MacRumors

The New York Times reports that AT&T is currently considering taking steps to accommodate users wishing to activate unlimited 3G service plans for the iPad Wi-Fi + 3G before the plan is discontinued on Monday but who have been unable to obtain a device due to shortages.

According to an executive at the company, who would not be identified because the company's efforts were still in discussion internally, AT&T was exploring allowing customers who pay for an iPad before June 7, but don't get the device in hand, to still sign up for an unlimited data account.

Until the company's solution is announced, though, consumers have until 11:59 p.m. on June 6, just three days from now, to buy an iPad with 3G capability and sign up for the unlimited plan.

Apple's own online store already suggests that such a policy is in place, claiming that the unlimited 3G service plan for the iPad is "available if ordering iPad from the Apple Online Store by June 6" and making no mention of a requirement that the device also be received and service activated by that deadline.

All iPad 3G unlimited data users on AT&T should be aware that they must maintain their unlimited data plan in order to remain to eligible. Should a user cancel his or her no-contract unlimited plan at any time after June 6th, they will have to choose one of AT&T's new limited plans if they wish to activate 3G service again in the future.

Update: An AT&T representative has confirmed on the company's Facebook page that users who place orders for the 3G-capable iPad by June 7th will be eligible for the unlimited data plan. It is not clear whether customers will be required to sign up for the data plan in some form prior to the 7th and prior to receiving their iPads or if there will be a mechanism put in place that allow those customers to have their devices verified as having been ordered prior to the deadline for activation at a later date once they arrive.

As if all of the evidence from late last month, including the removal of a "Select" button from the iPhone 3G in Apple's own online store, wasn't enough to convince people that the iPhone 3G is on its last legs, Boy Genius Report points to an apparent internal memo to AT&T retail store employees notifying them that the company is officially out of stock of the device.

June 4, 2010

iPhone 3G 8 GB is Out of Stock

Effective immediately, iPhone 3G 8GB is Out of Stock. Please refer all customers to iPhone 3GS 16 GB and 32 GB models.

FAQ:
Q: When will we receive inventory for iPhone 3G 8GB?
A: At this time, we do not know when more iPhone 3G 8GB will arrive.

Q: Are there any iPhone 3G 8 GB available in COR if my customer can purchase there?
A: Check with your local COR stores to see if they have any inventory available.

The memo appears to be targeted at the selected AT&T authorized retailers permitted to carry the iPhone and refers them to local company-owned retail stores (COR) to check for any remaining stock they might have as the company closes out its inventory of the device.

Apple is widely expected to introduce its next-generation iPhone at its Worldwide Developers Conference next week, with many observers expecting Apple to continue offering the 16 GB iPhone 3GS and slide it down to the entry-level $99 price point currently held by the 8 GB iPhone 3G. Wal-Mart stepped to the front early last week by doing exactly that even before the next-generation iPhone appeared, dropping its price on the entry-level iPhone 3GS to $97 from its previous $197 price point.

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) kicks off next Monday with a keynote given by Steve Jobs. While almost all of the attention has been focused on the leaked iPhone, Jobs will likely be talking about more than a new iPhone at the event. Here are a few possibilities of other announcements that we could see at or around WWDC.

iPhone OS 4

It's guaranteed that Jobs will spend a good portion of the keynote talking about the upcoming iPhone OS 4. New iPhone SDK developer seeds have been regularly released every two weeks until this past week, indicating that Apple is likely saving up the most recent changes for WWDC. We're not yet sure when the final version will be released to customers.

Mac Pro / 27" Display

Apple's Mac Pro line is overdue for updates. The last revision for the Mac Pro was in March 2009. Intel has already introduced new processors that would be suitable for the Mac Pro, though volume shipments of the 6-core Xeon chips were delayed until June. We've also heard whispers that Apple could be readying the new Mac Pros very soon.

