Thread: The 3G iPhone FAQ + 101 Most Commonly Asked iPhone Questions

• When was the 3G iPhone announced? The 3G iPhone was announced on June 9th, 2008 at approximately 11:30am PST, during WWDC 2008, in San Francisco, California.
• Is the 3G iPhone available for purchase? The 3G iPhone is available for purchase in 22 countries around the world, and 60 countries by the end of the year.
• How much is the 3G iPhone? The 8GB model of the 3G iPhone costs $199 (£100) and the 16GB model costs $299 (£149). The 3G iPhone is available at the same cost, or less, all around the world. Prices vary, depending on your plan. Subsidized and unsubsidized prices vary.
• Where can I purchase a 3G iPhone in the US? You can purchase a 3G iPhone at one of over 1800 AT&T stores across the United States, or your local Apple Retail Store.
• How many colors is the 3G iPhone available in? The 3G iPhone is available in two colors; black and white. The 8GB model is available in the color black while the 16GB model is available in both black and white.
• Where is the 3G iPhone available? The 3G iPhone is available in 22 countries, and 60 countries by the end of this year.
• What are the features of the 3G iPhone? The 3G iPhone supports 3G networking, enterprise support and third party application support. 3G networking support surpasses EDGE. The 3G iPhone also supports GPS.
• How fast is the 3G networking? The 3G network is 2.8X faster than EDGE. These tests were conducted by visiting the same website on both iPhone models.
• Does the purchase of the 3G iPhone require a plan with AT&T? Yes, in the US, purchasing a 3G iPhone requires that you have a minimum 2-year contract with AT&T.
• Does the 3G iPhone support the App Store? Yes, the 3G iPhone supports the App Store, which enables you to have official third party applications on the iPhone, such as Facebook, eBay, Super Monkey Ball or Tap Tap Revenge.
• How much does the App Store cost? The App Store is included as part of the Firmware 2.0 update. Firmware 2.0 is preloaded on 3G iPhones, available as a free update for the iPhone, and $9.99 for the iPod touch.
• Does the 3G iPhone run on Firmware 2.0? Yes.
• What is the new GPS feature? With the addition of the 3G iPhone, we see GPS-like tracking. Sadly, there's no voice to guide you, although it will provide you visually with the same effectiveness.
• How do you purchase third-party applications? Third party applications will be purchased through the App Store, which is found in iTunes 7.7. You can use an iTunes Gift Card to purchase applications from the App Store or you can use another method of payment, as long as you have an iTunes Store account. Applications range anywhere from free to $99.99, as long as the applications end in a denomination of 99 cents (such as $4.99 or $6.99). Developers have the option to set the application price, and they receive 70% of all sales made on that particular application. Apple receives the additional 30% profit remaining.
• I have another cell phone, will I be able to keep my phone number when upgrading? Yes, you will be able to keep your phone number when you upgrade to the 3G iPhone.
• Can I sync my old iPhone's data to my 3G iPhone? Yes, iTunes will prompt you asking if you want to use your old data from your previous iPhone.

The Apple iPhone combines three products — a mobile phone, a wide-screen iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight hand-held device. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers.

Apple says - "So it ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone."

Can I watch Videos on the it?

The Phone is a widescreen iPod with touch controls that lets you enjoy all your content — including music, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies — on a beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display. It also lets you sync your content from the iTunes library on your PC or Mac. And then you can access it all with just the touch of a finger.

How Do I Make A Call On it?

The IPhone is a revolutionary new mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply pointing your finger at a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. It also automatically syncs all your contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service. And it lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email.

With the iPhone, making a call is as simple as touching a name or number. In addition, you can easily construct a favorites list for your most frequently made calls, and quickly merge calls together to create conference calls.

Does It Have Voicemail?

Visual Voicemail allows you to go directly to any of your messages without listening to the prior messages. So you can quickly select the messages that are most important to you.

Can I send text messages on the Iphone

The Iphone includes an SMS application with a predictive QWERTY soft keyboard that prevents and corrects mistakes, making it easier and more efficient to use than the small plastic keyboards on many smartphones.

Can I Take Pictures With It

Apple's new iPhone features a 2-megapixel camera and a photo management application that goes far beyond anything on a phone today. Sync photos from your PC or Mac, and you’re ready to browse or email them with the flick of a finger.

