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Radio Shack inventory screen pegs iPhone 5 for Sprint
Could it be? Are the rumors true? If this screenshot, apparently culled from Radio Shack's inventory system, is any indication, Sprint will indeed be among the carriers offering the iPhone 5. That lines up just right with previous reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal, slating the phone to hit the Now Network in mid-October. There's no indication of actual dates at this point, but if Sprint's getting Apple's next-gen iPhone, we're guessing we'll hear more about it on Tuesday.[Thanks, Anon]
iPhone 4S appears in Apple's inventory
We really don't know for sure what kind of new iPhone Apple will announce next week, but here's another vote for a revision of the iPhone 4 rather than an all-new iPhone 5. 9to5Mac is reporting that the iPhone 4S has popped up as an entry in Apple's own inventory systems, which seems (if true) like a pretty good indication that Apple will indeed offer a tweaked version of the current iPhone 4. Perhaps most interesting, the information reportedly found in Apple's inventory is linked up to the Chinese label for an iPhone 4S above. That label appeared a little while ago and has some info on it that might now actually be legit. The IMEI and MEID indications on the label also hint that a 4S would be compatible with the CDMA and GSM networks, which is a rumor that has been around for quite a while as well. None of this is confirmed, obviously, and even if there is an iPhone 4S, that still doesn't mean Apple isn't also planning to release an iPhone 5. While somewhat unlikely that Apple would split the lines up, there's certainly demand for both phones, and a smaller price on one of them could make the audience even bigger. As usual, we'll have to wait and see what Apple reveals for us next week.
TUAW TV Live at 5 PM EDT: iPhone anticipation episode
Apple's announced the upcoming event at which we all hope to hear about a new iPhone or two, and I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl with anticipation. Well, as giddy as a 54 year-old guy can get, y'know? Today on TUAW TV Live, I want to share some thoughts and hopes for the new device(s) with you, and get your ideas about what we're going to see next Tuesday. Since it's going to be "your show," joining the chat is a must. The chat tool can be accessed via the TUAW page you'll at 5 PM Eastern, through the Ustream page, or through IRC using server chat1.ustream.tv and room #tuaw-tv. As usual, I'll be starting the show at 5 PM EDT (2 PM PDT / 10 PM BST) sharp, and we'll take a few minutes to chat before the discussion starts. To join in on the chat and watch the live streaming video, drop by TUAW about five minutes before the start time to get your instructions on how to participate. If you're unable to join us for the show, remember that you can always subscribe to the video podcast and watch the show at your leisure in iTunes or any other favorite podcatching app. The past shows are also available on the TUAW YouTube channel.
Apple wants to 'talk iPhone' on October 4th
Well, it's about freaking time! Apple has finally begun sending out invites for its upcoming press conference, and the company's being none too subtle with the hints, offering up some familiar app icons in the artwork and the tagline "Let's talk iPhone." As to whether it'll be an iPhone 5, 4S or some other new formation, we'll all have to wait until the event to find out -- and you'd better believe we'll be there at Apple's Cupertino headquarters to find out.
What would a 4S mean to you?
I love my 3GS. I still use it on a daily basis as one of my primary dev units. It has a lovely PayGo SIM in it, with inexpensive data. It's an absolutely brilliant device and my love for my iPhone 4 does not diminish the 3GS's utility. I never bothered to purchase an iPhone 3G. Although I used several on contracts, it never passed the barrier of "worth buying." From several years distance, I'm even more sure that I made the right choice. (And yes, I know there are many of you out there who adore your 3G units. I'm not trying to take away from that.) The iPhone 3G was basically a first generation phone with upgrade 3G/GPS capabilities and a slightly modified case. But the iPhone 3GS? It was a completely different beast under the hood. The 3G vs the 3GS The model numbers tell it all. The first generation iPhone was the iPhone 1,1. The 3G was the iPhone 1,2. With the same processor, the same memory, etc, not much had changed -- especially if the 3G service in your area was spotty. With good 3G coverage, the usability took a huge jump forward, but for much of Denver at the time that simply wasn't a factor. Fast forward to the iPhone 3GS (aka the iPhone 2,1). Belying its visual and tactile similarity to the 3G, it was a completely different