A report from earlier this year also indicated that Apple was prepping a new 27" LED Cinema Display for launch "by June". The display is said to utilize the same panel used in the 27" iMac and closely resemble the 24" LED Cinema Display that launched in late 2008.

Cloud-Based iTunes / MobileMe

While some observers have speculated about a possible launch of a cloud-based iTunes service at WWDC, industry sources suggest such a service isn't imminent. Steve Jobs did reveal earlier this week, however, that Apple has been working on some sort of wireless syncing for the iPhone.

One unconfirmed rumor has also suggested that Apple may begin offering a free version of MobileMe as part of a cloud-based initiative.

Apple TV

A recent rumor reported that Apple was working on a completely revamped Apple TV. While streaming content will be the focus of the device, users will also have the option of pairing the new Apple TV with a Time Capsule for external local storage.

The new device is said to be based directly on iPhone OS 4. If true, WWDC might be a natural venue to introduce the device, although the report indicated that we should not expect an announcement there as Apple seeks to keep attention focused primarily on the iPhone.

Mac OS X 10.7 (Unlikely?)

The next major release of Mac OS X has been in use since at least October 2009. Web records for MacRumors show that Apple has been using 10.7 internally since that time. While early rumors have pointed to the possibility of a Mac OS X 10.7 announcement at this year's WWDC, the most recent reports have nixed that plan.

Other

Steve Jobs promised that we wouldn't be disappointed, so there is always the hope for something more. We'll have live WWDC Keynote coverage on Monday, June 7th at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.

Apple has started putting up banners and signs in preparation for the 2010 WWDC conference. The conference kicks off on Monday, June 7th with a keynote address from Steve Jobs. Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone at the conference as well as details about iPhone OS 4.0 which is due this summer. An additional interior photo by AppleInsider showing the "The center of app store universe" image also used on the official site:

WWDC sold out quickly after tickets went on sale. MacRumors will be at WWDC and we'll be providing live coverage of the keynote on MacRumorsLive.

Apple has posted a series of examples demonstrating various applications composed in HTML5.

The demos below show how the latest version of Apple's Safari web browser, new Macs, and new Apple mobile devices all support the capabilities of HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Not all browsers offer this support. But soon other modern browsers will take advantage of these same web standards -- and the amazing things they enable web designers to do.

Notably, the demos require the use of Safari. Firefox and Chrome users will be directed to download Safari.

Meanwhile, game developer Brainium Studios has released an HTML5 demo version of their $0.99 iPhone game Hand of Greed. iPhone and iPod Touch owners can play the free HTML5 demo by directing their mobile browsers to http://www.brainiumstudios.com/webapp/. Users are instructed to install the "app" on their homescreen where it can be launched and played. There are some obvious limitations in the HTML5 version -- no sound and limited graphical effects. Still, it's an interesting adoption of some HTML5 standards that Apple has been pushing so hard.

Other notable HTML5 demos we've seen include:

- Akihabara - arcade games in HTML5
- SketchPad - draw, paint, create
- Darkroom - photo/image processing tool, can use offline storage.

AppleInsider claims that it has received multiple reports of supply shortages in Apple's Mac mini line, suggesting that an update may be approaching. The reports come from both purchasers looking to place volume orders as well as from checks of reseller supplies. MacRumors has heard similar whispers in recent days, although a time frame for a release is currently unknown.

The shortage has been verified four times over by AppleInsider, which has received numerous reports that suggest the constraints are indicative of new models on the horizon, rather than intermittent delays resulting from the onset of the back-to-school buying season, which sometimes sees Apple curb the flow of Macs to its distribution channels in favor of filling large orders to universities.

Rumors of potential updates to the Mac mini have been sparse, in part due to the fact that the line is only just now approaching the end of its usual product cycle, having been revamped last October.

Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) next week might initially appear to be an opportunity for Apple to launch new Mac minis, but the developer focus of the annual event has typically restricted product announcements primarily to the company's professional lines. Consequently, even if a refresh is imminent, it may not appear until a quiet update in the days or weeks following WWDC.

