VoIP and the Apple iPhone

Along with the release of their new 3G iPhone, Apple has also released the iPhone 2.0 Software Update. The update, which will work on the original EDGE iPhone as well as the new 3G iPhone, allows iPhone owners to download and install third party applications on their iPhone from the new iTunes App Store.

The iPhone 2.0 Software Update enables users to install a wide-range of applications on their iPhones including games and programs such as eBay, PayPal, Yellow Pages, facebook, and MySpace. However, this new update also has implications in the VoIP arena. Companies are beginning to develop applications for the iPhone that allow users to make calls via VoIP whenever they have access to a WiFi connection for a low fee.

VoIP over WiFi has long been available on RIM's BlackBerry, but is only now being introduced to the iPhone. These applications (i.e. TruPhone) can be downloaded from the iTunes store, and for a low per-minute rate, users can make any call, even long distance, from a WiFi hot spot.