Some users of gray-market iPhones will soon be eligible for an amnesty in China, writes the China Business Times. Official products for the region are set to go on sale later this week, after an unusually long negotiation period with Apple. Prices will be considerably higher than many Chinese are able to afford however, which could lead a number to choose unlocked import phones, which are also frequently less expensive.
Archive for the ‘iPhone News’ Category
China Unicom To Offer Amnesty For Gray-Market iPhones
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009Orange UK To Sell iPhones On November 10th
Monday, October 26th, 2009The Guardian reports that Orange UK will launch the iPhone on November 10th in the UK, the day after the end of O2’s two-year exclusive contract with Apple. The iPhone will be sold through the Orange’s own stores as well as Phones4U. Carphone Warehouse is also expected to sell the iPhone on behalf of Orange. This announcement makes Orange the second carrier in the UK to offer the iPhone. Two other carriers, Vodafone and 3, are also expected to begin offering the iPhone on their networks in the UK in 2010.
AT&T Updates Carrier Settings For U.S. Apple iPhones
Thursday, October 8th, 2009Following Apple’s release of iPhone OS 3.1.2, AT&T has released a carrier settings update for its U.S. iPhone customers. Listed as AT&T 5.6, it is unclear what improvements the new settings file may offer; the last carrier settings update activated MMS service for U.S. iPhone customers. AT&T announced earlier this week that it will now allow VoIP iPhone applications to operate over its 3G network, but it is unknown whether this new update is in any way related to that announcement.
AT&T: ‘Fine Tuning’ Still Required Before Offering Internet Tethering Via iPhone
Thursday, October 8th, 2009The Wall Street Journal reports that, given AT&T’s recent move to allow VoIP services over its wireless network for the iPhone, users are wondering whether support for Internet tethering via the iPhone may also be launched in the near future. Tethering and MMS were promised as future features by AT&T when iPhone OS 3.0 was launched in mid-June, and MMS was finally enabled late last month with no update on the tethering situation at that time. AT&T is continuing, however, to reiterate its position that additional network upgrades are required before it can support tethering via the iPhone.
Tethering is officially supported on wireless networks in some countries, and allows users to connect their computers to the Internet via their iPhone’s mobile connection via Bluetooth or USB.
Apple Releases iPhone OS 3.1.2, Fixes Sleep Issue
Thursday, October 8th, 2009Apple has released iPhone OS 3.1.2, its first major update to the iPhone’s and iPod touch’s software since the launch of version 3.1 and 3.1.1, respectively, on September 9. According to Apple’s release notes, the update “resolves a sporadic issue that may cause iPhone (or iPod touch) to not wake from sleep,” as well as an “intermittent issue that may interrupt cellular network services until restart.” It also fixes a bug that could cause occasional crashes during video streaming. iPhone OS 3.1.2 is available now for both iPhone and iPod touch users through the update feature in iTunes.
Bell Canada To Offer iPhone In November
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009Bell Canada has announced that it has reached a deal with Apple to offer the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS in Canada beginning in November. While Bell has made an official announcement, a Globe and Mail article states that both Bell and Telus will offer the phone. The two rivals have partnered to build a new HSPA network, launching later this year, in an effort to extend their networks and match the global standard used by Rogers. The iPhone has been exclusive to Rogers Wireless and its subsidiary Fido since its launch in the country in 2008.
AT&T Opens 3G Network To iPhone VoIP Apps
Tuesday, October 6th, 2009AT&T has announced that it has taken the steps needed so that Apple can begin allowing VoIP applications on the iPhone to run on its 3G network. Prior to the announcement, AT&T had blocked VoIP applications on its network, forcing applications such as Skype and Truphone to run over Wi-Fi only. The company previously allowed VoIP applications on other wireless devices, and has informed both Apple and the FCC of its decision. It will likely be some time before VoIP-over-3G applications begin appearing in the App Store, however, as the developers of VoIP apps will need to update their code to allow for 3G connectivity, and Apple will then need to approve the updates.
“iPhone is an innovative device that dramatically changed the game in wireless when it was introduced just two years ago,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “Today’s decision was made after evaluating our customers’ expectations and use of the device compared to dozens of others we offer.”
China Unicom Announces iPhone Pricing
Monday, September 28th, 2009China Unicom has announced its pricing and tariffs for the iPhone in China. The company has said the phone will be priced at 5,000 yuan (roughly $732), but it is unclear which model this price refers to, as the official press release (Translated Link) states the phone will be available in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB versions. The company will offer subsidies of 893 yuan to 4,253 yuan (~$130-$622) based on the service plan selected; plans will range from 126 yuan to 886 yuan (~$18-$130) per month. Finally, the exact official launch date of the phone also remains unclear, as the press release references “a limited number of people” that may start using it on October 1, with a public release coming “late next month.”
South Korea Approves iPhone
Thursday, September 24th, 2009The Korea Communications Commission approved the iPhone for sale in South Korea Wednesday, allowing Apple’s handset into a market that is notoriously closed off.
The approval of the iPhone is expected to change the market in South Korea, where users have been saddled with high prices and a lack of smartphone options. No launch date for the device has been made available.
This Friday’s iPhone MMS Rollout Will Require IPCC Update
Thursday, September 24th, 2009Once AT&T flips the switch to enable MMS for US iPhone users this Friday, you’ll need to download an updated carrier profile and sync it to your iPhone via iTunes to enable the capability, according to the carrier.
AT&T spokesperson Seth Bloom stated details would be posted to AT&T’s Facebook page and other online outlets when the time comes, but wouldn’t specify an exact time.