A report from earlier this year suggested that Apple may be planning to replace the Mac mini's existing DVI output with HDMI, making the machine more easily compatible with home theater systems. Sources have been otherwise quiet about what might be included in an update, although the Mac mini may face some of the same issues experienced with the 13" MacBook Pro related to a licensing dispute between Intel and NVIDIA. Those issues, combined with technical constraints in the MacBook Pro's small form factor that may or may not necessarily be shared in the Mac mini, led Apple to continue using Intel's Core 2 Duo processors in its smallest pro notebook in the latest revision rather than switching to the Core i5 or i7 offerings used in the larger MacBook Pros.

CNET reports that authorities have begun examining computers and other evidence seized from Gizmodo editor Jason Chen's residence following the purchase of and publication of details on a lost next-generation iPhone. The evidence examination had been on hold since Chen's lawyers raised questions about the legality of the seizure, arguing special protections for Chen under journalist shield laws.

Stephen Wagstaffe, chief deputy district attorney for San Mateo County, told CNET on Wednesday that a court there had appointed a "special master" to search the items seized from the home of Jason Chen in late April. The court has asked the special master to collect only information that pertains to Gizmodo's dealings with an iPhone prototype that the blog purchased for $5,000.

The special master, who has not been identified, is an unpaid, neutral third party appointed by the court to assist in the carrying out of judicial orders. The agent will collect information believed pertinent to the investigation and present it to the court and Chen's lawyers for discussion and final determination of what evidence will be provided to the district attorney for investigation. The report notes that this process could take up to two months.

Earlier this week, Apple CEO Steve Jobs revealed his thoughts on the situation, noting that some people advised him to "let it slide" but that devotion to what he believes are the core values of Apple demands that the company pursue action.

Google yesterday announced that it has rolled out a new feature for its mobile-formatted search results pages, offering direct links to App Store and Android Market application listings as part of the results.

As of today, if you go to Google.com on your iPhone or Android-powered device and search for an app, we'll show special links and content at the top of the search results. You can tap these links to go directly to the app's Android Market or iPhone App Store page. You can also get a quick look at some of the app's basic details including the price, rating, and publisher. These results will appear when your search pertains to a mobile application and relevant, well-rated apps are found.

Clicking on a "More results for your iPhone" link under suggested apps will automatically link users to the App Store and perform a search on the app's name.

Google notes that the feature is currently available in the United States, but will be extended to other countries and devices in the future.

In a very brief response to a question from Beet.tv regarding the iPhone, Verizon spokesman John Johnson notes that the company is not planning to carry the iPhone in the "immediate future", before quickly redirecting the conversation to tout Verizon's new handset offerings.

Q: Let me ask you first of all about Verizon and the iPhone. What is happening, if anything? What is the status?

A: No one ever asks that question. (Smiles) So, no plans to carry the iPhone in the immediate future, but you've gotta look at the incredible excitement around the Android devices...

Johnson's comments are not much of a surprise, considering that he would be unable to divulge any such plans if they did exist, but the footage is making the rounds today as a tempering of expectations for those who might be hoping for a Verizon iPhone announcement at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference next week. One recent report has pegged a Verizon iPhone release for as early as November given reports of the status of the manufacturing testing process with rumored manufacturer Pegatron, although many observers see a 2011 launch to be more likely.

TUAW got in touch with an AT&T spokesperson and has put together an extensive Q&A clarifying some of the details of the carrier's upcoming changes to its iPhone and iPad data plans. Among the topics addressed:

- AT&T will continue to offer the $14.99 250/MB data plan for the iPad. It will not be reduced to the 200 MB cap the carrier will be offering on its cheaper smartphone plan.

