Are we set for a new iPhone in 2010? The rumour mill has been sent into overdrive after a developer noticed that their app had been tested on an iPhone 3,1 device in the San Francisco Bay area. The latest iPhone, the iPhone 3GS, is identified as iPhone 2,1.
Developer Pandav noticed the 3,1 device listed in analytic results from Pinch Media for their app, iBART – which sadly has nothing to do with Springfield’s favourite bad-boy, and is, in fact, a public transport app.
Although the moniker 3,1 was first noticed in firmware files back in August it’s the first time the device has been identified as being in use.
Putting our deerstalker on, it’s easy to deduce Apple’s plans. See, the first detections of the iPhone 3GS, otherwise known as iPhone 2,1 were around eight months before its launch. Eight months from now would be July 2010, which would coincide nicely with Apple’s policy of big summer releases, and an iPhone refresh roughly every 12 months.
With the iPhone being available on multiple networks in the UK now (it’s even going to be available from Tesco) it’s fair to expect some tasty offers when the new iPhone goes on sale. If you’re eyeing one up for Christmas, you may want to consider whether or not an 18-month or two-year contract is a good idea, if there’s a chance there could be a new iPhone coming out next summer.
TBA | £TBA | Apple (via MacRumours)
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