Apple's next-generation iPhone goes on sale Friday morning. From the lines to the new mobile applications available in the App Store, here's what potential buyers can expect.

Featured stories

Activation server static hits iPhone 3G lines

As launch day gets into full swing, overloaded activation servers make lines slow to a crawl, with outages across the country.
(Posted in Crave by Caroline McCarthy)
• iPhone 2.0 update wreaks havoc on 1st-gen devices
July 11, 2008, 8:41 a.m. PDT

The Bay Area's iPhone 3G launch

The upgraded gadget and cultural icon finally reaches consumers' hands. See how things unfolded at Apple and AT&T stores in and around San Francisco.
(Posted in One More Thing by Tom Krazit, Erica Ogg, and Josh Lowensohn)
• New York gets the iPhone 3G
July 11, 2008, 11:00 a.m. PDT

My night as an iPhone fanboy

The iPhone 3G is marked by delays and frustration, but spending the night with the Apple-faithful was fun. Next time, we won't jinx ourselves by joking with any priests.
(Posted in Digital Media by Greg Sandoval)
• Don't mock me for iPhone lust
July 11, 2008, 11:06 a.m. PDT

Software update gives new life to the first iPhone

We explain and review the iPhone 2.0 software updates including exchange e-mail, the Apps Store and the other new features.
(Posted in Crave by Kent German)
July 10, 2008, 6:05 p.m. PDT

iPhone apps: Bad news for social platforms?

With the debut of the App Store, the likes of Facebook and OpenSocial are no longer the darlings of the software world.
(Posted in The Social by Caroline McCarthy)
July 10, 2008, 9:55 a.m. PDT

Related features

The hour is nigh for the iPhone 3G

faq Thinking about picking up Apple's latest on Friday? Here are a few things to consider before searching for the tent and camping chair.
(Posted in One More Thing by Tom Krazit)
July 7, 2008, 4:00 a.m. PDT

iPhone 3G first take

There's a lot to like about the new iPhone. By adding 3G support and GPS, Apple has positioned the phone for a new class of users.
(Posted in Crave by Kent German)
June 9, 2008, 5:45 PM PDT

Complete CNET coverage of the Apple iPhone

The popular Apple iPhone on AT&T continues to evolve since its introduction in 2007. Turn to CNET for up-to-the-minute coverage.
June 9, 2008

Apple answers call for iPhone applications

New software development kit and soon-to-be-launched application store show the true power of the iPhone.
(Posted in News Blog by Marguerite Reardon)
June 10, 2008, 4:00 AM PDT

Meet iPhone 2, both the phone and the business

news analysis Everyone knew the iPhone 3G was coming, but Apple quietly changed the way the iPhone is sold Monday in addition to releasing a next-generation product.
• Monday's live blog: Steve Jobs at WWDC 2008
• Apple rings up 3G for new iPhone
(Posted in One More Thing by Tom Krazit)
June 9, 2008, 6:22 PM PDT

Photos

Scenes from the S.F. launch
From the slow lines to the computer snafus, we take you through the early morning launch of the device.July 11, 2008

Australia's first unboxing
In Sydney, iPhone launch day came early. Look on as CNET.com.au welcomes a 16GB model (there's video, too).July 10, 2008

Apple shows off the iPhone 3G
CEO Steve Jobs unveils the device in its second generation, complete with GPS, new apps, and the low-end price of $199.June 9, 2008

iPhone celebrates a year
The Apple iPhone's first year in the hands of consumers has seen excitement--and some moments of annoyance. Here, a look back.June 26, 2008

Videos

iPhone 3G's rocky launch
CNET's Brian Cooley and Tom Krazit outline some of the problems that arose on day one.July 11, 2008

iPhone upgrade woes
CNET's Brian Cooley and Erica Ogg talk about first-generation iPhone users experiencing problems with the iPhone 2.0 software update.July 11, 2008

Saying hello to Palo Alto
CNET.com's Kara Tsuboi and Brian Tong hang out at the Palo Alto, Calif., Apple store as the doors open and the line surges.July 11, 2008

Activating the iPhone 3G
CNET.com's Brian Tong checks out the crowds and sees what's involved in the activation process.July 11, 2008

iPhone activation woes
See how the first person in line at the San Francisco Apple store felt after not snagging one of the next-generation smartphones. July 11, 2008

Introducing iPhone apps
iTunes now has pages and pages of third-party iPhone apps. Find out which ones are worth your time and which to bypass. July 10, 2008

iPhone 3G buzz around the world
Kara Tsuboi takes us around the world to gauge the pandemonium from some of the 70 countries hot to get their hands on the iPhone. July 10, 2008

Preparing for iPhone madness
CNET News' Kara Tsuboi and Tom Krazit discuss what to expect if you're buying, and what a few early reviewers had to say. July 9, 2008

Did Apple fans get all they wanted?
Will Apple fans be pleased? CNET's Molly Wood offers an overview of Jobs' keynote address. June 9, 2008

3G iPhone makes its debut
Steve Jobs reveals an updated iPhone with faster download speeds, longer battery life, GPS, and a lower price. June 9, 2008

Credits

Authors: Tom Krazit, Erica Ogg, Marguerite Reardon, Kent German, Josh Lowensohn, and others
Editors: Jennifer Guevin
Design: Susan Dove