Apple iPhone 2.0 mania

analysis
Jun 10, 20082 mins

At this week's World-Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) Apple unveiled their long expected iPhone 2.0. This new version includes 3G support, GPS, longer battery life, enterprise email, an SDK, an application store for third party apps and a lower price. There's also a cure for male pattern baldness --you just rub the iPhone on your head --but they're still working out the bugs on that. In just a year, Apple has ma

At this week’s World-Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) Apple unveiled their long expected iPhone 2.0. This new version includes 3G support, GPS, longer battery life, enterprise email, an SDK, an application store for third party apps and a lower price. There’s also a cure for male pattern baldness –you just rub the iPhone on your head –but they’re still working out the bugs on that.

In just a year, Apple has made a significant dent in the high end of the market with 28% market share among smartphones. That’s against some stiff competition from RIM as well as some dedicated Palm followers. With the new lower prices at $199 for 8MB and $299 for 16MB (assuming a 2 year AT&T contract) I think the iPhone will find its way into the mainstream of end users and enterprise IT. (Check out InfoWorld’s guide to using the iPhone at Work.)

As a browser, it’s a great device. And with built-in Wi-Fi and a slick user interface, it’s incredibly compelling. Ok, I would still like to see a slide-out keyboard for email. But I’ve met a lot of folks who don’t seem to mind typing on the virtual keyboard.

The iPhone 2.0 will be available July 11 in the US and then launched around the world in 70 major markets. I suspect they’ll reach the goal of 10 million iPhones well before year end.

So, who’s buying one and who’s waiting?