3G, 16GB iPhone for Europe in November?

Apple may launch its iPhone campaign in Europe with a 3G-capable iPhone with enhanced storage, according to what appears to be a leaked ad from T-Mobile Germany. The ad promises a version of the handset with support for 3G-level cellular Internet access using both the US-friendly HSDPA format and typically Europe-only UMTS, with theoretical download speeds reaching the format's full 3.6Mbps. It also suggests that the device will carry 16GB of memory, representing the first storage upgrade to the device since its launch in June. Visual Voicemail and the 2-megapixel camera would remain the same as for the US version.

The ad includes an error which references the device in one instance as an iPod, but otherwise appears to be consistent with T-Mobile's advertising and may reflect a desire to return to two-tier pricing for the iPhone after the drop to $399 for the 8GB model, if proven accurate. The 3G iPhone would sell for 499 Euros ($687) including a coupon for the iTunes Store, and would be available with phone plans that all offer unlimited data and vary only in terms of general calling minutes and SMS messages. An "L" plan would offer 200 minutes and 100 messages for 50 Euros ($69) per month; "XL" and "XXL" plans would jump to 300 and 400 minutes respectively for 60 Euros ($83) and 70 Euros ($96) per month with 150 and 200 messages each.

The provider itself hasn't officially confirmed its selection as Germany's exclusive carrier but has already been caught preparing support materials for the iPhone, in one case hosting images for the product on its own website.

T-Mobile's reported ad would also be the first to commit to a definitive release date for the iPhone outside of the US, slating the handset for a release with the carrier on November 12th. Apple has already promised a fourth-quarter release for the iPhone in Europe but has yet to formally announce a timetable for the launch. The California firm is expected to accompany the German introduction with an O2 version in the UK and an Orange version for France.