Apple’s OS X Lion launch and 2011 MacBook Air refresh are not the only major headlines coming out of the Cupertino camp this week. Word on the street is Apple is preparing to release an iPod 3G, complete with a data-only SIM option like the iPad, and the iPhone 5, but without a 4G LTE radio. Here’s why.
One of our favorite features in iOS 5 is iMessage. The iOS-only messaging solution makes text and multimedia messaging between iPhones and iPads as simple as pie. While iPods will also gain this functionality, the inherent limitation of WiFi-only communications makes for a far less compelling solution.
An iPod 3G fills the void, addressing iMessage and at the same time improving Wi-Fi sync and Apple’s bottom line. Always having a data connection means iPod users will be able to purchase more content from the iTunes and App Store since sales will not be limited to a Wi-Fi signal.
A iPod with 3G data connection also means big money for carriers. There’s potential for both prepaid and post-paid markets of iPods which subsidized, free on contract offers may become a reality. For someone who rarely uses voice minutes, a prepaid data-only iPod 3G could be the perfect smartphone replacement. Skype for calls and TextFree/iMessage for messaging sounds like a perfect combination.
The iPod 3G is not the only big Apple rumor swirling around the interwebs this morning. The fifth generation iPhone, dubbed the iPhone 4S or iPhone 5, is rumored to be missing a 4G LTE radio. According to iSuppli, the cost and size of the current generation radios inside the Samsung Droid Charge and HTC Thunderbolt will sideline an LTE iPhone until 2012.
In order for Apple to continue its current device footprint, the company will need the second-generation LTE chips. Since those chips will not debut until early 2012 there’s little chance we’ll see Apple switch to a larger iPhone design for the sake of faster data speeds. The most likely upgrades in speed will come from HSPA+ support and the dual-core A5 processor.
Here’s some food for thought. Adding LTE support to a smartphone carries an incremental cost of £25 per unit. Additionally, as we’ve seen with the HTC Thunderbolt, 4G speeds mean greater battery draw, effectively nixing the possibility that Apple would include 4G support this year. If there’s one thing we know about Apple and its products it’s that battery life is paramount.
An iPod 3G and LTE-less iPhone 5 in 2011 could make for an exciting second half. Could you resist an iPod 3G if offered free on contract? Deciding between an iPhone 5 and iPod 3G sounds like a great way to close out the year, don’t you agree?
