iPhone 3G S Rumor Roundup: Features that didn’t make it to the Official Feature list

New iPhone 3G S

We had heard several rumors and speculations surrounding iPhone 3G S prior to Apple's WWDC 2009 Keynote address, just like we normally do when Apple has a special event.

We all know the new features in iPhone 3G S so in this article, I'm are trying to look back on the (rumored) features or changes that didn't make it to iPhone 3GS's official feature list.

Here is the list of features or changes that we didn't make it to the new iPhone 3G S.

No Front Facing Camera:

There were a lot of speculations that Apple will bring a front facing camera. There was also a rumor that Apple might release a 4GB iPhone mode with video calling feature for $99

Limited Apps running in the Background:

It was rumored that Apple was seriously evaluating the option of allowing limited third party iPhone apps to run in the background in the new iPhone with it's improved hardware, a feature that the iPhone lacks but one that is already available in some smart phones such as T-Mobile G1, and the recently launched Palm Pre.

For now, Apple will only give us Push Notification, which is their solution to allow third party iPhone Apps such as IM, Skype etc to run at the background.

Faster Internet Connectivity:

The wireless radio component specification distributed with iPhone OS 3.0 beta had revealed support for a new chip which could have brought support for 802.11n Wi-Fi in Apple's next generation iPhone. However, 802.11n is not part of iPhone 3G S's official feature list.

(As you might know, 802.11n is the latest in wireless technology that is capable of giving approximately five times the performance and up to twice the range in comparison to the earlier 802.11g standard).

OLED Screen:

It was speculated that Apple might include OLED display in the new iPhone. I was quite keen on this one as an OLED display draws far less power and could operate longer on the same charge. Although, iPhone 3G S has improved battery life, it still does not have any OLED display.

Glowing Apple Logo:

We had also heard that the Apple logo at the back of the new iPhone will glow.  It would have been a nice and easy way of differentiating between the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S.

FM Radio:

iPhone OS 3.0 beta had revealed support for a new Broadcom chip BCM4329. Folks who had done some digging through the specs of the new Broadcom chip had discovered that it also supports reception and transmission of FM radio signals.

Matte Finish Back Cover:

It was strongly speculated that the back cover of the new iPhone would have a matte finish. However, Apple has kept the new iPhone 3G S has kept it unchanged and has the iPhone 3G's shiny black finish.

Metal Rim remains Intact:

The so called leaked photos of iPhone's bezel had indicated that the metal rim (that surrounds the edge of the device) could get replaced by a black metal or plastic case.

In my opinion, Apple announced enough new features in iPhone 3G S to stay ahead of the competition but they would have blown us away if they had also included a front camera for video calling, allowed limited  iPhone apps to run in the background and also  an OLED screen to further improve battery life in iPhone 3G S.

Do you think any of these features would have given customers an incentive to either buy or upgrade to iPhone 3G S? Please let us know in the comment section below.

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16 Responses to iPhone 3G S Rumor Roundup: Features that didn’t make it to the Official Feature list

  1. metromepmb says:

    i reckon this phone is an interim so not to wipe out the old 3g models let them wind down get rid of the 8gbs and then release the next big thing

    Wonder what the price plan on a 3G 8gb is, anyone?

  2. wolverinemarky says:

    yea if we would have got everything that was rumored it would give people like me more incentive to upgrade but as it is i will be eligible for upgrade by the time the 4th generation comes out so thats will be the next iphone i get if i get one then, i am not surprised though apple has a way of not giving us what we want they gave us just enough to be competitive with the pre for now

  3. Vishnu says:

    Yes the main thing are front facing camera,OLED,and faster internet ,I need all this
    with all this iphone will become powerfull and popular

    I have a question?
    Should i buy the iphone 3gs will be good,will the compass be accurate and is it better than 3G?
    Or should i wait? ,currently i have iphone 3g and original iphone

  4. iPhoneHacks says:

    You should check this article on the new features in iPhone 3G S (in case you haven't already), if you like them you should go for it:
    http://www.iphonehacks.com/2009/06/iphone-3g-s-announced-faster-3mp-camera-video-and-improved-battery.html

  5. Win says:

    I actually believe the compass will be one of the most significant new additions to the iphone. In addition to the obvious benefits it provides to GPS functionality (if you've ever used a GPS with a compass, you know what I mean), the augmented reality applications that will be made possible by knowing which way the phone is pointed, could be significant. We'll see, but the compass, I believe, is a major new feature.

  6. Irha says:

    With some of the speculated features out of the picture, you should recompare with Palm Pre. I think Palm Pre is ahead of the competition.

  7. B4ItOpened says:

    Movie capability, voice control. compass and spotlight do not provide enough 'oomph' to stimulate existing owners to upgrade nor enough 'wow' to entice Blackberry (corporate users), Pre, etc. to switch.
    Bottom line: Ho Hum.

  8. jae says:

    I new this would happen from geckoe…apple. just wated to hipe its new (same to mememe ) phone aple you suck..!!!!! I'll. Keep my iphone though. …

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  10. I think this is an awsome site… on this page you can read the newest rumors and news about mac and iphone.. :)

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  11. Virg says:

    I think that the new iphone 3gs is not what i expected there arent many fantastic feature if i want a 3mp camera or voice control and memos or video capibility i could of bought a plam or any other phone i think that the features besides video and 3mp camera could of been included in the 3.0 update in my opinion this iphone is not much to be wow'ed about there are a few phones with similair features or same as to the 3GS.

    Apple hasnt done a amazing job

  12. yankii says:

    so lets say someone bought the iphone 3gs 16gb and i got the iphone 3g 16gb… and we compare them side to side… there only way to know the difference between the two is by checking features and settings->about ..??

  13. moz says:

    I see no reason to upgrade from 3G to 3GS. As somebody already mentioned, the 3GS looks like an interim version and considering how expensive it's going to be… Except for the 32 Gig hard disk and 3MegaPixel camera all other new features are MARKETING updates:
    -video recording is already available on jailbroken iphones
    -voice control (eventhough it's embeded on some chip) could have been integrated in current iPhones
    -video editing is simply an app like any other
    -compass may be cool but after having tried iDA and xGPS apps in real life situations I can say that I can live without it

    Conclusion:
    1- Apple will have to deal with increasing number people jailbreaking for features that are locked for MARKETING reasons
    2- I'll wait for next year and see what comes out
    3- Apple better be ready for competition response as the last weak updates are more like "bring up to already standard" features

  14. j katz says:

    I doubt well see a front facing camera until 4G Networks are up and solid. You can barely make phone calls on AT&T's crappy network, Video calls are out of the question. They bitch about tethering taking up too much bandwith on the supposed "unlimited data" plans..could you imagine video..I don't see it happening

  15. Kray-Z says:

    my question is the following. Since the new Iphone will have the hardware for wireless n and fm radio can't it be hacked to make it available? If so then that would be awesome wireless n and not only a fm radio but be able to send out your music to your car radio wirelessly thru the fm tuner

  16. dudefromthesouth says:

    I am getting the new phone Friday, but the new features just sealed the extra 100 dollars for me. I think the lack of the above mentioned features is a disapppointing aspect, but for not already owning an iphone, I'm happy.

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