- iPad users reaching their 2 GB limit under the forthcoming plan will be able to initiate a new monthly cycle on demand with a new start date. This would appear to make the iPad plan more of a "2 GB or 30 days, whichever comes first" cycle than a "30 days with 2 GB cap plus overage fees" cycle, with the exception being that users will have to manually initiate a new cycle should they reach their 2 GB cap before the end of the billing cycle.

- iPhone users can bump up from the $15 200 MB data plan to the $25 2 GB plan without penalty as long as they initiate the change before the end of the desired billing cycle. This will allow users on the lower tier to simply bump up to the $25 plan as needed rather than having to pay $15 per additional 200 MB over the initial 200 MB limit. Users can then bump themselves back down for their next billing cycle. It is unclear at this time whether users on the higher tier will be able to drop down to the lower tier mid-cycle if they see that their data usage will be low for that period.

- Original iPhone users still on 2G plans are unaffected by the new plan changes, although AT&T has indicated on its Facebook page that those customers will continue to be able to upgrade to the current $30 unlimited data plan even after it is officially discontinued and the new plans are rolled out.

- iPhone customers upgrading their handsets and signing new contracts will be able to continue on their existing unlimited plans. The representative noted, however, that AT&T may offer "new desirable plans" alongside the next-generation iPhone, although the comment appears to be more of general statement than a specific disclosure of the company's plans.

With the leak of a claimed white front panel for the next-generation iPhone last month, it appears that if the parts are in fact legitimate Apple will be bringing the existing iPhone color option of a white back around to the front of the device. Since that time, additional photos of the white front panel have surfaced as interest in mockup renderings of the full device in white has been on the increase.

Repair shop PowerbookMedic today appears to offer the first apparent proof that Apple is at least planning to continue offering the option of a white back with the next-generation iPhone. The evidence comes in the form of images sent to the shop showing several claimed iPhone parts.

Notably, the white back case contains placeholder text for the model number and other identification numbers, suggesting that the parts represent a prototype build and are not from the final release widely rumored for introduction at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week.

In addition to the white back panel, PowerbookMedic also received images showing the same white front panel seen in previous leaks, as well as the digitizer and midboard assemblies.

Google subsidiary AdMob today announced the release of a revised iPhone OS SDK bringing new ad formats that will allow customized delivery to the iPad.

Our new SDK is unified across all devices running the iPhone OS, which means that developers can download one binary for development across all Apple iPhone OS devices - iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. AdMob's unified iPhone SDK makes it easier for developers to quickly integrate our code and start monetizing their applications.

The new SDK supports two ad formats in native iPad applications: text & tile ads and image ads. Both of these ad formats are available in the three IAB standard ad sizes: 300250, 72890, and 46860.

AdMob notes that it is already working with advertisers on the new platform, with Amazon rolling out a Kindle ad campaign tailored for the iPad. Publishers and advertisers can access the new SDK through their online AdMob accounts.

Despite the fact that today's release is limited to "text & tile" and image ads for the iPad, AdMob has also posted a demo showing how HTML5 tools will in the future enable more engaging user experiences in advertising on the iPad.

Boy Genius Report has received word that Verizon Wireless is testing new iPad models compatible with the carrier's CDMA-based cellular network.

According to a highly placed source of ours, Verizon Wireless is currently testing Apple iPad devices on their network. We have been told that the model they are testing is a CDMA-compatible device, and while our source mentioned LTE in some capacity (possibly another model), we haven't been able to independently confirm that part of it.

Verizon is set to roll out its LTE (4G) network in up to 30 markets, having been engaged in testing in Boston and Seattle since last August. Verizon's aggressive LTE rollout puts it ahead of AT&T, the current exclusive iPhone carrier in the U.S.

