14 DAY TRIAL // Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. in Taiwan, has been contracted by Apple to work on a new iPhone, most likely the 3G version of Apple's popular handset. People familiar with Apple's plans, however, have declined to provide further insight on what the new iPhone will bring or when the Cupertino-based company plans to release it.
A Hon Hai official, who wished to remain anonymous, told Dow Jones Newswires that they were discussing with Apple for the future release of a "more advanced version" of its iPhone handset. The Hon Hai insider, however, declined to provide further details. Apple spokeswoman Jill Tan also refused to give specifics on the matter, according to the same source.
It has been long rumored that Apple would eventually release a 3G-enabled iPhone. Some were actually shocked to find that the respective feature was missing at the iPhone's official release.
The same report mentions a possible May release of the new iPhone model. Many analysts also suggest that Apple's WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2008, recently dated for June, will be the perfect time and place for the unveiling.
The event will feature sessions for developers building native applications for the iPhone using the SDK. "Get Started," "Build Powerful Applications," "Integrate the Technologies of iPhone" and "Create Engaging Media Experiences" are just some of the featured sessions. Also, Apple's CEO, Steve Jobs, will most likely introduce firmware 2.0 for iPhone/iPod touch, given that the event will take place on June 9-13, at Moscone Center, San Francisco, coinciding with Jobs' statements at the Town Hall event in Cupertino (March 6).
Don't be surprised that Apple still isn't providing any solid details on its plans with the iPhone. The company is well known for being highly secretive, not just with its handsets, but with everything that comes out of its labs, including updates.
However, as the WWDC approaches, more details on a possibly 3G-enabled iPhone are likely to emerge.