14 DAY TRIAL // At least one in three iPhone news today contains the term "3G" in one context or another. Everyone's holding their breath for the day when Apple finally confirms its availability, but no one really knows when that is going to be exactly... except for AT&T CEO Ralph de la Vega, who has indirectly confirmed the new iPhone's release date, this week at the CTIO Wireless conference.
The man stated that the 3G iPhone will be making its debut in the next few months, noting that "AT&T's entire line of smartphones will be available in 3G models within that time frame." His statement, as summarized by IDG News Service, comes shortly after pretty much every mac-based website reported iPhone shortages at Apple's retail outlets and AT&T stores. Analysts are continuously debating whether Apple is deliberately holding back supplies to make room for the soon-to-arrive 3G SKU, or not.
In a recent interview with Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney, Electronista has managed to obtain the following information: Dulaney dismisses the possibility that Apple is bumping up the release of the 3G iPhone, claiming supply issues or component shortages as the main possible reasons for the iPhone shortage. Dulaney strongly believes that a new iPhone is due out by September, with its official introduction occurring sometime around June, when Apple plans to roll out iPhone firmware 2.0.
The man made his forecast based on the possibility of seeing OLED screens implemented in the new iPhones.
Most recently, PodObserver.com posts: "Apparently the new iPhone will also sport a glossy black back, replacing the satin nickel look found on the current model. If iPodObserver.com's source is correct, the redesigned iPhone back also drops the black plastic end piece that covers the antenna, and it appears that Apple will continue to offer an 8GB model."
The website also offered an image of the alleged 3G iPhone to back the story up. Have a look yourself.