If online rumours are to be believed, it appears that Apple may be planning to launch a new version of its popular and wildly successful iPhone  in 2009.

According to self-confessed “reptile of the press” Gareth Powell, the new iPhone will likely be launched in the second half of 2009.

Powell, who spoke to contacts in China, where the new iPhone will be made, put together an overview of what he believes will be the features and specifications of the iPhone 3.0, as it’s been dubbed.

“So what can we perhaps expect — note the weasel words for once bitten twice shy — and what will I hope for?” wrote Powell.

According to Powell, the iPhone 3.0 may some of all of the following:

• A camera flash
• A better camera – up to 8.1 megapixels
• A replaceable battery
• More storage – up to 64 GB
• Option for a plug in keyboard
• Possibly a clamshell design
• Faster speed

Only time will tell whether Powell is on the money, but if the new iPhone has only half the features outlined, it appears that Apple will continue to have a massive hit on its hands.

Powell concludes with an interesting observation:

“The rest of the market will be forced into claiming what they call Unique Selling Propositions such as faster processors, sharper cameras and what have you. For them, the problem is that Apple was there first and fanged the market.”

Indeed.

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