Can I send Email? Can I surf the Net?

The IPhone features a rich HTML email client and Safari — the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device — which automatically syncs bookmarks from your PC or Mac. Safari also includes built-in Google and Yahoo! search. The IPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background over Wi-Fi or EDGE.

The IPhone uses a rich HTML email client that fetches your email in the background from most POP3 or IMAP mail services and displays photos and graphics right along with the text.

Can I Get Directions through It?

With Google Maps and iPhone’s amazing Maps application, you can view maps and satellite images, or get directions and traffic information, all from iPhone’s remarkable, easy-to-use touch interface.

Iphone Widgets?

The IPhone even has widgets: small applications that give you helpful information like stock reports, weather reports, and more in real time.

Multi-touch Sceen

iPhone features the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse. It’s an entirely new interface based on a large multi-touch display and innovative new software that lets you control everything using only your fingers. So you can glide through albums with Cover Flow, flip through photos and email them with a touch, or zoom in and out on a section of a web page — all by simply using iPhone’s multi-touch display.

What is the Operating System?

Mac OSX is now available on a small, handheld device that gives you access to true desktop-class applications and software, including rich HTML email, full-featured web browsing, and applications such as widgets, Safari, calendar, text messaging, Notes, and Address Book. The IPhone is fully multi-tasking, so you can read a web page while downloading your email in the background.

Is The Iphone Wireless?

The IPhone uses quad-band GSM, the global standard for wireless communications. It also supports Cingular’s EDGE network, 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, which links to Apple’s new, remarkably compact Bluetooth headset.

Built-in Advanced Sensors

Apple's IPhone’s "accelerometer" detects when you rotate the device from portrait to landscape, then automatically changes the contents of the display, so you immediately see the entire width of a web page or a photo in its proper landscape aspect ratio.

The proximity sensor detects when you lift iPhone to your ear and immediately turns off the display to save power and prevent inadvertent touches until iPhone is moved away.

An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness to the appropriate level for the current ambient light, thereby enhancing the user experience and saving power at the same time.

Technical Specifications

Screen size 3.5 inches
Screen resolution 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
Input method Multi-touch
Operating system OS X
Storage 4GB or 8GB
GSM Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
Wireless data Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera 2.0 megapixels
Battery Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing
Up to 16 hours Audio playback

Dimensions 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.46 inches / 115 x 61 x 11.6mm
Weight 4.8 ounces / 135 grams

1. What is the Apple iPhone ?The iPhone is the latest upcoming product from Apple and combines an iPod, Cell Phone and internet Device into one handheld mobile product.

"A revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching -- into one small and lightweight handheld device."

2. Does the iPhone have all the features of a normal phone?
The iPhone has all the basic features you'd expect from a mobile phone along with all the features you'd expect from a camera phone, multimedia player and internet device.

3. What models will be available at launch?
The iPhone will ship in 4GB and 8GB memory sized models.

4. Will there be other iPhone versions like a Nano or Shuffle?
Currently it is unknown whether other models of iPhone will be released in the future, although many critics predict it will follow in the steps of the iPods many variants.

5. When is the iPhone release date?
The iPhone is scheduled for release in the United States on June 29th 2007.

6. Where will it be sold?
The iPhone will be available from the Apple Store and AT&T Mobility.

7. Are AT&T stores really going to open at 6PM on June 29th?
It has been announced that AT&T will begin selling the iPhone from their stores at 6PM on the 29th, although to date the exact time zones have not been specified.

8. When is the European iPhone release date?
The iPhone is expected to launch across Europe in the 4th quarter of 2007.

9. When is the Asian iPhone Release Date?
The iPhone is expected to launch across Asia sometime in 2008.

10. How much will the iPhone cost?
The 4GB model will retail at $499, with the 8GB model priced at $599. These prices are based on a 2 year service contract.

11. Can I buy the iPhone online?
It is believed the iPhone will be available via the Apple Store on launch.

12. Can the iPhone be pre-ordered?
AT&T will not be accepting pre-orders for the iPhone and will be selling the device on a first-come-first served basis.

