Tag Archives: iPhone 5

Summertime Apple Rumors: New iPhone, iOS 6 and an Apple Television

Throughout the year, Apple-related rumors are always present; whether it be a new MacBook or iPhone, publications always seem to find something to gossip about. For the past few years, summer has been the time of iPhone and iOS-related rumors –the iPods used to be included in these rumors, however interest in iPods have dramatically decreased as have rumors surrounding them. This year is no different with both the iPhone and iOS taking center stage, although there is a new addition, the Apple Television.

Based on its history, the iPhone is due for a new design this coming generation. Based on rumors, this is true. It is said that the coming iPhone will feature a larger display which is 3.999 inches diagonally (as opposed to 3.5 inches) allowing 16:9 videos to play full screen at their native aspect ratio. It is possible that this new device will feature a fifth row of icons (besides the stationary app dock) on the homescreen. 9to5Mac has received photos of the supposed new iPhone which sports a unibody-esque build, a new dock connector (long rumored), room for the previously mentioned larger display, and moved earphone jack and FaceTime cameras. The publication has also received word the new device will feature 1GB of RAM (like the iPad) and a new GPU chip.

It is rumored iOS 6 will be released alongside the newest iPhone. 9to5Mac has learned Apple’s three major stores (App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes) will receive a major overhaul in iOS 6 and  ”focus on improved interactivity when making purchases in iTunes, the App Store, and the iBookstore.” Social integration plays a big factor behind the changes including the addition of Facebook (also to be added in a way similar to twitter in iOS 5) integration. Continue reading →

Sprint to obtain iPhone in a “multibillion dollar gamble”

After the constant buzz over the past year or so regarding a possible Sprint iPhone, it appears the deal might actually happen (if it hasn’t already). The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Sprint has finally sealed a deal with Apple which will allow it to offer customers the iPhone. However, the multibillion dollar deal it made with Apple is a gamble which Sprint Chief Executive, Dan Hesse believes won’t be profitable till 2014.

The No. 3 wireless company is making a multibillion dollar gamble that Apple Inc.’s gadget will be the ticket to a turnaround, even though Sprint Chief Executive Dan Hesse told the board in August that Sprint would likely lose money on the deal until 2014, according to people familiar with the matter.

According to the Journal’s report, Sprint agreed to purchase at least 30.5 million iPhones over the next four years—a deal which translates to $20 billion at current rates. Further, the carrier is expected to subsidize the cost of each phone to about $500.  Continue reading →

Gizmodo finds evidence of a new, cheaper iPhone

Gizmodo’s Brazilian counterpart, Gizmodo.com.br has gotten its hands on what appears to be a next-gen iPhone being made at a Foxconn factory in Brazil.

Inside the factory, an inside man was able to snap some photos of what appears to be a current-gen iPhone, however, on a quality control form the device is being labeled with the model number “N90A.” This model number has been tossed around rather frequently over the past few days and labeled as a possible inexpensive iPhone.

The iPhones in the photos were make as disqualified by the manufacturer, however based on “hard to read” scribbles, the label says “lenses sent:”

These particular phones won’t be hitting any shelves anytime soon though—they didn’t meet Apple’s manufacturing standards.Gizmodo Brazil editor-in-chief Pedro Burgostells us that, though the note scribbled in the “reprovado” (“disqualified”) section is hard to read, he’s pretty sure it says “lenses sent.” Now what the hell does that mean? Who knows. It might have something to do with the camera lens, or maybe that’s an aberration on the screen shown in photo 4.

The next-gen(s) of Apple’s iPhone is expected to be released at its on-campus event next Tuesday.

New iTunes version outs iPhone 4S name

9to5Mac has found within the latest iTunes beta the specific mention of the “iPhone 4S” name. The image accompanying the “iPhone 4S” name is that of the CDMA iPhone 4.

Unless Apple still has the CDMA iPhone 4 as a placeholder image until the new iPhone is announced, we’re fairly confident that the iPhone 4S will pack the CDMA iPhone design. iTunes only holds two iPhone 4S references: black and white versus the four iPhone 4 references of black/GSM, black/CDMA, white/GSM, and white/CDMA. This may also confirm the rumors of the new iPhone being a dual-mode/CDMA + GSM handset.

