Apple Inc. has placed a manufacturing order today for 10 million updated iPhones that can download from the Internet at a faster rate than current models. The new phones operate on the third-generation, or 3G, wireless networks. The iPhones also may have a screen that is thinner and consumes less power than Apple's current version. Steve Jobs plans to ship 10 million iPhones this year, up from 3.7 million in 2007. AT&T Inc. CEO Randall Stephenson said in November that Apple will release a 3G iPhone this year.

"The new phones would likely be produced over 18 months."
That's a shame. I was hoping for something in this year's WWDC.

This is a great sneak peak at Apple's future plans. We never really officially heard Apple say that they were, for sure, going to release a 3G iPhone, but this might seal the deal. If there are any falsities about this report, let's hope it's the production time. 18 months? Really? That's a long time to wait. I sure hope it's worth it.

I'm hoping that Apple will finally wake up and smell the coffee by leaving the new iPhones more "unlocked" than the original iPhone. Hopefully, Apple has learned from it's faults this time. I mean, why should Apple care if you install any third-party applications or an extra bit of software on the iPhone? They already got your damn $400 for the phone, you cares what you do with it.

Anyways, this wonderful insight helps us see Apple's near future. Maybe the AAPL stock will jump up as this story surfaces.

Apple Orders 10 Million Updated IPhones, Gartner Says (Update3)