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Apple reportedly yet to order iPhone 5 parts
If you're excited to buy the iPhone 5 this summer, you might want to relax a bit. Reports from China are saying that Apple hasn't even started securing the parts for a brand new version of the iPhone, which would mean that there's almost no way a new version could be released this year. Especially with all of the changes described in the recent rumors, Apple would need to start early to get all of the manufacturers working on making enough of a new iPhone to go around, and according to this source in China, those manufacturers haven't heard word one. When you combine that with what we heard about WWDC lacking a hardware announcement, it's very likely that we won't even hear about a brand new version of the iPhone until this fall. That's fine -- the iPhone 4 is a very solid device, and it's still selling well. If Apple's cloud aspirations are realized this year, the company from Cupertino will have plenty to work on anyway. [via AppleInsider]
No iPhone 5 at WWDC this year? That's how it looks from here
By now you've seen the announcement for WWDC 2011 (coming June 6th), but what you may not have heard yet is that this one is going to be a little different than some of the dev cons from years past. Namely, unlike the events in 2008 through 2010, you won't see the announcement of a new iPhone (or iPad... or anything else hardware related). We're hearing the same kind of chatter from sources that solid writers like Jim Dalrymple of The Loop and All Thing D's John Paczkowski have been reporting today -- that this WWDC is going to be all about the future of iOS and OS X. Of course if that pans out, all eyes are going to be on the company's Fall event, which seems like an increasingly likely place to launch a new phone -- especially considering the fact that the iPod's place in Apple's lineup has become diminished thanks to the success of its mobile devices. The timing also sets Apple up nicely for a brisk season of holiday phone purchases. As for the iPad, Daring Fireball's John Gruber speculated that we might see some kind of new model at this year's Fall event, and while that seems highly unlikely to us given the recent launch of the iPad 2, a new tablet would make a perfect companion to that new phone. What September holds is pure speculation right now, but for the time being, it looks like you can just get comfortable with your iPhone 4.
Analysis: 100 million iPhone 5s could be sold
It's no secret that Apple's iPhone is a runaway hit. But if past history can determine future success, you ain't seen nothin' yet. The word comes down from Asymco analyst Horace Didieu. In a whimsically-named report titled "Predicting iPhone Sales for Dummies," Didieu looked at sales data from all iPhone models to date and noted that they followed a specific trend as old model production transitioned into building the new model. Based on the trends, Didieu made some rough forecasts -- the iPhone 4 will sell anywhere from 60 to 65 million units before the next iPhone debuts, and it has at least one more quarter of production life left (although some websites are pushing the iPhone 5 launch back to 2012). Over at 9to5Mac, blogger Christian Zibreg did his own take on the data and realized that an iPhone 5 could sell about 100 million units before the 6th generation device appears. Since worldwide demand for smartphones of all flavors is expected to be in the range of 500 million over the next two years, it's not unlikely that Apple will sell a good number of those devices. With the strong retail presence that Apple has built up since 2007, as well as the thriving developer community in the App Store, the next iPhone could be even more of a success than all of its predecessors put together.
Apple's WWDC 2011 kicks off on June 6th
It's five days of developer love in sunny San Francisco, and this year it starts on June 6th. As ever, Moscone West will be hosting Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, and this year we'll be seeing "the future of iOS and Mac OS" along with "more than 100 technical sessions presented by Apple engineers." Last time Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone 4 to a very willing world at large. Could its successor make an appearance this year? We'll be there live to tell you if and when it happens.
iPhone 5 rumors: new antenna, metal case
Trial production for the iPhone 5 has already started in China, according to speculation from The China Times published on Tuesday. According to the report, Apple's fifth-generation smartphone, expected to launch during the third quarter this year, will feature a metal chassis, more sensitive antennae design, dual-core A5 processor, 5-megapixel still camera, 4-inch, scratch-resistant touch screen and near-field communication (NFC) technology. The China Times report reiterates many popular rumors about Apple's next generation iPhone. Despite ditching the current iPhone's glass backing in favor of a metal chassis, The iPhone 5 is expected to maintain many of the design sensibilities of its predecessor while evolving the device's underlying technology. At the center of the fifth-generation iPhone sits Apple's potent, dual-core A5 processor, likely to double the iPhone 5's performance. To address perceived issues with signal attenuation in the iPhone 4, the iPhone 5 includes a re-designed, more sensitive antenna. Apple also reportedly crammed a larger, 4-inch display into the iPhone 5 that stretches closer to the edges of the device's face without changing its overall shape or size. The China Times report [translation] also claims Apple will include an NFC chip in each iPhone 5. NFC technology would allow users to associate financial data with their devices to enable a rapid, wireless payment solution that could one day replace plastic credit cards. Previous rumors have gone back and forth about Apple's plans to include NFC chips in the iPhone 5. If included, the chips are likely to be provided by Qualcomm, according to Boy Genius Report.