13. What carriers are currently available?
AT&T is the only carrier available for the iPhone in the United States.

14. Can I use the iPhone with any other carrier?
No, AT&T (Cingular) is the exclusive carrier for iPhone.

15. How long does Cingular/AT&T hold the iPhone exclusivity for?
AT&T will be the exclusive carrier of the iPhone in the US until 2009.

16. Can the iPhone be purchased 'unlocked'?
No, neither Apple nor AT&T have any plans to offer the iPhone unlocked at this time.

17. Who will be the exclusive carrier for Canada?
Apple has not to date revealed any news on this although it is widely believed that Roger Wireless is a front runner for the contract.

18. What carriers will be available for the iPhone in Europe?
This is still to be announced.

19. Does AT&T have a minimum contract length?
Yes, there is a minimum 2 years airtime contract with AT&T

20. Does AT&T offer a pre-pay option?
No, there will be no pre-pay option available for the iPhone.

21. Will Europe support pre-pay?
No, there will be no pre-pay option for Europe.

22. Will the iPhone work in any country?
Yes, if you live in the US and travel overseas provided you have an international plan this will be possible.

23. Can I buy an iPhone from the United States and use it in Europe?
No, it won't be possible to purchase an iPhone in the US and assign it to a European provider.

24. Will insurance be provided?
It is currently unknown as to what insurance cover will be available.

25. Can I take out AppleCare on the iPhone?
Again this is yet to clarified.

26. Does the iPhone use a different version of iTunes?
The iPhone will be compatible with the standard iTunes<A id=faq26> software available for both Windows and Mac - it does not require any different software.

27. Can iTunes be installed directly onto the iPhone?
No, this won't be possible.

28. Can the iTunes Store be accessed directly from the iPhone?
No, this won't be possible. However you can access the music store via iTunes on your PC and Mac and the content will be transferred to your iPhone the next time it is synchronized.

29. How do I transfer music to the iPhone?
Tracks are transferred via the iTunes software as per the iPod.

30. Is it possible to download tracks 'over the air' directly to the iPhone?
No, tracks are only transferable via the PC or Mac iTunes software.

31. Does the iPhone support video playback?
Yes, like the 5th generation iPod's the iPhone supports video playback allowing users to watch TV shows and films.

32. Does the iPhone have a built-in camera?
Yes, the iPhone has a built-in 2 mega pixel complete with camera software that allows users to view, upload and email photos to each other.

33. Can the iPhone's camera capture video?
No, the iPhone does not support video capture via the built-in camera.

34. Does the iPhone support iPhoto?
Yes, the camera software will interact with the Mac's iPhoto.

35. Can the iPhone play games for the iPod?
No, the iPhone will not be able to play the iPod games that are available from iTunes.

36. Will the iPhone have any playable games?
It is currently unknown whether the iPhone will adopt similar downloadable games like the iPod has.

37. Will the iPhone vibrate?
Yes, the iPhone will have the vibrate feature as outlined in the AT&T work book.

38. Does the iPhone have a loudspeaker?
Yes, the iPhone has a loudspeaker that can also be used for hands free calling.

39. How does the touch screen work?
The iPhone touch screen is specifically designed for use with a finger and works similar to the iPod's scroll wheel in a sense that menu navigation and scrolling speeds up and slows down depending on the speed of your finger.

40. Is the iPhone's touch screen better than a dedicated keypad?
Ultimately this is down to personal preference, whilst some users will likely learn to type on the iPhone and not need tactile feedback others will prefer the physical tactile feedback that a touch screen cannot provide. Most would be wise to wait until the handheld ships for a personal evaluation prior to potential purchase.

41. Is the keypad available in a horizontal screen setup to allow for larger keys?
This orientation was available in the prototype versions and it isn't currently known whether Apple plan to offer the landscape keyboard layout for the final product.

42. Does the iPhone have a scratch resistant screen?
The iPhone's screen is made from the same polycarbonate that's used for iPod screens, although apparently the coating has been substantially improved.

43. Does the iPhone use or need a stylus?
No, a stylus will not work on the iPhone's touch screen interface.

44. What is the virtual keyboard?
The virtual keyboard is the device that allows you to input text on the iPhone. With features such as auto spellchecking, predictive text and a dynamic dictionary for easier text input.

45. Does the iPhone support an external keyboard?
Simple folding keyboards have been developed in the past for other popular phones so it is a possibility, but to date none have come to light.