Apple had been expected by many observers to launch the iPad in a partnership with Verizon, but the Apple CEO Steve Jobs surprised many at the device's January introduction by announcing that it would appear as an AT&T exclusive for 3G service in the U.S. Speculation centers around AT&T having outbid its competitors with its data plans for the iPad, offering unlimited data for $29.99 per month. AT&T just today announced, of course, that it is moving to a $25/month, 2 GB data plan for the iPad, although customers on the existing unlimited plan can remain on it as long as they keep their plan active.

Verizon has also been a popular target of rumors regarding the iPhone, with Pegatron being named by sources as the manufacturer for the CDMA-specific hardware. Recent rumors have suggested that a Verizon iPhone could appear as early as November, although many observers think that a 2011 launch is more likely.

With AT&T's announcement today that it is rolling out new data plans next week for the iPhone and other smart phones, many customers have been thinking about which data plan is right for them in light of the new download limits.

AT&T iPhone customers can view their data usage for the current billing period on the summary page for their account by logging in to the AT&T Wireless website. Such data is only an estimate, however, and AT&T notes that delays of up to five business days may be experienced before data activity shows up in the displayed total. Users can also dial *DATA# and receive a text message with their current billing period's usage.

From their AT&T Wireless account summary page, users can also click on the "View Past Data Usage" link to see a six-month history of their data usage to help gauge which new data plan they may want to select.

For existing customers who wish to keep their $30/month unlimited data plan, they can continue on the plan even if they upgrade to new hardware. If a customer elects to switch to one of the new plans, however, they will be unable to switch back to the unlimited plan at any point in the future. Customers on the grandfathered unlimited plan will also be unable to use AT&T's tethering feature, which comes as a $20/month add-on to the new $25/month 2 GB data plan.

All Things Digital has been editing together some video clips of the opening session sit-down between Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher at the D8 Conference. While we've already highlighted many of the interesting comments that came out of the interview, the video clips offer exact quotes of his comments and demonstrate his passion and forcefulness outside the realm of his usual scripted keynote addresses at Apple events.

- Steve Jobs on the iPhone's Origin
- Steve Jobs on Apple's Relationship With Google
- Steve Jobs on iAds Restrictions
- Steve Jobs on the Gizmodo Story
- Steve Jobs on Television
- Steve Jobs on AT&T

AT&T's announcement of their new capped data plans has generated a lot of discussion amongst current and future iPhone owners. In short, AT&T eliminated their $30/month unlimited plan for new iPhone customers starting on June 7th. After that time, new iPhone (and other smartphone) customers have the option of $15/mo (200MB) and $25/mo (2GB) data plans. AT&T, however, has grandfathered in existing iPhone customers by allowing them to keep the $30/month unlimited plan if they desire.

But with the new iPhone just around the corner, several readers wondered if that guarantee would hold even if they chose to upgrade to the new iPhone. It seems like it will.

AT&T has replied on their Facebook page indicating that current customers may keep the $30/month unlimited plan even when they upgrade to a new iPhone:

The good news for current customers who love their unlimited plan is this: they are not required to switch, even when it's time to upgrade to a new phone. So you are welcome to keep your unlimited plan :)

Of course, by staying on the unlimited plan, customers won't be able to add on tethering service. See our previous coverage of the new pricing plans for further details.

Besides the new iPhone tethering option, AT&T also announced that they have changed the iPad 3G data plan for new customers after June 7th.

At present, AT&T offers a no-contract $29.99/month unlimited data plan specifically for iPad owners. If you activate your data plan before June 7th, you can still participate in this plan. After June 7th, however, AT&T will be replacing that plan with a $25/month 2GB limited plan. From the press release:

For new iPad customers, the $25 per month 2 GB plan will replace the existing $29.99 unlimited plan. iPad customers will continue to pre-pay for their wireless data plan and no contract is required. Existing iPad customers who have the $29.99 per month unlimited plan can keep that plan or switch to the new $25 per month plan with 2 GB of data.

So, if this is an issue for you, you still have time to be grandfathered into the unlimited data plan. Existing iPad customers can look at their current data usage via their iPad settings.