We know. We know. Everyone still hasn’t stopped talking about how many iPhone 4Ses Apple sold last quarter, and here we are reporting on new rumors about the next one. But this most recent iPhone 5 rumor has piqued our interest more than usual.
9to5 Mac reports that a Foxconn worker told them that the next-generation iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone 5, is gearing up for production. According to the report, there are several different samples, each of which varies slightly from the others, so it’s impossible to determine which will be final.
However, all the samples sport 4-inch or larger screens, which would finally put the iPhone into the same screen leagues as many of its high-end Android competitors, like the Droid RAZR. That of course means none of the samples have the same compact form factor as the iPhone 4 or 4S. The screen on one of the units is said to be made by LG; there was no screen info for the other samples.
Also of note: Not a single one of the phones has a MacBook Air-inspired teardrop shape, a rumor that first got started last spring, then visually realized in a speculative post on This Is My Next (now The Verge). Apparently all of the samples are symmetrically shaped.
The report goes on to say that production of iPhone 5 could begin soon, perhaps with a summer release.
While you should look at all of this information with a skeptical eye, a raised eyebrow and folded arms, the rumor sounds slightly more credible than the junk typically spewed out from Taiwan industry pub DigiTimes. For starters, reviewing various prototypes before deciding on the final production model is a standard practice in manufacturing, unlike many rumors that imply certainty about what something will look like.
Also, the overall vagueness of the rumor (no precise screen measurement, no photos, nothing about the insides) at least gives an appearance of authenticity. After all, if you were just going to make something up, why not be more detailed? There’s certainly no shortage of potential features to choose from.
What do you think of this latest rumor about iPhone 5? Do you think it’s bunk, or does it feel like the real deal? Have your say in the comments.
BONUS: Top 8 Rumors About iPad 3
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1. Minor Upgrades
iLounge recently reported that it saw a prototype of the next-generation iPad at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and that it looks just like the iPad 2, only thicker by about 1 mm. The camera in the top left corner is expected to be a bit larger than the iPad 2 and similar to the improved camera featured on the iPhone 4S.
It’s also been rumored that the next-generation iPad will have a high-resolution screen – possibly even double dpi -- and a stronger interior. However, the updates seen by iLounge seem to be more cosmetic than structural. Could the next-generation device be an upgrade similar to that of the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 4S?
It’s also been rumored that the next-generation iPad will have a high-resolution screen – possibly even double dpi -- and a stronger interior. However, the updates seen by iLounge seem to be more cosmetic than structural. Could the next-generation device be an upgrade similar to that of the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 4S?
2. Delayed Launch
Due to some international weather conditions such as a flood in Thailand, some believe there is a bit of uncertainty with Apple’s supply chain in parts of Asia that would put the release date in question. However, analysts at Citigroup believe everything is on schedule and that the launch will happen as planned, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Graphic courtesy M.I.C. Gadget
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Graphic courtesy M.I.C. Gadget
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3. First-Quarter Unveiling
Citigroup also expects the next-generation iPad will be unveiled in February, citing a few sources close to the matter. The iPad 2 was announced on March 2, 2011, so an announcement close to previous model launch dates is expected. Some also speculate that the event could be held on Feb. 24 – Steve Jobs's birthday.
4. March Arrival
MacRumors recently cited Japanese reports that Foxconn and Pegatron – two key manufacturing partners for Apple – have started producing the next-generation iPad and plan to ship the device in March.
5. Siri
According to a 9to5Mac report, Apple may be adding Siri Dictation to the next-generation iPad. A tipster noted that they were looking through the iOS 5.1 beta 3 settings application on the iPad and noted a new section called “Privacy and Dictation.” Inside included legal and feature information for Siri.
6. A Cheaper iPad Model
The DigiTimes recently reported that a less expensive iPad model will also be released with the next-generation iPad to offer an alternative to the Kindle Fire.
7. Price Cuts on Previous Models
Some are holding out on purchasing an Apple tablet until price cuts occur on previous iPad models after the unveiling of the next-generation version. Since the cost of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3G lowered after the iPhone 4S debuted, it’s possible that the first two versions of the iPad could experience a price drop.
8. Unconventional Uses for Previous Models
With the arrival of the next-generation iPad, some expect that previous models will be used to foster research in the future. In fact, according to a report by Scientific American, some previous versions of the iPad could end up in the hands of Orangutans. A non-profit organization called Orangutan Outreach gathers donated iPads to help animals learn and even communicate with others. Scientific American also noted that iPads are a therapeutic device and help orangutans in captivity stay active and happy.
Graphic courtesy Orangutan Outreach.
Graphic courtesy Orangutan Outreach.
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