Comments
7 CommentsEvery year it's fun to write one of these posts and then look back on it in a few weeks time to see how the predictions panned out. Recently CNBC got in on the action with an article of predictions based on "inside sources" and Asian manufacturing spies, but it's rare that these supplier sources ever get things exactly right. Just because a person has two arms and two legs and has a beating heart doesn't mean we all look alike, so when an insider gives you some information it could turn out to be anything or nothing.
iPhone
I can't see Apple updating the hardware or the styling of the iPhone this soon after its introduction, but I can see a significant software upgrade introduced at Macworld, especially since the underlying software that the iPhone uses (Leopard) has been introduced and is in consumers' hands already. I expect this software upgrade to include voice recording software, iChat for the iPhone, video recording, and MMS capabilities since the iPhone not having MMS features is stupid since it's so technically advanced in all other areas. Small improvements like the long-awaited copy-and-paste functionality and a way to select more than one email message at a time would be welcomed, but these probably seem like "extras" to Steve Jobs so I won't be holding my breath.
I do suspect a 3G iPhone to be introduced later in 2008, but I don't see Apple introducing 3G into an iPhone that looks the same as the current iPhone. I think that closer to the summertime, Apple will introduce the next version of the iPhone (which will need to go through FCC approval once again) and this will have an updated physical form factor as well as 3G capabilities. It will be released later in the summer, and will be the killer 2008 Holiday Season item as it will be priced less than the current iPhone, perhaps at a $349 price point. By this time I suspect a few additional software upgrades for the iPhone to have been released, so this phone will pack many more features.
Laptops/Portables
It's been known for awhile that Apple has placed large orders for 13.3" LED-backlit displays, but this doesn't seem like the right display to drop into some type of new, sub-compact, ultraportable laptop. However tablet rumors have been swirling as well, so perhaps this new ultraportable Apple computer won't be a laptop after all but will be a tablet. The problem with that theory is that the tablet market is very small and I just can't see Apple attacking it with the same gusto as they do the other industries they're in. My prediction is that these 13.3" screens will be put into their new MacBook line, which will indeed be slimmer and sleeker, but will still have an optical disc drive and a traditional keyboard. Apple seems to be stretched thin as it is with their current lineup of products (remember when Leopard was delayed because of iPhone development?) so I can't see them pulling out a brand new device at Macworld 2008.
An ultraportable 12" laptop without an optical drive would be awesome though.
karmatosed
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
I pretty much agree with you although I'm leaning towards a sub notebook being announced. I won't get one but it just seems the macbook doesn't fully match the loss of the ickle powerbook. My money is on a major update to the iPhone - I just have this sneaky feeling there is something much more that can be turned on afterall we've got the fill those missing icon spaces. I'm also thinking an update to leopard for something more than bug fixes, they threw out a lot on launch that was 'meant' to be in so I'm leaning towards that being part of it. I don't think a iPhone nano though which I've seen people talking about.
jark
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
What I would really like to see come out of Macworld 2008 is the release of the iPhone here in Japan!
Other than that, I predict Apple will finally release a compact 13" notebook. Not that I would want one, but I think that is one segment of the market Apple can successfully attack.
JPhill
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
Isn't the SDK for the iPhone a definite? I expect to see some kind of iChat app so you don't have to use the browser.
Cappuccino
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
As long as the next iPhone has GPS, I will be happy and finally buying one.
Griffith
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
My bet is on the redesigned Macbooks also. The slimmer, metal version, rumours have been circulating around for quite a while, and I've read about "visual confirmation" from leakers of previous Apple rumors more than once.
As for the Apple tablet... I don't think so. Despite the positive reviews, the Modbook hasn't been selling like hot cakes as one might have expected. However, I do expect Apple to bring some of the touch features featured on the iPod Touch and iPhone to their laptop's touchpads, or perhaps, a new Mighty Mouse.
Speaking of which, there was a patent made by Apple a few months back which revealed plans to further improve the touch sensitivity of their computer mouses and include a small mousepad on it's surface. So, for guessing's sake, I wouldn't be too surprised if we saw a "1 button" mouse with touch sensivity accross it's entire surface that allowed you to do the same things you do with your iPhone, but on the mouse's surface.
And to sum things up, despite the rumors circulating the iPhone, about it seeing an upgrade, I really wouldn't bet on most of them except for the eventual increases in capacity.
The iPhone, like the iPod, proved to be quite successful with it's current features, therefore, like the iPod, I highly doubt that Apple will change it's feature-set too much.
If anything iPhone-related is unveiled at Macworld, my bet would be on new features through a firmware update, and perhaps a slightly better, brighter screen/battery life with a bit more capacity.
RightOn
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
I'm fully expecting a NOTE about the iPhone/iPod Touch SDK but they wouldn't get too into developer stuff @ a MacWorld conference, that's what WWDC is for.
I'm expecting MacPro upgrades and a new mouse...
What they NEED to do is work out something on their monitors (laptop and stand alone) that allows them to display with the clarity of the iPhone's screen. I can see mine in GLARING daylight and it's CRYSTAL CLEAR. I want that on my laptop!
peroty
Written Dec. 7, 2007 / Report /
A Pony!
Though a larger capacity iPod Touch would also be incredibly sexy.