3G iPhone Confirmed For Next Year, Says AT&T

I've refrained from reporting iPhone news for a few days now, but I just can't keep away, so for those waiting for a faster iPhone, good news: AT&T's CEO Randall Stephenson has confirmed a 3G version of the iPhone is due out next year:

"You'll have it next year,'' Stephenson said in response to a question about when the 3G iPhone would debut. He said he didn't know how much more the new version will cost than the existing model, which sells for $399. Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs "will dictate what the price of the phone is,'' he said.

The main reason cited by Jobs and Co. so far for the exclusion of 3G as a feature of the iPhone so far is the greater battery drain that current 3G chipsets impose on mobile phones, which greatly shorten battery life. However, a few low power 3G chipsets have been announced recently, including the Snapdragon chipset by Qualcomm which would allow Apple to add 3G functionality while keeping the battery life intact.

I can't see Steve Jobs being happy about AT&T confirming a 3G iPhone next year; however, since the announcement is sure to hurt holiday sales as customers wait for the new, faster iPhone next year. I suspect there's a few strongly worded e-mails gong back and forth between the two right now.

Apple to Unveil Faster IPhone, AT&T's Stephenson Says [Bloomberg]