animal. With a massively improved chip, better RAM, a usable autofocus camera, improved battery life and stand-out features like Voice Control, it truly distinguished itself. The name might have been similar, the case might have been similar, but the phone was not. iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 That's why I don't care if the new phone in October will be an iPhone 4S versus an iPhone 5. Yes, I expect the form factor to mirror the iPhone 4 (which, frankly, is a great phone). The early release of cases supports that form likelihood. But I'm thinking that there's a lot Apple can get done with extra chip power and possibly more RAM, along with the same brilliant Retina display. The camera may get a boost, and I would be delighted if the capacities each got a power-up -- although I'm always thinking capacities will go up and they never really do as much as I think they will. I'm also thinking that we're going to see extra hardware features like battery bumps, additional sensors, and more. It's fruitless to speculate, however, as to what Apple will surprise you with. As for an iPhone 5, what would make me sad would be if I signed up for a 4S contract and the iPhone 5 debuted fewer than six months later. Of course, Apple could possibly introduce both at once, but I'm wondering why all the buzz, and all the early retail leaks seem to have missed the 5 unit (which we've had hints about in terms of parts and production, but little solid in the way of facts). The winning iPhone 4S scenario I'd be particularly happy if iPhone 4S sold with two key elements: multi-carrier support built-in, and sold contract-free. Admittedly, my world view is heavily influenced by the fact that I often need at least one of each unit on-hand for writing and development. At the same time, I think I could still recommend both the 3GS and the 4 as solid purchase options for anyone jumping onto the iPhone bandwagon. I'd probably recommend against going into a contract with the 3GS. I'd also recommend springing for a newer 4S over a 4 unless there were some brilliant financing at work, but a 4 remains a really great model. What tantalizes is that we have had enough rumors of a 5 with a redesigned case to be at least somewhat credible. However, the evidence for the 4S is building to inevitable with multiple sources chiming in over the last few weeks. Jump now or wait? So the question people coming to me with is this: Should I jump on the 4S or hold out for the 5? My answer is this: If you still haven't bought iPhone or are upgrading for the iPhone 3GS or earlier, grab the 4S. I bet it's going to be spectacular. For iPhone 4 owners, whose contracts are due to run out in February or later (or so my latest query tells me from AT&T), and who don't need the latest/greatest right away -- you probably can afford to wait. If you really want to wait. Of course, come October everything may change. If Apple announces must-have features that mirror the 3GS-from-3G or 4-from-3GS transition brilliance, just drop everything. Pay the fines, buy the goodies. Because Apple has delivered brilliant in the past. There's no reason to think it won't do so again.
Did a white iPhone 4S just pop up in AT&T's system?
Judging from the clandestine screenshot you see above, it most certainly seems like that's the case. A helpful tipster sent us this tasty morsel, from AT&T's internal system, listing the "iPhone 4s White" beneath a handful of already familiar Apple handsets. Could it be? Is Cupertino actually planning on bringing a white version of its next iPhone out at launch? We're afraid only time will tell.
iPhone prototype N94 leaked, possibly to be an iPhone 4S
There are lots of crazy rumors flying around about the new iPhone announcement coming later on this year (or as soon as next month), but this is one of the more credible. The picture above comes from a site called UbreakIfix through our friends at Engadget, and purports to show a prototype for the iPhone called the N94. It's a long story (which you can click through to read yourself), but essentially, the latest rumor says that this device is the latest testing version of what may become an "iPhone 4S," a slightly cheaper version of the iPhone 4 set to be introduced right alongside the iPhone 5. Of course, these are all still rumors, and Engadget admits the timing isn't quite right on this one -- this is apparently an "Engineering Verification Test" piece from last March, which makes it older than some of the other prototypes that have reportedly leaked out. It's unknown whether this is the real thing or just another test unit. But the wheels are clearly in motion on a new iPhone. And if the rumors play out as predicted later on next month, we might see not one but two new iPhones available for purchase.
iPhone N94 prototype's front assembly leaked, set to be an iPhone 4S?