It is likely the majority of changes which will be announced next week are internal. However, it is possible the CDMA iPhone 4 image is a placeholder.  Continue reading →

iCloud nearing launch readiness

Apple’s iCloud is its improved, cloud-like service which is replacing its not-too-successful MobileMe service. With its launch expected to occur alongside iOS 5′s and the next-gen iPhone, time is of the essence.

CNet is reporting that Apple is attempting to lock down worldwide cloud-music rights for an October 4th launch.

Sources familiar with the discussions between Apple, record companies, and music publishers, say Apple is seeking international music licenses for its iCloud service. The licenses would be similar to those the company has already obtained for U.S. operations, the sources said.

According to the online publication, deals are close but “nothing is signed.” Continue reading →

iPhone 5/4S News Recap (Sept 29-30)

As we have seen throughout the week, rumors surrounding Apple’s release next week has got the rumor mill running at full speed. With countless stories appearing each day, it is only right to do a recap of the news (Sept 29-30).

BGR has gotten its hands on what appears to be an AT&T inventory page in which a list of Case-Mate’s iPhone 5 cases exists. The cases appear to be modified versions of the already available iPhone 4 cases. Further, MacRumors later reported that some AT&T stores have already received shipments of (non-Case-Mate) off-brand cases designed for the iPhone 5.

In June, it was learned that AT&T would be increasing its premiums on iPhone insurance on October 4th, the same day of Apple’s iPhone event. 9to5Mac points out that this could indicate a rather short period of time between the device’s announcement and availability. Continue reading →

Today’s iPhone 5/4S news roundup

There have been quite a few stories appearing today regarding Apple’s next generation iPhone. Most of these recent news pieces have titled the device as an “iPhone 4S” rather than an “iPhone 5″ which brings into question what exactly Apple is planning to announce next week.

9to5Mac received word from its source (known as “Mr. X”) that both the new iPod touch and iPhone have appeared in Apple’s internal inventory system.

The three new iPod touch models received the codename N81A; N81 is the code for the current (fourth) generation iPod touch. 9to5Mac, as well as other publications believes the addition of the “A” translates to new white versions of the same (current) iPod model. Continue reading →

Confirmed: Apple’s October 4th event (a news roundup)

Today, Apple sent invitations to a select few –thanks, Apple for not inviting us– to an on-campus press conference next Tuesday, October 4. The invitation is composed of four icons (Calendar, Clock, Maps, and Phone) which not only read out the day and time of the event, but also could shed a light on apps which might be changing.

Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster believes Apple’s “Let’s talk iPhone” on the invitation is a clue to the new iPhone’s Siri-like Assistant feature (voice-recognition) which Apple acquired nearly 18 months ago.

“In the past,” Munster writes in a note to clients, “Apple has used its invitation to include cryptic hints as to what it will announce. The phrase on this year’s invite, ‘Let’s talk iPhone’ may be a simple play on words, but may also refer to new speech-based features for the iPhone.”

Also in the invitation is a notification badge with a “1″ on the Phone icon. John Gruber said on his Daring Fireball blog that “Something tells me [him] there’s only one new iPhone.” Continue reading →

Digitimes: Apple to release products with curved touchscreens in first half of 2012

According to Digitimes (and its sources), Apple and its competitors are preparing to launch products with curved touchscreens in the first half of 2012.

Curved cover glass may be the next big thing in terms of handheld device designs as both Apple and the non-Apple camp are reportedly gearing up for the releases of products with curved touchscreens in the first half 2012, according to industry sources.

Suppliers of the non-Apple camp are working on products with curved cover glass in attempts to gain a competitive edge in the handheld device market dominated by Apple, sources in the glass industry said.

Based on Digitimes’ sources, Apple has purchased its suppliers glass polishing equipment in preparation for the production of devices fitted with curved cover glass. Apple major cover class supplies are Lens Technology (iPhone), Fuji Crystal (iPhone) and G-Tech (iPad).