Well, I think I have decided against getting the new iPhone as a replacement for my trusty XDA Orbit. The reason why I was going to get one was so that I lost no functionality between my current phone and the new one, that included GPS functionality. I was very happy to hear on launch that the 3G version was going to include A-GPS technology, that was the last thing on the check-list I had against getting an iPhone.

So after a few weeks of looking forward to the 11th of July today I have decided against getting one, but why? The GPS, by Apple terms and conditions, cannot be used for navigation…

Applications [that use location-based APIs] may not be designed or marketed for real time route guidance; automatic or autonomous control of vehicles, aircraft, or other mechanical devices; dispatch or fleet management; or emergency or life-saving purposes.

Fantastic, so just what is the GPS used for then?

• Photo Geo-tagging
• Location finding

So.. Apple make possibly one of the most sought after phones this year, yet put a stupid restriction on the GPS side of it. I expect GPS was a real deal breaker for lots of people, but will those users ever be told about the restrictions? I wonder what will happen if I go ask the people in the o2 shop about it, I wonder if they’ll try to sell it to me neglecting to tell me that fact.

Guess I’ll be waiting a month or two after release for the jail breakers to take it apart, and allow the functionality that Apple have restricted…

• No VoIP Apps on EDGE
• Only Apple Approved Code
• No Background Processes
• Applications are sand-boxed
• Only Official APIs
• 3rd party applications without $99 charge

Congratulations Apple, you’ve not only shot yourselves in the foot again, but also given the jail breakers more reason to carry on their work.