China grants Apple 11 patents covering iPhone 4
Apple has just been granted 11 patents in China on the iPhone 4, according to Patently Apple, and there are some interesting potential consequences for future iPhone design, the site says. The 11 patents are each for slightly varying designs, which could, say Patently Apple, help strengthen rumors that the next iPhone will have a metal back. One patent emphasizes the iPhone 4's stainless steel band, for example, while others cover the glass cover, button positions and more. This means that if the next iPhone does sport a metal back, any new patents would only have to be updated for the new materials, rather than be redone for the whole new piece of hardware. That saves time and money later on, and right now it means that Apple is ready to make changes to the iPhone's design if needed. The patents were filed in China late last year and finally granted this past week.
'iPhone 5' cases show not much will change from iPhone 4
Hardmac has released a photo from a case manufacturer who claims the case is for the forthcoming iPhone 5. In contrast to an earlier report that the iPhone 5 would see a significant external redesign, the case design shows a design nearly identical to the current iPhone 4. Hardmac claims its source is reliable, and while case manufacturers' leaks weren't necessarily an accurate barometer of possible product design in the distant past, the leaked cases for the iPad 2 were quite accurate depictions of its final form. Taken together with supposedly leaked engineering diagrams and a video from a few months back claiming to show the iPhone 5's antenna (which was virtually identical to the Verizon iPhone's redesigned antenna, except for the inclusion of a SIM slot... hmmm), these rumors are painting a picture of an iPhone 5 that's externally similar in most respects to the current iPhone 4. In all honesty, I think this is what virtually everyone is expecting from the iPhone 5; the external design barely changed at all between the iPhone 3G and 3GS, and despite widespread FUD about the iPhone 4's antenna (later moderated via objective analysis), it's unlikely that Apple will switch up the design significantly for the next generation iPhone. If Apple follows its yearly pattern, the iPhone 5 will debut in either June or July of this year. [via Mac Rumors]
HiPhone 5 is just a few curves away from KIRF (video)
The iPhone 5 lives only in your dreams at the moment, and probably in some bunker deep beneath Cupertino, but the $99 HiPhone 5 is definitely out there in the wild, and has been for at least a few weeks. Yes, the same moniker that was applied to this Storm knockoff and, naturally, a series of iPhone knockoffs. This time the design is a little more distinctive, the interface definitely aping iOS but the exterior putting some curves, wrapping around a 3.5-inch, HVGA screen. There's a 3.1 megapixel camera around the back (though the case says "3.2"), room for dual SIM cards inside, and it's "100% fully unlocked." As if there were any other way.
iPhone 5 rumored not to have NFC
According to sources within the UK's largest wireless operators, Apple will not include NFC (Near Field Communication) technology in the upcoming iPhone 5. NFC is a short-range wireless technology integrated in mobile phones and used for mobile ticketing and payment processing systems. The Cupertino company is reportedly reluctant to introduce NFC because the technology lacks a unifying standard. Rather than adopt the current implementation of this technology, Apple is reportedly working on its own NFC system that would tie into iTunes. Though not confirmed, forms of this new technology have been hinted at in previous patent applications and job listings. This NFC alternative may be introduced with the iPhone 6 in 2012. Google recently launched the Nexus S earlier this year with NFC technology and is working on bringing this technology to the masses. It has launched a small-scale initiative called Hotpot that lets business owners place an NFC-enabled sign in their storefront. This sign can be read by NFC-enabled handsets and provides the user with pertinent store information, such as hours of operation and menu items as well as special deals. If Apple brings its own technology to the market, we may have a modern day version of the beta war. [Via Techradar]
iPhone 5 won't have NFC, say insiders at UK carriers
The Independent is starting our week off on a sour note with the information that Apple's next iPhone won't have NFC hardware built in. Near Field Communication has found itself coming to the fore this year, thanks in large part to the Nexus S touting it as a major feature, however sources at "several" of the UK's major carriers have told the newspaper that Apple intends to skip on it for this year. That intel is reportedly coming directly from meetings with the Cupertino brain trust, which is said to be dissatisfied with the current lack of a clear, universal NFC standard. It's generally been Apple's wont to omit or delay features it doesn't feel it can implement well, and NFC looks fated to be another one on that list.
