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3G iPhone: Thinner, Thicker, or Both?

Today, a rumor about a 22% thinner 3G iPhone with GPS priced at $200 hit the Mac web. In looking back, however, this is not the first time we've heard this exact set of specifications. On April 29th, Scott Mortiz first reported on the possibility of a $200 subsidy from AT&T for the 3G iPhone. He said it would be priced at $399 (8GB) and $499 (16GB), but after a $200 subsidy, these prices would fall to $199 and $299, respectively.

Moritz also specifically said that the new iPhone will be 2.5mm thinner than the current iPhone, which happens to work out to 22% thinner (2.5mm/11.6mm), corresponding nicely to Kahney's 22% thinner figure. Kahney and Moritz diverge on the capacity of the iPhone, however, as Kahney claims 16GB and 32GB sizes for the new iPhone. Regardless, this paints a picture of the following possible "thin iPhone":

Thin iPhone
• $199 (8GB or 16GB), $299 (16GB or 32GB), possibly subsidized by AT&T
• 3G, GPS, 22% thinner
• Possible longer battery

However, it's also clear that there's another set of rumors circulating which are also consistent with each other. The so-called "thick iPhone" rumor started at Engadget and depicted in the XSKN case designs.

Thick iPhone
• 3G, GPS, slightly thicker
• Glossy black, rounded back
• Non-recessed headphone jack, additional sensor?

If you add in recent whispers of high end pricing of the 16GB ($499) and 32GB ($699) models, this introduces the possibility that these rumors together could represent a range of iPhone models.

Both Thick and Thin?
• $399 (8GB), $499 (16GB), $699 (32GB) retail prices
• Possible $200 subsidy bringing prices to $199 (8GB), $299 (16GB), $499 (32GB)
• 3GB, GPS, ? Video Conferencing
• Low capacity models thinner, high capacity models thicker

Of course, alternatively, one or none of these rumors could be true. As we've said before, Apple has been known to purposefully spread misinformation in order to confuse the rumor mill. Official announcements are expected next week during the Worldwide Developer Conference keynote which takes place on Monday, June 9th, 2008.

Top Rated Comments

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48 months ago
I'm looking at you $199 version. It's a little baffling on the size though...
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48 months ago
Crap! Now I'll have to buy 2, one thin and one thick. :confused:
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48 months ago
I just want to wake up tomorrow, and have it be June 9th. All these rumors are getting crazy.
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48 months ago
Yeah its looking good for rumours - assuming the same source isn't coming from multiple sites.
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48 months ago
Regular phone is thinner.

Phone + add-on GPS/Battery unit is thicker.

This is 100% true and there will be no further discussion on the subject.
:D
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
48 months ago
Another thing... Has anyone heard any mumblings of a concrete ship date?

I have my current iPhone for sale on eBay now. I would hate to be without a phone for a month.

i would guess they want them for sale asap considering the current models havent' been available through apple for a bit.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
48 months ago
This is getting way to wack

Im just going to wait till june 9th, i love my iphone anyways :) 16gb!

if its really a beauty, ill get myself one. with an air.
ughh too many rumors.

THICKER? & THIN?

this aint crackers.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
48 months ago
If this is from Apple, they're doing a good job of confusing us. "I didn't understand a word you just said."
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
48 months ago
ok so here is what's going on:

$199 - iPhone 8GB with 3G (no GPS)

$299 - iPhone 16GB with 3G (no GPS)

$399 - iPhone 8GB with 3G AND GPS

$499 - iPhone 16GB with 3G AND GPS

Me thinks the inclusion of GPS will make the iPhone fatter to accommodate the battery to withstand the rapid drainage from GPS activation. Technology has advanced enough for 1 year to reduce the thickness of iPhone with 3G but more battery will be needed for GPS.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
48 months ago
Anyone from MR going to post that WWDC counter. Need to keep fueling the hype around WWDC. I downloaded the widget for my dashboard (the only one that is correct date and time). Can't wait, but I know that I will have to the biggest and best one. Sign me up for the thick (like em big:D) 3G, GPS and Video Conference version.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives

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