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We have recently seen news that the SlingPlayer Mobile app for the iPhone has been submitted for entry into the App Store, which sounds like great news, but it may not be great for every current Slingbox owner.

It seems Sling has decided that iPhone users who are hoping to stream will need to have some of their newer hardware. According to a new page over on the Sling Media website, the iPhone will only be able to stream with the Slingbox SOLO, Slingbox PRO or Slingbox PRO-HD.

Sling Media is encouraging customers who own these earlier versions of Slingbox to upgrade to Slingbox SOLO or Slingbox PRO-HD to take advantage of next generation software and services that will only be supported when using the most current Slingbox and SlingLoaded products. Future software includes the highly anticipated SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone software launching soon.

Current Slingbox functionality will not be affected if you choose not to upgrade, but software like SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone and future services yet to be announced will only be supported for customers using Slingbox SOLO, Slingbox PRO and Slingbox PRO-HD products or forthcoming SlingLoaded products.

Yes, that means if you currently own an original Slingbox, Slingbox Tuner, or Slingbox AV you will now have to pay for a new Slingbox in addition to the SlingPlayer app on the iPhone.

Sling Media is offering a $50 discount for current Slingbox, Slingbox AV or Slingbox TUNER users, but that hardly seems fair, especially if you consider all the other handsets that are capable of streaming from those older models. I wonder how many current Slingbox owners are not going to agree with a forced upgrade just to be able to stream to their iPhone.

[Sling Community via Engadget Mobile]