iPhone 2010 predictions

By now you’ve heard about the new phone from Google, the Nexus One.

So, now that Google has finally thrown a good punch, what will Apple do to respond? Their current flagship phone, the 3Gs, is looking a bit dated now. Here are my predictions for the traditional June announcement.

• Higher Screen Resolution

Android now supports resolutions of 800 x 480 as seen in the Motorola Droid and the Nexus One. The iPhone in comparison is sporting a meager 480 x 320. When you look at the phones next to each other the iphone pales in comparison. This one is a sure bet upgrade, especially considering Apple’s focus on movies and television downloads.

• Memory Upgrade to 64GB

Another obvious prediction. Tech blogs have leaked that companies are making the 64 GB version of the flash chips Apple uses in the iPhone. Expect the 8GB to be put out to pasture and the two size options to be 32GB and 64GB.

• Some new maps differentiation

Google has put Apple in an awkward situation. By including their navigation feature for free on Android, Apple is pressured to include free turn by turn directions on their iPhone. However, Apple also has to be concerned with the companies that sell GPS software in their App Store (like Navigon and Tom Tom). I think Apple will try to differentiate their maps in a different way and leave the GPS programs to be bought. How? I forsee a Foursquare/Gowalla/Latitude functionality brought to major importance. You will see your friends with iPhones on your map around you. Further, a stronger emphasis on Augmented Reality. Hold up your phone and let the camera see things around you and the phone will overlay information. Search maps for “tacos” then hold up your camera and flags will pop up showing you the closest Mexican restaurants with links to reviews.

• Camera improvement

To go with the better screen, Apple will allow for HD video recording and at least a 5MP camera to stay in competition with Google’s latest crop of phones.

• A new carrier

Apple is dying under AT&T’s network. However,  a CDMA phone is just too much trouble, especially with LTE upgrades so close. Also, with Verizon’s attacks on Apple concerning the iPhone’s shortcomings and Apple’s responses, I can’t see a good relationship between them. Look for them to open up (slightly!) to the other GSM network, T-mobile.

• Multi-tasking

Android has proven it can be done well without completely sacrificing the battery. Do that many people actually use it? No. But like the MMS debacle, where actually use might not be high, it is simply ridiculous that Apple hasn’t implemented this as a feature.

What won’t happen?

Lots of predictions going around about this phone. What is not likely to happen?

• Video Conferencing

This has been rumored for some time now. Put simply, the iPhone struggles on the AT&T network as it is. Can you imagine trying to push real time streaming video over those pipes at the same time? Not going to happen.

• Verizon iPhone

What I said above. Verizon and Apple have not gotten along lately, throwing smug ads pointing out each other’s shortcomings.

• Larger formfactor

There are whispers about a larger 7 inch iPhone. The problem is that those are simply too big to fit in a pocket. I think this rumor is a leftover of the iSlate tablet rumor or of the higher resolution (which would still be in the 3.5 inch form factor).

• Keyboard

Nope. No. Nooooooooooo. Not gonna happen. Apple has committed to no keyboards. They simply add bulk without a lot of new functionality. Do people really use the keyboards on their Droids? Or do they just complain about it. The new Nexus One Google phone – guess what, no keyboard. It just doesn’t work with the design. If you want a keyboard get a boring, ugly Blackberry and enjoy that terrible UI and outdating web browser.