As we approach the rumored September or October launch date for the next batch of iPhones, the web's been spiced up with photos of alleged parts for an "N94" iPhone prototype. We've been rather skeptical about them until the above photos landed in our inbox, courtesy of our friends from uBreakiFix. A little while back we'd already heard from our other sources that the N94 is set to be a cheaper version of the current iPhone 4 (probably the 8GB iPhone 4 mentioned by Reuters last week), which would explain why all these components and cables look super familiar. The only notable difference here is the funny dot right next to the sensor location above the earpiece -- the dotted pattern is very much like that used by the microphone and the webcam LED indicator on Mac computers, but obviously the latter is more likely the case here.That said, do bear in mind that according to the mark along the bottom of this part, we're apparently looking at an "EVT1" (Engineering Verification Test) piece from March 3rd 2011 (making it about three months older than the white N94 back covers that made the rounds last week, assuming they're legit). Additionally, when our sources last checked around June and July, the N94 had yet to hit the DVT stage, so it's hard to determine whether these parts will remain the same in the final design, or whether the N94 will even make it to the production line at all.On the other hand, our sources pointed out that an elusive N97 device -- previously reported by the Wall Street Journal as a tiny iPhone -- had already reached "DVT" (Design Verification Test) stage back in June, though there's little information about it other than that it's been tested with various cellular technologies (though plagued by some bugs related to switching between specific frequencies back then), plus it may sport a camera module supplied by Sony, which was semi-confirmed by Howard Stringer himself back in April. Whatever the N97 ends up being, hopefully we'll have something at least as slim as our little souvenir from Beijing.
Apple to release cheaper, 8GB iPhone 4 within weeks?
As the world waits for Apple to release the iPhone 5, Reuters is reporting that Cupertino may be refreshing the iPhone 4, as well. According to two anonymous sources "with knowledge of the matter," an unnamed Korean manufacturer has already begun producing parts for a cheaper, 8GB version of the smartphone, slated to launch within the next few weeks. As for that next-gen handset, the insiders went on to say that the iPhone 4S / iPhone 5 will feature a more spacious touchscreen, better antenna and eight megapixel shooter, and that Apple is indeed aiming for a late September launch, after having already asked manufacturers Hon Hai and Pegatron to prep their facilities for the production of 45 million units, altogether. Details, as usual, are still scarce at this point, but we'll let you know as soon as we get more information.
Apple actually not looking for additional iPad manufacturers, still BFFs with Foxconn?
Earlier this week, DigiTimes alleged that Apple was considering an additional manufacturer to produce the supposedly looming -- but really more mythical -- next generation iPad. Fast forward to now, and the Taiwanese publication reports that Cupertino has had a sudden change of heart. Foxconn -- who is currently the sole producer of the slate -- has reportedly convinced Apple to keep its manufacturing exclusive until the end of this calendar year. All isn't lost for Foxconn's competition though: the rumormonger suggests Pegatron still has a shot at a ten million production run for the next iPhone, and whatever iPad's 2012 will bring. Unmentioned in the report, however, is whether enough salt exists in the world to cover the next round of claims, later this week.
iPhone 5 / 4S: the rumor roundup
It's July, there is no new iPhone, and the analysts are restless. This time last year, Apple had already announced and begun shipping the iPhone 4 -- in fact, every single previous model has been announced in June, save for the first, which was unveiled in January 2007. So, now that the month has come and gone and WWDC with it, what are all of the tech publications out there to do? Make with the rumor stories, naturally -- and over the past few weeks, they've been coming fast and furious.DigiTimes has offered a fairly constant stream of sometimes dubious rumors surrounding the device from its stable of supplier contacts, and a recent article from The Wall Street Journal has reopened the floodgates. GigaOm has gone so far as to suggest that the latter may well be a controlled leak from Apple, and certainly it has reignited interest in the belated device.There's not a lot in the way consensus here, save for one key detail: Apple appears set to release a new iPhone. That much seems certain. After all, the iPhone remains the company's biggest money maker, even in this post-iPad world. Last year, of course, we had a slightly better guide ahead of the launch, but this time out, for better or worse, no one at Cupertino has been considerate enough to leave the upcoming handset at a Redwood City bar after a night of partying, so let's cut through the noise and and piece together a cohesive picture based on the wide assortment of rumors.
Analyst suggests Apple to release two iPhone models this September
In a recent research note, Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore predicts Apple may unveil two iPhone models, an iPhone 4S and an iPhone 5, this fall. Whitmore argues that RIM and Nokia, two bastions of the mid-range mobile phone market, are struggling, and Apple could grab a huge chunk of their market share with an inexpensive iPhone. Whitmore believes Apple is producing an iPhone 4S that is unlocked and priced around $349. This lower-priced model, which has been rumored before, will include a pre-paid voice plan that will entice customers to jump on the Apple bandwagon. Along with this low-priced model, Whitmore also believes Apple will also introduce an iPhone 5, which is the next generation iPhone everyone is expecting.
