The newly announced iPhone 3GS has a fancy new graphics processor that supports OpenGL ES 2.0 and 1.1. The old & busted version in the iPhone 3G caps out at 1.1. What does this mean? Well, it could mean that new games could be programmed exclusively for the 3GS.
Unfortunately, as Engadget notes, applications designed to support 2.0 cannot run on phones that only support 1.1 and Apple has already set the precedent for splitting apps between the iPhone and iPod Touch (for applications that require a phone, for example).
In fact, in the software development kit (SDK) for iPhone OS 3.0, which will launch two days before and ship on the iPhone 3GS, contains the following reference to OpenGL ES 2.0 and 1.1:
"When designing your OpenGL ES application, the first question you must answer is whether your application will support OpenGL ES 1.1, OpenGL ES 2.0, or both... Your application should target OpenGL ES 1.1 if you want to support all iPhones and iPod touches."
It would be really lame to split the platform this early, but I'm too busy being pissed at AT&T for not allowing iPhone 3G owners to upgrade to the 3GS for the discounted price to be mad at Apple right now.
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r_pad
@Infamous_Bizarro What makes you think I hate Apple? I'm actually a big fan of the company and I've always found Steve Jobs to be one of the most fascinating people in technology. Get your facts straight. I hate AT&T, not Apple.
Smartguy81
@leahy
suck it up and pay full price if you really want it, otherwise wait and get the newer model next year. I understand the frustration, but if you think about it...it is quite silly. Think cars.
@topic
i don't think apple will cause a split. developers could though. that would be at their own risk though. i would think that apple would force a conversion or have a definite split in another 2 years.
Infamous_Bizarro
@L33t
i know what you mean dude, I have not heard anything about that, I hope they fix that problem. sometimes i get to annoyed.
Metal_Madman
@Brian Leahy
Agreed, it seems that's the way it is will all carriers when it comes to new customers. Let's just please the new customers and piss off the loyal ones in the process.
Oh well, that just means my contract will be up just in time for the 5th generation iPhone. I mean it seems like Apple will release a new one every year and I refuse to upgrade everytime if that's the case. Then again it is Apple, they seem to like forcing their customers into overpriced purchases. Just look at a lot of their accessories.
l33t360
@bizarro
did they ever announce anything about making safari easier to navigate? i mean, i could i could do the double-swipe to get the bottom of pages quicker, but it tends to look a little ridiculous in public.
Infamous_Bizarro
lucky my contract is up! and i get to renew. I'm getting the 3GS.
N8R
I'm with you Leahy. I'm mad at AT&T for the same reason.
Why am I being penalized for buying something for $100 more than what they're charging for it now?
bleahy
No he isn't, but I want a cheap 3GS :(
Infamous_Bizarro
@Brian Leahy
is Raymond Padilla Using your Username? those comments sound just like R-Pad. with his Hatred against Apple(not saying you are) lol
freiteez
i agree, who would pay $400 for the 3gs...even tho first gen iphone users paid that for their phone, but still, for an upgrade? hope they dont split the apps. that would be stupid.
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