, and data storage

Additionally, the post explains that the new iPhone's dimensions will largely remain the same as the current iPhone 3G, and that the battery will be the same.

This rumor is still just that--a rumor--but we think this one has a good chance at truth. Consider that we have already seen evidence that the next iPhone will support a better camera, video recording, and onboard video-editing capabilities. All these features would of course need more memory and a faster processor. On the other hand, if all these new features do show up in the next iPhone, Apple would likely need to upgrade the iPhone battery as well, since these new features would likely drain the battery faster.

Of course, it isn't hard to make up an image like the one included here. So what do you think? Is this yet another iPhone scam? Do you think that Apple would ignore the No. 1 complaint about the iPhone: its battery? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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by foldsomething May 13, 2009 11:17 AM PDT
The listed upgrades are pretty plausible... but if you accept Apple's argument against multi-tasking (that it will drain battery life too quickly) then you've got to imagine that battery life is at the forefront of their design process. I agree that the proposed upgrades would likely drain the battery life faster, so I doubt that Apple would be so careless as to use the same old battery with a faster processor and other bells & whistles. Guess we'll maybe perhaps hopefully find out in June.
Reply to this comment
by molotov May 13, 2009 12:33 PM PDT
Of course Iphone will have all these capabilities or it maybe be slimmer, but you wont get both! Either-or. Not both. Now go away, play Peggle
Reply to this comment
by dre8709 May 13, 2009 1:17 PM PDT
That is fake, look at how the picture is pixelated around the numbers and no where else.
Reply to this comment
by rpen25 May 13, 2009 4:56 PM PDT
Just because their are jpeg artifacts does not necessarily mean the picture has been altered. High compression often results in artifacts where there are small details. That is a normal thing that happens to .jpg files.

"It is better to be silent and be thought of a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt,"
--unknown speaker
by May 13, 2009 6:18 PM PDT
@ rpen25

That quote you mentioned is by Mark Twain by the way. Not exactly an "unknown speaker" if you know what I mean.
by Firehazel May 13, 2009 6:34 PM PDT
these "upgrades seem very plausible, albeit i'm i doubt about that digital compass and FM radio. what money would apple make if some people listen to radio? well i guess they could point you to iTunes to D/L that one song...
by rbowrbow May 13, 2009 5:03 PM PDT
I agree, it is a little odd how all of the text in the image sits inside funky pixelated squares, but that doesn't stop this information from being plausible.
Reply to this comment
by tcr071 May 13, 2009 7:51 PM PDT
The worst thing about the iPhone is AT&T. Not the battery.
Reply to this comment
by cmendes2001 May 13, 2009 8:57 PM PDT
just for the FM tuner (i wish), i think it's fake. It must be for an iPhone clone
Reply to this comment
by justinf79 May 13, 2009 9:18 PM PDT
Prolly for the iPod Touch.
by tcr071 May 14, 2009 7:26 AM PDT
Yeah that right there pretty much nails it. The iPhone 3g doesn't need a radio tuner because of all the free internet based radio services like Pandora. Even if my current iPhone had an FM tuner I would not have turned it on yet, even once.
by iceman721 May 13, 2009 9:27 PM PDT
This story is plausible and even likely. Increasing the Ram & Processor speed makes sense. I would expect at least a 20-30% increase in battery efficiency as well. 32GB makes sense as the price of memory continues to fall. 50Gb should be on the schedule as an upgrade. One can only hope that the software upgrade that debuts in June will be followed by 32GB, more RAM & a faster processor by Christmas at the latest. These are simple evolutionary steps for the best smartphone on the market. I own a G1 and am anxiously awaiting my "cupcake" update. If ATT realigns their pricing structure a bit and stops gouging their customers I may be the proud owner of a 3g Iphone soon.
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by sous003 May 13, 2009 9:30 PM PDT
Why would Apple put an AM/FM tuner in any iPod THIS late in the game? I don't believe that at all. The rest is plausible.

But I do agree that if people are worried about multitasking, the battery would suffer tremendously, and since people already complain about the battery life (myself included), I don't know why Apple wouldn't make that a primary concern.
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by madonna915 May 13, 2009 10:29 PM PDT
ummm yes just like they did with the iphone 3G
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by seven7dust May 13, 2009 10:34 PM PDT
lol! FM radio in a Apple Device !
Keep Dreaming ! this one's Fake for sure !
Reply to this comment
by markedman0965 May 14, 2009 8:57 AM PDT
Doesn't anyone find it strange that part of it is in Chinese and part of it is in English.?
Reply to this comment
by mynameiscoffey May 14, 2009 10:45 AM PDT
I don't see anywhere on it that is in "English". If you mean "AT&T" and "GB" that is typical. Kind of like how we use an omega (?) for ohms even tho it is a Greek symbol.
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