Alleged iPhone 5 engineering diagrams surface
iDealsChina has posted what it says are engineering diagrams representing the forthcoming iPhone 5. As you can see from the image above, the purported iPhone 5 features much the same form factor as the iPhone 4, with the exception of an edge-to-edge screen. Though iDealsChina doesn't say how it came across the engineering diagrams, it does state that these types of diagrams are mold drawings used by case designers to produce sleeves and cases for the upcoming iPhone. It's important to note that now that the iPad 2 has been announced, you can expect an increasing flurry of rumors around the upcoming iPhone. While some rumors and leaks may be legitimate, it's wise to maintain a healthy skepticism regarding most. [via Mac Rumors]
iOS 4.3 hints at A5 processor in iPhone 5
iClarified reports that based on evidence found within the iOS 4.3 firmware, the iPhone 5 is likely to have the same dual-core A5 processor as the iPad 2. This is not at all shocking; last year, the iPhone 4 launched with the same A4 processor that debuted in the original iPad. The iPad 2 is showing benchmark results well over 150 percent better than the original iPad, and we can probably expect the same situation for the iPhone 5. This means that, at least in terms of raw computing performance, the next-gen iPhone may be even more powerful than the first iPad. In terms of how fast the device will "feel," that's anyone's guess -- but it's worth noting that early reviews of the iPad 2 say it feels at least twice as fast as the model it replaces. [via AppleInsider]
Rumor: iPhone 5 to have 64 GB?
Recently-revealed engineering samples of iPhone 4s have been found to have 64 GB of memory -- see picture above from Unwire, and this M.I.C. Gadget story -- showing that there's no physical reason why the iPhone 5 couldn't have this much memory. The iPad 2 has already been criticised for sticking with the earlier version's 64 GB limit, and releasing an iPhone 5 with the earlier model's 32 GB limit would be bound to increase the complaints. Previous speculation about the 32 GB limitation on the iPhone's memory capacity centered on lack of physical space, production capacity and cost. With capacity due to almost double this year and prices falling, it looks like the third barrier may now have fallen if Apple can secure enough supplies. The 64 GB engineering samples are very similar to the (in)famous Gizmodo iPhone 4 from last year (with a similar serial number) and appear to date to early 2010, showing that it was indeed constraints other than physical ones which kept Apple from releasing an increased-capacity iPhone 4. It was apparently obtained from sources at Apple manufacturer Foxconn rather than on the Hong Kong grey markets - you can watch a video of it in action here. Update: Engadget spotted a 64 GB iPhone prototype in Hong Kong's Sin Tak shopping mall. Upon investigation it appears as though it was made in 2010 but the serial numbers were invalid. Perhaps if prices on memory drop the iPhone 5 could still sport a higher capacity. [via MacRumors]
iPhone 5 rumors: aluminum backside, redesigned antenna
Now that the MacBook Pro refresh has happened and the iPad 2 is out, what's left for the rumor mill? The iPhone 5 of course. Citing a Chinese source, Japanese site Macotakara claims that Apple is abandoning the current iPhone 4's exposed antenna/glass backside construction for the iPhone 5. The iPhone 5 will supposedly have an all-aluminum rear case similar to the iPad 2. Wireless signals will penetrate the case via the Apple logo, which will be made from a plastic resin, presumably similar to the black bar on top of the 3G iPad 2. Macotakara has had a fairly good accuracy rate in its rumors so far, although Economic Daily News, Macotakara's source for this rumor, has been less reliable in the past. Macotakara's reports nailed the iPad 2's announcement and shipping dates, and it got some of the hardware details right as far back as December. If the site is getting its information directly from Chinese sources as it claims, that might account for its accuracy rate. A complete case redesign for the iPhone 5 isn't beyond the realm of possibility, but personally, I'll remain skeptical until there are corroborating reports from at least one other source. The iPhone 5 will likely be announced in either June or July of this year, and in the meantime we can expect to hear a lot more about the forthcoming device -- not all of it accurate. [via MacRumors]
Wintek to supply touchscreen panels for white iPhone 5
A new rumor out of China's Economic Daily News suggests Apple has selected Wintek as the sole touchscreen supplier for the white iPhone 5. This contract would push Wintek ahead of TPK Touch solutions, making it the #1 touch panel supplier globally. Of interest to Apple fans, the Asian report adds that Apple is focusing on white models for the rumored iPhone 5. This reported interest in a white iPhone 5 may ruffle the feathers of some iPhone 4 fans who have waited since June 2010 to get their hands on this elusive white model. While reports of the white iPhone 4 come and go, the handset has not been officially released by Apple. Prevailing rumors suggest the long delay of this highly desirable model stems from a problem with the opacity and thickness of the white coloring. If true, this Asian report is good news for white iPhone fans. A renewed focus on the white model may indicate that Apple has worked out its manufacturing kinks, and the white handset may finally emerge -- hopefully in the spring as the iPhone 4 and later this year as the iPhone 5.
