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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]
Three reasons Apple might ship the iPhone 5 in the fall
Will Apple hold off on releasing the iPhone 5 (or as Richard Gaywood amusingly names it, the "4S") until September or early fall? Your guess is as good as ours. And yet, while brainstorming this morning, TUAW staffers noted arguments that had us going "hmmmm." We've shared them for your consideration. Here are several points that could support a later release date than usual. Or not. What do you think? Verizon and the White iPhone With the Verizon iPhone 4 shipping in February '11 and the white iPhone debuting in April '11, it's natural to allow for a breathing space (especially considering the 2-year contracts these units carry) before the next generation of handsets replaces current models. An October shipping date would give those with white iPhones time to enjoy their purchases without temptation from the Next Great Thing.
Fail: Video of 'Steve Jobs' rehearsing iPhone 5 introduction
Some people don't even try anymore. There's a video circulating on many Asian tech sites (and now some English ones) that is purportedly Steve Jobs rehearsing the keynote speech for the introduction of the iPhone 5. According to the fake video, the next iPhone 5 will feature digital scent technology and a battery that doesn't need to be recharged. It's not those wild claims that make this video obviously fake, it's that the man who is supposed to be Steve Jobs doesn't sound anything remotely like him. But the absolute best part of the video has to be when Steve Jobs stops to change his shoes. Total fail people. [via MacRumors]
Apple prototype spotted with T-Mobile 3G signal
A rumor fresh out of BGR suggests Apple is testing the iPhone for T-Mobile. A crystal clear image shows a white iPhone rocking a 3G signal from the wireless carrier. Since the current iPhone 4 does not support T-Mobile's 3G AWS 1700 MHz band, this is either a legitimate leak, a clever ruse where T-Mobile Europe is being pawned off as T-Mobile USA, or perhaps some Photoshop magic. The prototype model reportedly sports an internal model number of N94, which fits in with Apple's numbering scheme. The Verizon iPhone is N92, the GSM model is N90 and the iPhone 5 was thought to be N94. It also contains Apple test apps which suggests it is not a retail handset. This does not mean the above handset is the iPhone 5. It may be a prototype used to test the performance of a 3G radio compatible with T-Mobile's network. It may also be faked and not really running on T-Mobile 3G. It's not like that we haven't seen that happen before.
Could the iPhone 5 look like a beveled iPod touch?
See that up there? That could be your next iPhone -- or it could be a tear-shaped dream. It's a mock-up of what is said to be the iPhone 5, according to anonymous sources quoted by Joshua Topolsky. A continuation of the concepts laid out in our post-CES look at what's next for Apple, the design here is said to be thin, metal-backed, tapered, and sporting a 3.7-inch display with the same 960 x 640 resolution in the iPhone 4's retina display -- resulting in a slight drop from that phone's vaunted 326ppi density. The home button is quite obviously enlarged, possibly adding some thumbable gestures into the mix. Internals are said to include a "swipable" area, possibly meaning NFC, along with a Qualcomm Gobi chipset with support for CDMA and GSM, so this could be the one phone to rule all the carriers. Or, it might wind up only ever having domain over a single .PSD file. To us, well, it looks a little too thin to be packing all that and a bag of antennas as suggested and, with all the weight at the top, we can see these things flying out of hands left and right. But, we're certainly willing to be surprised. Place your bets in comments below. Update: The source has been updated with a note indicating that the bevel may be "a little exaggerated" in the above mock-up and that the back may not be metal after all.
Verizon CFO suggests next iPhone will be a 'global device'
We're guessing it wasn't on the company's agenda for its earnings call earlier today, but Verizon CFO Fran Shammo let slip one other interesting iPhone tidbit in addition to its news of 2.2 million iPhone 4 activations. Here's what he said: The fluctuation, I believe, will come when a new device from Apple is launched, whenever that may be, and that we will be, on the first time, on equal footing with our competitors on a new phone hitting the market, which will also be a global device. That pretty clearly suggests that the next iPhone -- supposedly coming in September -- will be a world phone, which just so happens to coincide with rumors to same effect we've heard as recently as this week. Of course, there's been talk of a dual-mode GSM / CDMA iPhone even before that, considering that the Qualcomm baseband chip used in the Verizon iPhone is technically capable of supporting both CDMA and GSM networks -- Apple simply chose not to or wasn't able to take advantage of that particular functionality at the time.
