iPhone 3G FAQ

Is your heart aflutter at the thought of buying an iPhone 3G? Are you counting the days until the 11 July release date?

If this describes you, or even if you are just toying with the idea, there are a few things you'll need to consider. Fortunately, CNET is here to tell you all you need to know.

Q: What's so great about the iPhone 3G?
A: The iPhone 3G adds important features that were absent on the original iPhone. Those include support for 3G networks, true GPS, and support for Microsoft Exchange server. It will also support third-party applications available through the upcoming iPhone App Store. Its design is different as well, but not by much.

Q: What's not great about it?
A: We were hoping to see a few more features including multimedia messaging, voice dialling, video recording, and a landscape keyboard.

Q: So should I get it?
A: If you want an iPhone but haven't bought one yet, this is the iPhone for you. If you already own an iPhone, the choice isn't as clear. But if you can afford to upgrade, you should. The added features will be worth it, especially if you live in an area with decent 3G coverage.

Q: Where can I buy the iPhone 3G?
A: It will be available in Apple Stores, as well as Vodafone and Optus stores and their websites. It's likely to be available in third-party stores, like Allphones and Telechoice. Apple reseller stores will also stock the iPhone 3G, selling handsets locked to either Optus or Vodafone.

Q: Wait, so I can't get it on the Apple website?
A: According to information coming from the US, no. If it turns out you can buy the iPhone from Apple's website then you will almost certainly have to choose a carrier contract with your purchase.

Q: Can I use the iPhone 3G overseas?
A: As a quad-band GSM phone with support for three 3G bands, you'll be able to use the new iPhone all over the world. Just remember that the phone will be locked to either Optus or Vodafone so you won't be able to use another carrier's SIM card. And if you're a frequent globe-trotter, you should ask your carrier about international plans to avoid nasty surprises on your bill.

Q: Can I still activate my phone using iTunes?
A: Unfortunately, you'll have to do that in the store when you buy it. Though this is no different to the way Australians have been buying mobile phones for years, so no real shock for us.

Q: Why is Apple doing that?
A: We suspect that it's a way to crack down on iPhones that were purchased but were never activated on AT&T's network. By forcing you to activate the phone in a store, you'll be forced to sign up for a contract. This is the carriers method for safe-guarding their investment in the subsidised pricing of the handsets.

Q: Won't that create a mob scene on stores on 11 July?
A: We expect that it will be pretty crazy that day. Though stores were mobbed last year, buyers had only to pay for their phone and get out. This year, however, they'll have to go through the entire process for credit approval, contract signing, and activation before they can leave. If you figure that each person will take at least 15 minutes to complete their transaction, then we should see some long and slow moving lines.

Q: How much will the iPhone 3G cost?
A: This is the million dollar question, though a million dollars isn't the correct answer. Expect to see the iPhone available on capped plans with bundled mobile data. On more expensive capped plans we expect the iPhone will be free — the cost being subsidised over the course of the two-year contract.

Q: Can I use an iPhone 3G with Optus or Vodafone prepaid services?
A: Apparently yes, but we haven't received any further details at this stage. We'll be curious to see how much the iPhone 3G will cost when it's not being subsidised by a carrier contract.

Q: If I keep my current iPhone, will I miss out on all the new features?
A: Through the iPhone 2.0 software update you'll get a lot of new goodies including the third-party applications and the Exchange server support. Yet, you will miss out on the 3G and GPS.

Q: I already have a comparable smartphone from Vodafone/Optus and a two-year service contract. Can I buy the 3G iPhone and simply restart my contract?
A: It depends on when you started your initial contract. You have to meet certain upgrade eligibility criteria. We'll know more on that later.

Q: Let's say I bought my iPhone last year and I want the 3G iPhone. Can I give my old iPhone to my sister or sell it on eBay?
A: Considering all iPhones currently in Australia are jailbreaks then the answer is yes. Those looking to buy a used iPhone off eBay should be aware that the implementation of the iPhone firmware 2.0 will almost certainly brick the handset until new jailbreak code is written.

Q: Will people living in areas without native 3G coverage be able to buy an iPhone 3G?
A: Yes, both Optus and Vodafone complement their 3G coverage with GSM coverage. You won't have access to 3G data services, but you will be able to make calls and send messages.

Q: Do I have to be in the store to get software updates or to sync it with iTunes?
A: No, updates and syncing with iTunes can be done right from your home computer. You can also buy applications from the Apps Store from your computer.

Q: Will the iPhone ever come to other carriers in Australia?
A: Technically all Australia carriers can make use of the iPhone on their networks. Whether or not Apple extends the licence in Australia to include 3 Mobile, Telstra or Virgin is yet to be seen.