AT&T CEO dropped a small bomb during a press conference by announcing that the iPhone will support 3G protocol next year.
If this was expected, considering that Apple will need a 3G iPhone in order to ensure a successful launch in Japan, it remains surprising that such announcement is not made by Apple or Steve Jobs. Apple did not implement 3G support in the first iPhone for 2 reasons: higher power consumption linked to 3G and the small 3G network in USA. Indeed, Apple develops its products for the US market before offering them worldwide.
By giving one year between the original iPhone and its 3G-ready brother, Apple gave enough time for internal and external R&D resources to deliver 3F optimized components and applications while ensuring optimal power consumption.
[translation by xrissley]
