14 DAY TRIAL // While Apple doesn't talk about upcoming products and services, they often have to start implementing support for them quite a while before the word gets out. As such, it is not surprising that the company's support pages offer hidden tidbits.
MacPrime has stumbled upon hints of the next iPhone model, which is widely expected sometime next year. Hidden within the HTML code of Apple's iPhone Feedback Page is a reference to a product called 'iPhone Extreme.' Much like in the way that the iTunes feedback mechanism had strings for rented movies, which are still currently unavailable and of which there has been no word, this little HTML string could end up being nothing. Apple has even been known to patent all kinds of things never to actually make use of them or turn them into an actual product.
On the other hand, it is no secret that there is a newer version of the iPhone in the works. Despite confirming that they are working on the next iPhone, Apple has not offered any other information. 3G is seen as a definite feature as is increased storage space, but beyond that, anything is possible. The 'iPhone Extreme' label itself does not offer many hints. Although being a rather played out moniker in the technology industry, Apple still uses it for some of its products such as the top of the line Airport model. As both 3G and increased storage are natural bumps in the evolution of the iPhone, it could very well be that the 'Extreme' is intended to be an entirely different model, with a bigger screen, GPS, Flash and anything else that could be improved over the current model.
Whatever surprises the iPhone Extreme might have for us, it is unlikely that we will be finding out any time soon. Apple still has to release the iPhone in Japan, and then wait long enough for there not to be an uproar when they release an improved version of the device.