Reuters: iPhone 5 will ship in September
Hold onto your seats, it's another "when will the iPhone 5 ship" rumor. This time the rumor originates from Reuters, which tweeted late last night: "FLASH: Apple suppliers to start production of next-gen iPhone in July, Aug; begin shipping in Sept - sources." The associated article also states the iPhone 5 will have a faster processor but offers no additional details. This September shipping date rumor contradicts earlier ones that the iPhone 5 wouldn't begin production until September with an October or later ship date. This is just my two cents, but my money is on the Reuters rumor. With Apple apparently focusing WWDC solely on software this year, it makes sense that the company would hold off introducing an iPhone 5 until September when iOS 5 will likely launch. It also makes more sense launching the iPhone in September -- and not later -- as it would allow Apple to sync iPod touch and iPhone hardware launches. In the past when the iPhone has launched in June, everyone knew what new hardware features were most likely going to appear in the next iPod touch when its annual refresh came in September. With a synced launch date, the new iPod touch would have the same "wow" factor that the iPhone always gets.
Next-generation iPhone coming in September?
Ok, so you won't be getting an iPhone refresh this summer. But according to a trio of sources speaking to Reuters, the next-generation iPhone should be shipping in September -- as we've heard before -- with production starting in July. One source said that the iPhone will feature a faster processor, naturally, and look largely similar to the iPhone 4. If true then prepare to see it unveiled at Apple's fall event, usually held in early September.
iPhone 5 to have 8 megapixel camera and improved antenna, same old design?
To date, we've heard scant few details about the next-generation iPhone, except for a rumor that it may or may not have a bigger screen, and that it almost certainly won't pack an NFC chip. Now, one analyst is reporting the design will remain unchanged, though its innards will get a slight boost. Ming-Chi Kuo of Concord Securities (who has been dead-on in the past) talked with sources in Apple's supply chain to learn that the iPhone 5 will boast the same A5 processor as the iPad 2, along with an 8 megapixel rear camera, improved antenna design, and that Qualcomm baseband for both GSM and CDMA models we've seen bandied about (technically, the one in the current Verizon version is already GSM-capable). His sources also claim that Apple will begin mass production of its next-gen phone in September, which aligns with what we already heard about Apple moving to a fall launch -- and because of the ongoing disaster in Japan, the company might not have sufficient supplies to launch a new iPod touch at the same time. Typically we take many Apple rumors with a grain of salt, but these tidbits all sound plausible. And given that Kuo has been right before, we're especially inclined to believe him -- even if the truth is more ho-hum than magical.
Latest iPhone 5 rumors point to iterative update, production beginning in September
The latest iPhone 5 rumors could also be filed under "logical evolution of the species." As we saw with the iPhone 3G to 3GS, the form factor on the iPhone 5 is not expected to change. As logic would dictate, Apple should update the processor to the A5 (currently in the iPad 2). New rumors also indicate an 8 MP camera (probably not from Sony, however) on the back and a switch to Qualcomm baseband chips for CDMA and GSM. Oh, and as AppleInsider reports, "an improved antenna design." These latest details are courtesy of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo with Concord Securities. He's been right before, correctly predicting the resolution of the iPad 2's screen and its cameras. Kuo echoes the September availability we've been hearing, but claims it will be announced at WWDC (which we have heard will not happen). All of the hardware points line up with rumors we've heard before. Still, Kuo says iOS 5 will be the big news this year on the iPhone front, and I agree. Some of you may recall that Mac OS X Tiger (10.4) introduced so many new features, applications and frameworks that Apple said it would turn your Mac into a "new" computer. I think iOS 5 will not only address some of the glaring issues in iOS (notifications, for example) but will also add many features designed to leapfrog the competition. The question is whether iOS 5 will debut with the iPhone 5 or after it.
Rumor: iPhone 5 won't be shipping until fiscal 2012
Here's the latest iPhone 5 rumor. Business Insider (BI) suggests that iPhone 5 production won't begin until September, which means at the earliest it would hit shelves in October, or the first quarter of Apple's fiscal 2012. BI goes on to suggest that it's possible the iPhone 5 won't ship until calendar 2012. The report comes from an Avian Securities analyst, based on conversations with a "key component supplier" to Apple. I really don't know about this rumor. I can see Apple holding off on the iPhone 5 until the fall so that it could add LTE. Also, such a delay would give Verizon iPhone 4 customers who bought on day one a little more time to feel that their device is the latest and greatest. But, having no new iPhone hardware debut in 2011 seems like a big stretch to me. Of course, Alvin also suggests that Apple could be introducing a lower price/lower spec iPhone model, which is basically the iPhone nano rumor rehashed again. If Apple is going to hold off on the iPhone 5 until calendar 2012, then an iPhone nano might just tide the angry masses and shareholders over until then.
