Rumours are circulating that Apple is working on a version of the iPhone aimed at young children with enquiring minds. The device, dubbed the yPhone (Why? Phone), would come in a smaller form factor to take account of childrens smaller hands, and have a strong educational bent, with a one-button link to a dedicated mobile information portal containing facts about historical figures, as well as resources to help children with numeracy, literacy and other subjects on the school curriculum. The device would be blocked from accessing other mobile Internet sites.
Apple is thought to have plans to target the device at existing iPhone users on a contract, who have children. There would be a one-off cost for the handset, then a small additional monthly subscription, thought to be in the region of 5 in the UK. This would give kids access to the information portal, with a 1GB monthly user allowance. Non-iPhone users would pay a larger monthly subscription, thought to be set at 10 per month. A built-in GPS device means that the yPhone would also function as a child locator in the event of emergencies. Its green credentials would be reinforced by a solar charging capability.
If true, Apples move would be the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at bringing children up to speed with the modern world. Only last week, The Guardian revealed plans to overhaul the UK school curriculum, which would see primary school children being taught about Twitter and Wikipedia. A source close to the company told Mobile Marketing Magazine:
Children are hungry for knowledge, whether they're in the classroom, on a long car journey, or bored out of their head watching their sisters dance class. The yPhone will give them access to information to help them with their studies, wherever they are.
Not everyone is convinced the move is a good one, however. Anne Droid, President of the National Union of Teaching Supervisors (NUTS), believes it could be a technological move too far.
Children have to be given the time and space to be children, she said. This device is just going to encourage them to grow up too quickly. I hope it never sees the light of day.