Rumor: iPhone 5 to land in September
In a research note, analyst Craig Berger of FBR Capital markets makes the bold claim that the iPhone 5 will not launch until September, a timing that overlaps with Apple's annual iPod refresh. Berger writes, "we think a September launch is more likely, off from Apple's traditional iPhone launch schedule, but giving the firm more time to enhance its next-generation instant communications on the phone." To back up this claim, Berger cites reports from Asian parts suppliers that are still ramping up their production of casings and touch panels for the iPhone 5. According to Berger, some chip vendors still have not received orders from Apple, and other component suppliers, such as those for the image sensor, have not been determined. Combined, these various reports paint a picture of a device that may not be ready for a large volume launch within four to five months. Keep in mind that this information is based upon one analyst's interpretation of information obtained from his market sources. While analysts are sometimes correct with their predictions, they are often wrong. A survey of earnings predictions shows that independent financial bloggers are often better than professional analysts at predicting Apple's quarterly financial earnings. To further cast doubt on this September launch, the Loop chimed in with its rebuttal that claims this rumor and the iPad rumor from earlier today are false. The take home message here is to regard this report with a grain of salt and assume the June iPhone 5 launch is a go until we receive additional evidence that suggests otherwise.
Forget the white iPhone 4, white iPhone 5 rumors begin!
It's the perfect rumor: the officially delayed and frequently tattled white iPhone 4 has reemerged as the white iPhone 5 riding a horned stallion through virgin rumor fields. According to the Economic Daily News, the previously unheard of white iPhone 5 will feature a touch panel supplied exclusively by Wintek. If true, then the white iPhone 4, officially scheduled for a spring 2011 launch, should be available just prior to the launch of the next generation white iPhone 5, anticipated for a summer launch in keeping with Apple's typical launch cycle. Not exactly ideal, but hey, it's only the first of many related rumors to come. P.S. Here's a link to an Apple-free Engadget in anticipation of your needs.
iPhone 5 to feature a bigger 4-inch display?
Thus far we still know surprisingly little about the next generation iPhone (or iPhone 5 for lack of a better name) expected this summer in keeping with Apple's traditional launch cycle. We've heard that the completely redesigned handset will boast a next generation A5 processor and Qualcomm chipset that will unify the CDMA / GSM / UMTS radios. Others have heard that it'll also feature NFC integration along with the possibility of a "universal SIM." But what about the display? How will it size-up to the existing iPhone 4's rather puny 3.5-inch display and the smaller and lighter iPhone model that the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg say is in the works? Well, if DigiTimes and its chatty "upstream component suppliers" are to be believed then the next generation iPhone will be sporting a 4-inch display. While DigiTimes can, at times, be a suspect source for Apple information, the idea of a larger 4-inch iPhone flagship to help differentiate itself from a smaller iPhone nano and legacy iPhone 4 (that becomes the budget model) does make some sense.
Apple job posts point to built-in NFC capabilities for iPad / iPhone
Ladies and gentlemen of the, ahem, jury, we intend to show -- through rumors and circumstantial evidence -- that Apple might very well be building Nexus S-like NFC capabilities into next-generation iPhones and iPads. We present for your consideration exhibits A, B, and C: three Apple job posts, seeking two managers of global payment platforms and one test engineer for iPhone hardware. According to the original post, the right engineer possesses a background in both ICT (information and communication technology) and RFID (radio frequency identification), which forms the basis for NFC. Suspiciously, Apple removed the "ID" in "RFID" sometime in the past 24 hours. Still not convinced of Apple's NFC involvement? Consider this: Apple's manager of global payment platforms is tasked with contributing "to the analysis and development of new payment types and processes." Okay, so there's not a smoking gun in sight, but a little innocent conjecture never hurt anybody.
iPad 2, iPhone 5 could use NFC for mobile payments
A report from Bloomberg suggests Apple will integrate Near Field Communication technology into the iPhone 5 for AT&T and the iPad 2. The technology would let you make purchases wirelessly by waving your iOS device over an NFC-enabled register. The payment-processing system would tie into your iTunes account, which stores your personal and credit card information. Earlier rumors pointed to NFC-enabled iPhones that would function as an electronic wallet or a security passkey. This previous rumor also hinted that Apple's lineup of Mac computers would incorporate NFC technology in a two-way system that would let your iPhone communicate with your Mac. NFC technology is expected to grow in the upcoming years here in the US. Recently, Samsung and Google introduced the Nexus S, the first NFC-enabled handset powered by Android. Google is also piloting a Hotpot program in Portland, Oregon that lets businesses place an NFC-enabled display in their windows. This specialized signage will send store and promotional information to NFC-capable handsets. Though Apple has not detailed its plans for near field communication, a recent patent application suggests Apple is exploring the idea of an electronic ticketing system using NFC. [Via 9to5Mac]
