Apple: Newer, faster iPhone debuts 2008

As the Mercury News just reports, Apple will release a new version of the iPhone with a much faster data connection next year, according to the CEO of partner AT&T, Randall Stephenson.
In response to a question following an appearance at a Churchill Club dinner in Santa Clara, AT&T’s Randall Stephenson confirmed that a 3G, or third-generation, version of the iPhone is in the works. “Has (Apple CEO Steve) Jobs announced that? I don’t think he’s announced that, but you’ll have it next year,” Stephenson said. He did not know what it will cost and didn’t say when it will debut. “Steve (Jobs) will dictate where the price of the phone is,” he said.

Stephenson’s comment is something of a surprise, given how secretive Apple is - and expects partners to be - about upcoming announcements. An Apple spokesperson declined to confirm or comment on what Stephenson said.

The news comes as the holiday shopping season is under way, a season in which Apple likely anticipates selling a healthy number of iPhones. With official word now that a new iPhone is in the works, Apple runs the risk that consumers could postpone their purchases.

But few are likely to do so, said Shiv Bakhshi, a mobile industry analyst for IDC. Consumers are buying the phone because it’s a status symbol, because it’s the latest, greatest thing on the market, he noted. If that’s the case, “why would you want to hold off for six months” for the next version, he said.Analysts have been speculating about this for some time. Continue reading at the Mercury News“>Merc.