UAE carrier Etisalat said 4G iPhone 5 will ship this year, now unsaid (Updated)
Update: Etisalat must have gotten some cranky calls from Apple's carrier relations team, because the company has officially denied any mention of an upcoming iPhone model. SaudiMac reports that a blog post from the carrier now insists "At no point did Etisalat confirm that any new iPhone device will be launched in 2011." Thanks to @mazmohad and @khaled for the heads-up. Dubai's Gulf News is reporting that United Arab Emirates-based carrier Etisalat is in talks with Apple to sell a 4G iPhone 5 later this year. Ali Al Ahmad, Chief Corporate Communication Officer of Etisalat told the Gulf News, "Yes, we are in talks with most smartphone manufacturers including Apple on the rollout of the 4G handset, iPhone 5 later this year. As the first telecom organization to roll out the 4G network, LTE, in the Middle East, we have already started talking to them for the handsets and chipsets in them." However, despite Ahmad's assertion on an LTE iPhone 5 later this year, readers should approach this news with caution. Right now there are no solid facts about the next iPhone. The next iPhone will be the fifth-generation iPhone, but no one can even agree on its name, let alone the telecommunications technology it will have. Some say the fifth generation iPhone will be called the "iPhone 4S," while others say it will be known as the "iPhone 5." However, regardless of the name, there are rumors that the iPhone won't see 4G LTE until the sixth generation iPhone (which could very well be called the "iPhone 5"). It's entirely possible that carrier executives like Ahmad could be confusing the version and name with associated telecommunications technology. But at the risk of fanning the flames, it's also possible that Apple could roll out a 4G LTE-equipped iPhone in the fall. The company is pushing back the new iPhone hardware launch later this year than in the past and the extra time could provide the wiggle room to wait until there are enough 4G chips ready in a slim enough form factor to fit the next generation iPhone without compromising its design -- something current 4G chips can't do.
iPad 2 supply constraints improved, next iPhone orders arriving 'several months later than usual'
According to AppleInsider, Shaw Wu with Sterne Agee issued a research note today stating that iPad 2 constraints have "significantly improved" this quarter thanks to "retooling and conversion of more overseas production lines." That's good news for those of you still waiting to get your hands on an iPad 2. A second report out today from Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says that Apple's orders for new iPhone parts are "several months later than usual." Munster sees the delayed parts order as a sign that the rumors saying the next iPhone won't ship until September are correct. Munster has also assembled a chart indicating that there are, on average, 79 days between an iOS software event and the iPhone hardware announcement and 99 days between the iOS software event and the actual ship date of the new iPhone. According to those averages, based on the likelihood of iOS 5 being revealed on June 6 (at WWDC), the fifth-generation iPhone will be announced on August 24 and ship on September 13.
1080p camera sensor could be in the next iPhone, iPad, iPod touch
As Engadget reports, OmniVision Technologies, Apple's supplier of CMOS sensors for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, has unveiled a 5 MP camera sensor that is capable of recording 1080p video. The sensor, named OV5690, is thin enough to fit in the iPod touch and iPad -- unlike the current 5 MP OmniVision CMOS sensor, which will only fit in the iPhone 4's body. The OV5690 sensor would be a huge boon to the iPad and iPod touch, whose cameras are currently capped at less than 1 MP and shoot video in 720p. As for the next iPhone, the OV5690 sensor would definitely fit in it, but that would mean the iPhone's camera resolution would be limited to 5 MP -- the current resolution of the iPhone 4. There have been plenty of rumors floating around that the next iPhone will sport at least an 8 MP camera. But if Apple wanted to go more than 8 MP and offer users the ability to shoot in 1080p they could, as MacStories notes. In January OmniVision introduced a 10 MP camera sensor that shoots in 1080p and would fit in the iPhone 4's body.
Digitimes: LTE iPhone in 2012, Apple lowering iPhone 4 orders
Digitimes reports that Apple has lowered its iPhone 4 shipment volume for calendar Q2 2011 in anticipation of slower sales as the company prepares to unveil a new iPhone in September. Digitimes says supply chain makers have confirmed Apple has lowered iPhone 4 shipments from 20 million units down to 17.5-18 million units. Of those, 16 million units will be the GSM version, while 1.5-2 million units will be the CDMA version. In a second report, Digitimes says Apple is unlikely to unveil an LTE-equipped iPhone before 2012. This isn't really new; there have been numerous reports that LTE chipsets aren't currently made small enough to fit in the iPhone's form factor, and even if they were, they aren't available in the quantity Apple would need to satiate consumer demand for the next iPhone.