46. What do the switches on the side of the iPhone do?
There are 3 switches on the side of the device, sleep/wake, volume up/down, ringer on/off.

47. What is Cover Flow?
Cover Flow is similar to that on iTunes and allows you to scroll through your album inventory on the iPhone. Albums are arranged alphabetically and scrolling is achieved by swiping a finger across the screen.

48. What is Visual Voicemail?
In conjunction with AT&T the iPhone has the ability to offer Visual Voicemail to its users. This technology<A id=faq48> allows users to view a list of current voicemail messages onscreen, without having to call into their voicemail account to retrieve them.

49. Does the iPhone have an operating system?
Yes, the iPhone will run on Mac OS X.

50. Is this a slimmed down version of the Mac OS X?
Apple confirmed the MAC OS X operating system is a slimmed down version for the iPhone with unnecessary components removed.

51. How much storage space does the iPhone OS occupy?
The operating system install is expected to take up less than 500MB.

52. Is the iPhone capable of running Linux?
Although no official confirmation has been given it is very possible the iPhone is capable of running Linux.

53. Will the iPhone support Java applications?
No, the iPhone will not support any Java applets or applications. According to Steve Jobs, "Java's not worth building in. Nobody uses Java anymore. It's this big heavyweight ball and chain."

54. Will the iPhone support Widgets?
Yes, the iPhone will support widgets.

55. Will the iPhone support Mac Widgets?
No, Dashboard widgets written for Mac OS X will not be compatible with the iPhone.

56. Are iPhone widgets the same as Mac widgets?
No doubt there will be some similarity between widgets written for Mac OS X and those written for the iPhone. Presumably they both use DashCode.

57. Will it support 3rd party applications?
There has been much discussion on whether the iPhone will be a closed device to 3rd party developers, with the latest comment from Steve Jobs being that this is still very much under discussion. Steve Jobs says he doesn't want the iPhone to be "one of those phones that crashes a few times a day." He adds: "We would like to solve this problem and if you could just be a little more patient with us, we'll do it."

Currently the only publicly announced way to write apps for the iPhone is to make web apps (including AJAX). There is still the possiblity that certain developers will get invitations to make native programs for the iPhone. (emerrill)

58. Will the iPhone support Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint files?
The iPhone will offer no support for Microsoft Office documents and therefore will not allow for reading or editing of any such Word, Excel or PowerPoint files.

59. Will the iPhone support Adobe PDF documents?
Yes, it will be possible to open and view Adobe PDF documents on the iPhone although editing will not be possible.

60. Does the iPhone support iChat?
No, the iPhone does not support iChat.

61. Does the iPhone have internet capabilities?
Yes, the iPhone has internet capabilities.

62. Does the iPhone have WiFi capabilities?
Yes, the iPhone has built-in WiFi which will allow internet access via a wireless network.

63. Does the iPhone support EDGE?
Yes, the iPhone will be able to connect to the internet<A id=faq63> via AT&T's EDGE network.

64. Is the iPhone 3G compatible?
No, the iPhone will not support the 3G network although Steve Jobs has mentioned that 3G would be a future feature.

65. Why does Apple support EDGE and not 3G?
Outside of Apple HQ it is unknown as to why Apple have put more weight behind EDGE than 3G. It is reasonable to speculate that the decision could have been based on the cost of availability of and battery usage.

66. Will the iPhone support 3G in Europe?
3G has far more coverage across the UK and Europe than in the US so it seems very likely this will be included in the iPhone for those regions - Although there has been no official confirmation as of yet.

67. Does the iPhone support MMS?
No, the iPhone does not have support for MMS.

68. Does the iPhone Bluetooth capabilities?
Yes, the iPhone has built-in Bluetooth 2.0.

69. Is email supported on the iPhone?
Yes, the iPhone features an HTML email program which allows the user to embed photos into email. Exchange servers are also supported provided they have been setup with IMAP/POP3.

70. Is it possible to sync Microsoft Outlook with the iPhone?
Yes, Outlook and Outlook express are supported.

Code:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/easysetup/getready.html

71. What browser will the iPhone use?
The iPhone will use the Safari web browser

72. Is this the full Safari browser?
Steve Jobs has noted on numerous occasions that the iPhone will indeed utilize the real Safari browser for real internet browsing.

