Apple already field testing the next generation iPhone

References to the unreleased “iPhone3,1”, (see info at the bottom of this post) were first found back in August in iPhone firmware files, but this is the first time that evidence that the next generation iPhone (or at least a prototype) has already been created. A similar situation occurred last year, as Apple had also began testing the iPhone 3GS in October of 2008. Also, just like last year, the testing had likely taken place and was focused in the San Francisco Bay Area, close to where Apple’s headquarters is located.

iBART, public transportation guide app for the San Francisco train system

Pandav, an iPhone development company, has noticed that an unreleased iPhone model has been using one of their apps, according to their app’s analytics. The app, iBART, is a public transportation guide for the San Francisco train system, and uses PinchMedia for usage statistics and other analytics. PinchMedia works by breaking down customer app usage and what specific device models are being used, and this is how the unreleased iPhone was spotted. “iPhone 3,1,” an unreleased iPhone model as the current 3GS model is known as iPhone 2,1, showed up in Pandav’s usage logs this month.

Nothing is known for sure at this point regarding what features the next generation iPhone might include, although there have been rumors about a multi-core processor which would enhance the iPhone’s performance tremendously. Verizon has also been rumored to get the iPhone as early as mid-2010 (close to when the next iPhone should be released), although the validity of this is uncertain, especially due to the whole AT&T vs. Verizon feud that has been going on.

The recently seeded iPhone OS 3.1 beta contains a particularly interesting plist file. In the “USBDeviceConfiguration.plist” file, lies a previously unseen device: the “iProd1,1.”  This new name harkens back to a few months ago, when an “iPhone3,1” appeared in a plist file. Months later, we were given the now-current iPhone model. 

So what could this mysterious “iProd” be? Given recent news, it may very well be further confirmation of the slowly less mysterious iTablet, (see info below), that has been rumored to exist.  However, as Ars Technica suggests, “It’s just as possible it may refer to the camera-equipped iPod nano, though we doubt such a device would run iPhone OS. And who knows, it might even be an iPhone nano.”

We all know we could be in for anything, especially with Apple!  Stay tuned, we’re in for a treat!

 Apple tablet exists, says analyst

Barron’s (a Wall Street Journal subsidiary, so be forewarned) is reporting that an “analyst” has “… seen first-hand a prototype slate-style computer from Apple.” According to this analyst, the device will retail between $699 and $799, filling in the price gap between the 32G iPhone and white MacBook. It will launch in November, following an official announcement in September. If Jon Peddie of Jon Peddie Research is to be believed, the device will fulfill a plethora of multimedia functions—from supposedly impressive high-def video playback to gaming.

Even more impressive is that fact that, purportedly, ODMs (original device makers) have ceased their own designs, and are instead opting to wait for Apple’s tablet before making any further moves.

Finally, the “iTablet” is supposedly awaiting the final go ahead by Steve Jobs. But until Apple formally announces it, this can still be filed under “rumors.”

Tags: iphone, iphone 3.1, iProd 3.1, iTablet, next generation iPhone