Gartner’s Report On 10 Million 3G iPhones

Technology research firm Gartner tried to clear up reports that it had said Apple might be buying 10 million iPhones capable of connecting to much faster data networks.

Gartner said that they do not know whether Apple has actually placed an order for 3G iPhones and there is no way for them to get a confirmation that an order had been placed. However, they do believe it would be logical if Apple would have done so.

“If Apple was to place an order, then 10 million would be a reasonable number. And we absolutely believe that in the next-generation iPhone 3G will be there,” - Bob Hafner, Dulaney's boss.

The iPhone currently uses an EDGE radio, a digital mobile phone technology for increased data transmission rates over a cellular network. EDGE, however, is considered a 2.75-generation technology, versus a 3G technology, such as HSDPA, which is used in Europe.

Since iPhone sales were not as strong as expected in Europe (Apple has predicted it will sell 10 million of the current iPhone by the end of the year), due in part to a lack of 3G support, it is vital for Apple to release 3G iPhones as soon as possible. However, 3G might not be enough, since there are already 3.5G devices, reports Gartner.

Gartner announced that one improvement they expect from Apple is OLED display for the iPhone. Current LCD is the most energy consuming part of the device, and having OLED screen would allow for power balance for 3G.

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. It delivers the technology-related insight necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, Gartner, Inc. is the indispensable partner to 60,000 clients in 10,000 distinct organizations.

Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, the firm works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role.

Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and has 4,000 associates, including 1,200 research analysts and consultants in 75 countries.

Reference:

http://www.informationweek.com/hardware/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207000174