802.11n would be nice. That way it’s 5ghz only – like you said – and I can have the wireless network be “n only.” What I do now to guarantee that my n network remains n-only is I have all my n-based devices connect to the 802.11n AirPort Extreme, and then have a linksys G router hanging off the AirPort on a separate network – thus I separate my devices to keep the connections “pure:” if I have an 802.11n device, then I connect to the AirPort; if it’s the iPhone or an older PC with an 802.11g card, I connect to the linksys. They’re still on the same physical network, so this still gives me that capability to “see” all my devices, even if they’re on the different networks (n or g). Was that confusing? I almost confused myself lol

I hope for background processes also. I actually wrote an article here on TNR in which I describe how frustrated I am with the current state of iPhone calendar synchronization. All my problems would be solved with calendaring on the iPhone if only Apple allowed for background processes on the device.

I still need to do some research on near field communication and the Open graphics frameworks you mentioned.

Most of the features (except 802.11n) we are talking about Apple can release as a software update to all 1st and 2nd gen phones. What’s great for Apple is that it can still continue to keep manufacturing the same hardware as the iPhone 3G and update the software to bring about these new features and functionality. Then it can advertise these new features as if it’s a new phone (which it is, in a way, which in turn is one of the greatest things about the iPhone). This will allow Apple to drive (even further) the economies of scale and either make the phone less expensive or take larger margins on it. In any case, it’s a win-win for Apple.

Maybe by July we can see a new version with the software-updated features you mentioned… That would be great for you!

Alex

My additions would be

802.11n so that my could base my Wifi network on 5Ghz only.

Background processes- I think that Apple will allow this in the future when we have faster processing and a Snow Leopard Core. Grand Central would manage the background tasks more efficiently than what they have now.

Bluetooth 2.1 – in addition to the missing features I’d like to see support for Near Field Communication which would allow the iPhone to connect to other BT devices in close proximity and exchange data.

OpenGL ES 2.0/OpenVG- Pretty much a sure thing regarding OGL2 it will bring shaders and a programmable pipeline where the current iPhones OpenGL ES 1.1 only allows for fixed functions. Games should run faster and look better. OpenVG accelerates vector rendering much faster than software rendering. This is important for a lot of applications but text rendering is one that may surprise people.

I’m ready to join the iPhone ranks in July of 09. I’m hoping there will be new shiny features to enjoy.