As with any new Apple product release, rumors start to churn sometimes months all the way up to product launch time. Apple just released it’s iPad 2 specs about a week ago, and now the iPhone 5 rumors are pouring in. Here, we take a quick look over our favorite rumors floating around. And, we offer some of our quick thoughts.
Coming this Summer
Yep, it’s about that time now. The new Macbooks have been sweetened, the iPad 2 was announced, and now it must be time for that new shiny iPhone. Or is it? Well, generally, Apple has been announcing and releasing devices on schedule, and usually in that particular order. So, naturally, they must be readying a new iPhone come June/July.
We can’t acknowledge or deny whether a new iPhone model is coming out (simply because we don’t know), but we can remain optimistic and ask this question: If and when a new iPhone is announced, what type of release will it be? Will it be an enhancement of the iPhone 4 as seen with the 3GS, another flavor of the iPhone (smaller and cheaper perhaps), or a brand new design complete with new faster and better hardware (aka “iPhone 5″)? Whatever the move is, our sources say, “it will be a big deal and satisfy.” – let’s hope so.
Antenna Re-Design
Although it didn’t stop many people from purchasing the iPhone 4, even after the discovery of “attena-gate,” one thing can be said: the iPhone 4 may experience signal issues ”when held a certain kind of way.” We think this will be likely because there have been enough complaints, free bumpers were provided, a new Apple antenna engineer position was opened, and Consumer Reports did not recommend the unit for reception issues, even for Verizon’s separate unit. Those are pretty big blows if you ask us.
Sexy Back
The current iPhone 4 sports a front and back “Gorilla” glass structure. However, there have been several reports of customers complaining about excessive scratching and even breaking of the back glass. And, with the new iPad 2 sporting an aluminum back, it is likely that Apple will do the same for the next installment, too.
The 4-Incher
Oh yes, the bigger screen. Who doesn’t want a bigger screen without adding extra size? We wouldn’t mind it. With more and more Android based phones having larger screens, it seems very plausible that Apple may just do that for the next iPhone. But, why make the unit bigger? Why not just, ahem, get rid of some of the baggage (aka “home” button) and replace it with more screen space. In a recent beta version of iOS, Apple demonstrated some new functionalities like the ability to get to the home screen using your fingers versus punching the “home” screen. A new feature to come? Maybe? Even better: it may eliminate that little space used for the physical button and swap it in for some more screen-age. Lastly, Steve Jobs expressed that he never really wanted any buttons on these iOs devices. We think it’s plausible; if not for the next iPhone, it may roll out thereafter.
Two is better than one
Who doesn’t want a faster processor that delivers similar battery life? With the iPad 2 sporting an A5 dual-core processor, it won’t surprise us if the new iPhone will follow in its footsteps – Well, it will make us happy, however. Ok, it will surprise us! One of the nice things about Apple is it keeps up with itself by ensuring that all of the iOS devices try to perform “identical” so that the experience is similar throughout its line. Hey, I guess controlling the hardware and software does have its benefits. So, cross your fingers.
The all-in-one
With the iPhone 4 being made available on two carriers now (AT&T and Verizon Wireless), the new unit may fashion a multiple band approach where it may operate on different carriers where by only producing one hardware unit. AT&T uses a form of GSM band while Verizon, currently, utilizes CDMA. Currently, Apple produces two different hardware models to satisfy both carrier’s compatibility. It should be noted that both AT&T and Verizon are in the works of expanding and developing “4G” networks. (We won’t get into the deal here in this article.) Although the idea would mean cheaper production costs and possibly carrier expandability, it is unlikely that Apple will take this approach anytime soon simply because of carrier concerns. This would involve things like, “hey, we just subsidized this phone, and users can take it anywhere now” type of things.
Rumors are fun and can provide ideas for the future as well as produce free marketing for any product. What are you thoughts or concerns? Tell us what you think.
Category : Sidenote
