On June 9, Apple’s Evil Genius Steve Jobs will host the launch of the WWDC.  And unless you’ve avoided hearing about it on the tech blogs, you probably know the word is that he’ll be unveiling the new iPhone.

*cue the mass hysteria in the streets* 

Before I go any further, I wanna reiterate just how reluctant of an Apple consumer I am.  Quite happy over the years with my Windows machine, the latest Nokia / Sony Ericsson camera phone, I had no desires to buy into the hubbub around Apple… making me one of the few creative professionals doing so.

But I eventually gave in.  And I’ve been very happy.

But why would Mr. Camera Phone care about the new iPhone?  Well, because it might be the first non-camera phone that is so seductively feature-rich and fantastic, that it’ll make me split my phone and my camera into separate devices. 

What?!

Yeah.  The new iPhone just might be my…. divergence device?  Let me explain… let’s have a look at the rumors for this launch.

The Likely

3G
The new iPhone is definitely gonna be 3G.  Apple’s been prepping carriers with 3G speeds across the globe for rollout of the new iPhone - Rogers here in Canada, included.  Not only does this mean faster browsing on a undeniably great mobile browser… but hopefully Apple will be the bully that finally gets Rogers to offer unlimited browsing on a device people would actually use (Rogers is now finally offering unlimited browsing, but it’s limited to a damn browser-tracking technology, so you have to use their browser, on their handsets).  Here’s to hoping we don’t get stuck with the old one.

GPS
Other than the 3G, this is touted to to the most likely big new feature on the new iPhone.  While their implementation of Google Maps was great the first go-around, it lacks the true usefulness of knowing *right* where you are, and directing you to where you’re going.  And while lots of phones (my Nokia N82 included) have GPS, they’re not even close to the experience you’d get on a standalone Garmin unit. 

Third Party Apps
Now, this isn’t a feature of the new iPhone, but will roll out as a software update to all iPhones (current & new version) that allows the use of third party apps - not just the web tools you can currently use on the iPhone.  Since they announced the plan to unlock the iPhone to third party development, I’ve been extremely interesting the possibilities of the device.  With the coming of the new iPhone - including it’s 3G data speeds, actual GPS, and who knows what else - it’s gonna be an incredible multi-touch platform to build tools for.  My creativity has been consumed with possibilities as to software projects for it.  I’ve downloaded the iPhone SDK (complete with an iPhone simulator) and tinkered with it, and was really impressed.  Readying the SDK was truly why the iPhone was locked down this first year. 

The Not-So-Likely

Dual Cameras for iChat/Video Calling
Now, I think this would be a HUGE deal to show off the power 3G on a usable mobile computer, but it’s wishful thinking.  While video calling on 3G networks has been around for YEARS, I have yet to see anyone actually use it.  Here in North America (where it’s arguably newer) or anywhere else.  By making the experience much cooler than squinting at a tiny screen on your handset, Apple could really make some waves by making video calling consumer-friendly.  In the way they brought multi-touch into the spotlight, they could do the same with other existing technologies like this one.

Mobile TV
I can’t see Apple doing this.  If anything, Apple build to further Apple TV > iPhone integration, not distract from it.

High-end 3 or 5 MP Camera with Flash
I wish.  But no way.

—

Along with whatever features are included in the new iPhone, I’d expect Jobs to obviously speak to dev progress for the iPhone… what business features, games, and software improvements that will be made available.

So I’d consider this a warning… if the new iPhone lives up to my expectations, and it launches on Rogers, it would be hard to resist… fancy camera or not.

Guess I’d just have to get a fancy camera…