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Apple hasnt yet launched its iPhone 5, despite hopes that it would do so last year before it offered up the iPhone 4S. But that doesnt mean the company wont do it this year. In fact, rumors abound, suggesting Apple will launch the iPhone 5 this year. The stage is set, according to the latest rumors, for Apple to blow smartphone users away with its next smartphone.
That said, its hard to determine what the device might come with when it launches sometime later this year. Over the last several months, a host of rumors have surfaced that either corroborate or counter earlier claims. All that has created a scenario where rumors keep coming and consumers have no idea what to believe. Its a real issue for analysts, too, who want to predict Apples future financial success.
To provide some understanding of the rumors circulating about the next Apple iPhone model and to provide some guidance about which ones might be more plausible than others, this column will examine 10 of the more prevalent rumors. Then readers can decide which ones make sense and which ones dont.
1. A bigger display
The iPhones 3.5-inch screen looks awfully small compared with competing devices featuring a 4.3- or even 4.6-inch display. Now a host of rumors suggest that Apple could launch either a 4- or 4.6-inch screen with its new iPhone 5. If so, that just might make current iPhone customers want to ditch their current devices and take advantage of the bigger screens.
2. A June launch
According to the latest rumors, all signs point to a June launch for Apples iPhone 5. The rumor mill, citing information supposedly leaking out of Apple supplier Foxconn, claims that the device will be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conferencean event used in the past for new iPhone launchesand be released at some point around that time.
3. An October launch
Guess what? Another rumor out of Foxconn says Apple doesnt want to launch the iPhone 5 in June, since it would be too close to the launch of the iPhone 4S. Therefore, the company is reportedly considering launching the device in October to give the 4S enough room to generate massive profits for the tech giant.
4. 4G LTE iPhone
When Apple launched the new iPad with 4G LTE connectivity, nearly everyone believed that the iPhone 5 would follow suit. Now, a host of rumors have surfaced confirming that speculation. Whats not clear, though, is how Apple will handle battery drain that inevitably comes with LTE support.
Rumor Says Apple iPhone 5 to Arrive With New Look
5. An all-new design
Apple has been using the same glass design in the iPhone for two years, which makes it quite likely that Apple will do something special with the iPhone 5s looks. According to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White, who spoke with component suppliers, the new iPhone will come with a unibody design that wont look like the iPhone 4S.
6. Support for the Apple A5X chip
In the past, Apple has brought a new processor to its iPad first and then delivered the same chip to its next-generation iPhone. Several rumors have suggested that Apple will follow that same plan with the iPhone 5 and make the A5X chip, featuring dual-core processing power and quad-core graphics support, available in the next-generation handset.
7. More RAM
One of the biggest issues with Apples iPhone is that it doesnt come with 1GB of RAM. On todays more advanced smartphones, the more RAM available, the more desirable the device. One recent report says Apple has realized that and plans to bring 1GB of RAM to the companys next handset. Theres a good chance that might just happen.
8. A vastly improved camera
Apples iPhone is the most popular camera on Flickr, and one of the most desirable ways for people to take a quick snapshot of whats going on around them. Therefore, its not a stretch to think that rumors suggesting the iPhone 5 will come with a dramatically improved camera, including panorama support and 8-megapixel quality, might just be true.
9. Near-field communication
Just about everywhere one turns in the mobile space now, theyll come across a company that wants to take advantage of mobile payments. So far, however, Apple hasnt offered mobile payments because its devices dont near-field communication. That said, a host of reports have cropped up, saying that NFC support is on its way to the iPhone 5. Does that mean a mobile-payment solution might follow?
10. A new dock
For years now, Apple has used the same dock port, allowing users to charge their devices, transfer data and more. But Apple is now reportedly thinking about improving its dock connector and making it more useful. And the iPhone 5 will be the first device to come with the new port.