Next-generation iPhone reportedly will not feature NFC payments
The past year has seen a flood of speculation about whether or not future iPhones would feature Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. NFC technology would embed a special chip into your phone; waving the phone at a reader near a cash register would automatically pay for those items from one of your accounts. According to a Bernstein analysis that was quoted on Business Insider this morning, the next-generation iPhone (allegedly to be called the iPhone 4S) will not feature NFC. As the BI post points out, the lack of NFC won't be that much of a problem for Apple in the short run, as the technology isn't widely used in the US. However, the Bernstein report also notes that NFC could provide Apple with another US$4 - $9 billion in extra revenue based on the company's current share of the high-end smartphone market once (if) enabled. The Bernstein report echoes statements from UK mobile carriers in March of this year that NFC would not be an option on the next-generation iPhone. There have also been rumblings that Apple might be developing its own technology to enable payments. Whatever the Cupertino crew decides to do, it's obvious that we'll have to wait until at least 2012 to see it.
More evidence of camera flash changes in next iPhone
Earlier we reported on a rumored "iPhone 5" case which suggested that Apple has decided to move the iPhone's camera flash farther away from the camera lens. Now Asian Apple site Apple.pro has posted images comparing the iPhone 4's camera components with purported iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S) camera components. The alleged iPhone 5 camera components show that the rear camera does not come with a flash attached as it does in the iPhone 4. These images in addition to the earlier iPhone 5 case suggests that the next iPhone will indeed sport minor hardware tweaks. Last week Apple.pro posted more images of a next-generation iPod nano with a rear camera and they were the first to post an image of a small touchscreen that later made its way into the sixth-generation iPod nano. [via 9to5 Mac]
Purported 'iPhone 5' case reveals minor changes in next iPhone
On Friday, a rumor broke that the next iPhone will be called the iPhone 4S and it will primarily retain the same form factor with a few minor cosmetic changes and some new interior parts. Now today, GadgetsDNA posted a photo of a case purportedly for the iPhone 5, which shows a re-located camera flash. Besides the camera flash, the case also shows a much thinner bezel. However as MacRumors points out, the manufacturers matching current case for the iPhone 4 also has a thin bezel, so that can't necessarily be taken as sign that the "iPhone 5" will have a thinner bezel. If this case is correct, its "iPhone 5" attribution is likely nothing more than a guess or easy identifier by the manufacturer. Jeffries & Co. analyst Peter Misek claimed Friday that the fifth-generation iPhone that will debut this fall will be called the iPhone 4S. The image of the "iPhone 5" case showed up on Asian parts supplier site Alibaba. Other cases from manufacturers have shown up on the site purporting to be for future models of iOS devices and they have ended up being correct. Usually when a manufacturer is able to build proper cases for unannounced Apple products, they have gotten the dimensions and specs of the upcoming products from people at Asian manufacturers such as Foxconn. As always, there is no way of telling if this case represents the next iPhone Apple will launch, but it wouldn't be the first time case manufacturers stole a bit of Apple's thunder.
Rumor: 'iPhone 4S' to launch in September with T-Mobile and Sprint as added carriers
Jeffries & Co. analyst Peter Misek issued a research note to clients today in which he claims the next iPhone will be branded the 'iPhone 4S' and will debut in September. The iPhone 4S will reportedly be a minor revamp of the iPhone including "minor cosmetic changes, better cameras, A5 dual-core processor, and HSPA+ support." The iPhone 4S however, would not feature an LTE 4G chipset. Misek writes that despite Apple's hopes that LTE chipsets would be available in sufficient quantities for the next iPhone, the Qualcomm LTE chipset Apple would have used "is currently not achieving yields sufficient for inclusion in the iPhone 5." Hence, Apple has prepared a version of the iPhone without LTE. iPhone fans may bemoan the lack of major new hardware features in the next iteration, but it seems that Apple is going to be relying on iOS as a major selling point for the new phone. Also, US users will be happy to learn that Misek is claiming that Apple is preparing to expand US carriers, adding Sprint and T-Mobile by the end of the year. Misek's assertions for the expanded carriers seem to match a post from BoyGeniusReport that Apple is testing T-Mobile-compatible iPhone 4s in the wild. While the existing iPhone 4 will work on T-Mobile's GSM network in the US, it is limited to EDGE speeds as the AT&T and T-Mobile systems use different frequencies to support 3G data. Misek also states that Apple is set to add China Mobile as a carrier in China by the end of 2011. [via Forbes]