73. Does the web browser display the full web page on the iPhone's screen?
Yes, the entire web page will be visible on the iPhone's display - To zoom into any specific area just double-tap the screen.

74. Will iPhone Safari support Flash?
No, iPhone Safari will not support Flash technology.

75. Will the iPhone support YouTube playback?
Yes, it has been mentioned by Steve Jobs previously that the iPhone will most likely support YouTube playback.

76. Will iPhone Safari support Java?
No, Java will not be supported.

77. Will iPhone Safari support JavaScript?
Yes JavaScript will be supported.

78. Will iPhone Safari support Ajax?
Yes, Steve Jobs has said in the past that AJAX can be used to make programs that run within Safari on the phone.

79. Can I use the iPhone as a dial-up modem?
It is currently unknown whether the iPhone can be used as a modem<A id=faq79> although it does seem unlikely as this would have already been publicized by now.

80. Is an iTunes account required for the iPhone?
Yes, iTunes software is required for the iPhone.

81. How large is the iPhone's screen size?
The iPhone has a screen size of 3.5 inches, with a resolution of 320x480 pixels at 160 ppi.

82. Are the 8GB models larger in physical size than the 4GB?
No, there is no physical size difference between the 2 models.

83. What is the iPhone's battery life?
The battery is capable of up to 5 hours of talk time, web browsing or video playback.

84. What is the battery life for music playback?
The iPhone's battery lasts up to 16 hours for music playback.

85. Does the iPhone support removable media?
No, the iPhone does not support any removable media.

86. Can the iPhone's memory be expanded?
No, the iPhone's memory can not be increased or expanded.

87. Does the iPhone have a removable battery?
No the iPhone has a built-in battery unit like that of the iPod.

88. How does the iPhone battery charge?
The iPhone battery charges with a cable just like the existing iPod.

89. How long does it take to charge the iPhone?
Recharge times are currently unknown.

90. Can I use my iPod dock to charge the iPhone?
Although there has been no official confirmation the iPhone has a USB-based iPod 'dock connector' on the base of the device. Therefore it seems likely that the majority of iPod accessories that are compatible with modern iPod models will be compatible with the iPhone as well.

91. Does the iPhone have SIM card slot?
Currently it is not known whether the iPhone does have a SIM card slot or not. It has been missing from earlier pre-production models. It is being speculated that lack of access to the SIM will help Apple prevent the iPhone 'black market' to develop.

Recent reports suggest a very slim SIM card "tray" at the top of the phone similar to the way you would remove a battery from an Apple remote. Although there is not hard evidence.

92. Does the iPhone support Mac OS X programs?
No the iPhone will not run Mac OS X programs.

93. Does the iPhone have built-in GPS?
No the iPhone does not have GPS.

94. Can I use the iPhone when I travel overseas?
Yes, the iPhone is quad-band GSM enabled.

95. Will the iPhone allow iPod-playable tracks as ringtones?
It is currently still to be decided whether tracks will be allowed as ringtones.

96. Does the iPhone have speed dial?
A speed dial function hasn't been clarified as of yet but seems likely this will be incorporated into the device.

97. Can I use my iPod earphones with the iPhone?
Yes, the iPhone will support the iPod's earphones.

98. What processor or processors does the iPhone use?
It is not known what processor(s) the iPhone uses.

99. Can music, videos and photos be transferred between iPhone's?
Sadly the iPhone software does not allow for transfers of such media between devices. There have been earlier reports that such file sharing via Bluetooth or WiFi will also not be possible although this hasn't been officially confirmed.

100. How do I sync the iPhone with my PC or Mac?
The iPhone will connect via a USB input into PC or Mac.

101. Can I use the iPhone as a hard drive like the iPod?
It is currently unknown whether this will be possible or not.

thanks mate.. i will check it out

excellent resource!!

thanks for all of these

i read all the question about apple iphone.but if you can may i ask 1 question about the gps for iphone ...ex[garmin xt use for nokia n95].if the iphone what kind we can use and how to down load ,thank you very much .sorry my enlish so bad

Thanks for the info!

Hi

I know this has probably been asked a million times and i am honestly sorry, I am new to this forum.

I was wondering if there is an esy way to conver mp3's so they can be used as ringtones on my iphone. Any help would be much appricated.

thanks for the info

is iphone teared down? schematics available?