New IPhone Model Discovered in 2.2.1 Firmware

Nosy folks over at MacRumors have found evidence that Apple is working on / preparing to roll out a new iPhone model. Proof of the alleged new device has been spotted in (what else?) hidden strings in Apple's latest iPhone firmware (pictured on the left).

Earlier this week, Apple rolled out iPhone software update 2.2.1, addressing a couple of issues on the phone side, and a trio on the touch side. Not long into the release, these guys began skimming through the lines of code comprising the new software, discovering with awe that Apple may be working on a radically new handset. Here's why there is reason to believe this is true.

Apple is known (for a fact) to be identifying the 2007-launched iPhone as iPhone 1.1, while the iPhone 3G is listed as iPhone 1.2, indicating that it is a minor revision of the same device. What MacRumors found in the latest iPhone firmware was a listing of iPhone 2.1. If the second-generation iPod Touch is any indication, it being listed as iPod 2.1, the find implies a more important upgrade, the source claims. The second-gen (2,1) iPod Touch added a speaker, volume controls, microphone support and faster processor.

Apple has been long rumored to be releasing a smaller (cheaper) version of the iPhone, to appeal to a broader audience. However, Apple's execs themselves revealed at the company's Q1 earnings conference call this year that a smaller iPhone was not in order. Apple doesn't believe that a stripped-down version of the iPhone will do. Instead, the company's plans are to deliver even more functionality and appeal.

"We don't think people will be pleased with those products. It's a category we watch, we've got some ideas here, but right now we think the products are inferior and will not provide an experience to customers they're happy with," said Tim Cook, Apple COO, and currently acting CEO.

The source also points out that, while Apple has been extremely secretive (as always), component manufacturers do provide some clues as to what the new iPhone may be like. ARM processors, or new communications chips that would permit faster 3G cellular data are expected to make up the new device.