The latest rumors coming out of Cupertino, Calif., suggest Apple will be holding an iPhone 5 event on Oct. 4. Although details on the expected event are somewhat slim right now, the company will likely unveil its next-generation smartphone and show off why it believes the device will be the smartest mobile phone purchase that consumers and even enterprise users can make this year.
For its part, Apple hasn’t confirmed that it will, in fact, offer up the iPhone 5 this year, let alone hold an event in October to discuss it. But considering all the rumors about the iPhone 5 percolating in the market, it seems far more likely than ever that the product will debut next month. After all, the iPhone 4 is getting a bit old, and Apple wants to provide consumers with a device they’ll want to buy this holiday season. Why not offer up the iPhone 5?
But amid all the talk of the iPhone 5, a few are even speculating on what else Apple might talk about at that event.Read on to find out what Apple could discuss if it does in fact hold special event on Oct. 4 to discuss the iPhone 5.
1. Tim Cook’s vision
Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook will be making an appearance at the iPhone 5 event, and he’ll likely discuss what his vision will be for the company’s future. Everyone knows what Steve Jobs stood for. But so far, Cook hasn’t distinguished himself in any meaningful way. Expect the rumored Oct. 4 event to be the place where he does that.
2. Steve Jobs’ role
Apple product owners as well as shareholders want to know what Steve Jobs’ role is with Apple. Sure, he’s the chairman of the company’s board, but what does that really mean? And what kind of influence does he have? At the rumored Oct. 4 event, expect Apple to talk about Jobs, his legacy and what he will do for the company in his new capacity. It’s vastly important to the company’s future with shareholders to do so.
3. Apple’s success
Like every other event that Apple has held over the years, expect the company to tout its success. Cook will likely talk about all the iPhones his company has sold, how many apps have been downloaded andhow people have responded to Apple’s smartphone around the world. Apple likes to talk about its success, and the rumored October press event will be no different.
4. iCloud
When Apple unveiled iCloud at the Worldwide Developers Conference earlier this year, many had hoped that it would offer up the service that day. But it has still yet to do so. So far, iCloud is only available to developers. But expect that to change at the rumored Oct. 4 event. Apple has said that iCloud will be made available this fall, and it would make perfect sense for the company to launch it next month.
Expect More Clues About Apples Future Plans
5. iOS 5
I’ve had the opportunity to take iOS 5 for a spin, and I can say that it’s the best version of Apple’s mobile operating system yet. From its improved notifications to its integration with iCloud, the operating system is a cut above any other mobile operating system on the market. Expect Apple to not only launch it to the public on Oct. 4, but echo that sentiment quite often.
6. iPhone 5
It seems rather obvious that if Apple holds a special event early next month, it will unveil the iPhone 5. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be included in this list.The iPhone 5 could very well be the blockbuster hit of the holiday shopping season, featuring a bigger display, near-field communication technology and 4G connectivity. Then again, it might have none of those features. But in either case, the iPhone 5 will be something all spectators will be excited to see at the rumored event.
7. A clue into Apple’s plans for the future
Although Apple doesn’t like talking about the future and what it has planned, the company could very well provide some important clues into its ideas for the future of its operation. If the iPhone 5 is just a slight update over its predecessor, that might indicate that the next version of Apple’s smartphone could be a major step up. If Apple delivers new, unannounced functionality to iCloud, like music streaming, it might indicate its plans for the future of iTunes. Simply put, at each event Apple holds, it gives some clues into its future plans. This October event should be no different.
8. An updated Apple TV
Last year, Apple showed off a new version of its Apple TV, the set-top box that allows users to stream content to their televisions. Over the last year, however, critics have said that the device is still little more than a hobby, like its predecessor. Although it might be a stretch, considering that there have been few fresh rumors circulating about Apple TV as of late, a fresh version of Apple’s set-top box just might be announced.
9. Android and Samsung
Over the past couple years, Apple has been far more willing to discuss Android during its press events. Considering the intensity of the competition between Android and Apple these days, expect it to be a hot-button issue at the event. Apple will likely show statistics of areas in which its products beat out Android alternatives. What’s more,Apple just might talk about its patent battles with Samsung and why it is taking such a belligerent stance against the Galaxy smartphones and Galaxy Tab 10.1. Believe it or not, Apple just might offer up some legal talk at its next event.
10. Apps
An iPhone event wouldn’t be the same without some discussion on applications. Apple’s App Store has become an integral part of the company’s success over the years. Considering that the iPhone 5 could come with an improved processor and graphical capabilities, it might not be a stretch to think Apple will invite game developers on stage to show off their new and improved titles. Make no mistake: Apps are extremely important to Apple, and they will play a key role in the company’s next iPhone event.