Apple keeping iPhone 5 suppliers mum about launch date
In a research note, Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities suggests Apple is being extra secretive with its Asian suppliers when ordering parts for the iPhone 5 and is still quietly preparing the next generation handset for a June or July launch. White writes, "Although we do not have a smoking gun that definitively rules out a delayed autumn unveiling or one that supports a launch this summer, there is a pattern of activity in motion with the supply chain that makes us question a delayed launch." Circulating rumors suggest Apple may release the iPhone 5 in the fall instead of the summer as it has done in the past. Analysts making this prediction have pointed to a lack of component orders for the iPhone which should have been made if the Cupertino company was targeting a June launch. Other rumors point to a significant overhaul of iOS which may include a cloud-based file locker and music streaming service that could debut this fall along with new iPhone and iPod touch hardware. White also confirms other reports that suggest Apple is using its cash reserve to secure components for its iPad 2, iPhone and iPod touch. Apple is reportedly offering upfront cash payments to suppliers to keep its production line flowing while blocking out competitors that are not as cash-rich as Apple.
Korean rumor puts iPhone 5 release in June (updated)
Update: The Loop remains convinced this will not happen. TUAW has seen an uptick in the number of rumors making their way around the blogosphere lately, purporting to know when the iPhone 5 will finally arrive. The latest is from Korea, where ETNews is reporting that the fifth-generation device is going to appear in June at an event to be held after WWDC. The rumor doesn't hold water when held up to Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer's recent comment that 8 MP Sony digital camera sensors would be delayed getting to Apple due to earthquake damage at a plant in Japan. Then again, Sony supplying camera sensors to Apple may be a misunderstanding anyway. ETNews also states that two South Korean telecom companies, KT and SK Telecom, will be getting the iPhone 5 soon after launch. That's contrary to common shipping patterns for Apple products, in which South Korea gets products well after launch. For example, the iPhone 4 just made it to South Korea on March 16. It's also rare for Apple to hold a press event for a new product so close to the Worldwide Developer's Conference. Most of us here at TUAW are treating this as a hopeful rumor, and we're holding out for a September release of the latest iPhone. [via Electronista]
iPhone 5 to sport an 8 MP Sony camera?
As reported by 9to5 Mac, last night Sony's CEO Sir Howard Stringer told Walt Mossberg that a Sony camera image sensor factory in Japan was damaged in the Sendai earthquake. As a result of that damage, Stringer said that getting those image sensors to Apple for the iPhone will be delayed. The interesting thing about this statement is, of course, that Sony doesn't supply any camera sensors to Apple for use in previous or existing iPhones. Stringer's comments align with a report from The Street back in April 2010 that the iPhone 5 would sport an 8 megapixel camera from Sony. Sony currently makes an 8 megapixel back-lit camera sensor for the Sony Ericsson Xperia arc. In the image to the right you can see some of the features of the camera sensor found in that phone. The current back-lit 5 megapixel camera and 3.2 megapixel camera found in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS respectively are manufactured by OmniVision, which The Street also reported Apple would be parting ways with after the iPhone 4. [hat tip to The Loop]
Sony CEO casually mentions he's supplying cameras to Apple
We were tempted to call it an April Fools' joke, but it seems the story's true: Sony CEO Sir Howard Stringer reportedly let slip that his company is producing cameras for the next batch of iPhones and iPads during a public interview with the Wall Street Journal. Traditionally, Apple's sourced its sensors from OmniVision, including the delightfully backside-illuminated 5 megapixel CMOS unit you'll find in the iPhone 4, but since Sony too has BSI tech and OmniVision has reportedly encountered delays, your next portable Apple product might house a Sony Exmor R sensor like the one we admired on the Xperia Arc. Mind you, that may not end up actually happening, because of the context in which Sir Howard revealed the news -- according to 9 to 5 Mac, he said that the factory producing sensors for Apple was affected by the Japanese tsunami. Oh well.
Wall Street cuts Apple estimates, iPhone 5 "delay" the reason
Analysts are responding to Apple's planned WWDC conference and the ensuing rumor that suggests Apple may delay the launch of iOS 5 and the iPhone 5 until the fall. Jim Dalrymple, of The Loop, confirmed that his report that the iPhone 5 would not be introduced at WWDC was not based on speculation, but came from reliable sources. A protracted development schedule would be a major shift for Apple, which has produced a new iPhone model and major iOS version each summer since the original iPhone launch on June 29, 2007. A shift in its annual summer launch schedule may cause Apple to lose its yearly summer boost in sales, an expectation that shaped the company's 2011 financial outlook. This move to a fall debut is prompting analysts to trim the company's revenue, EPS and iPhone shipment outlook for the remainder of 2011. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek cut Apple's revenue by 4 percent, its EPS by 5 percent and its iPhone shipments by 8 percent. Other analysts may follow suit, and Apple's stock could be affected by this diminished outlook. Thus far, Apple's stock remains strong and finished on a positive note at the end of Tuesday trading. Of course, this trend could be reversed if Apple uses this delay to put the finishing touches on an improved version of iOS and to fine tune those rumored cutting-edge cloud services.
Survey: Apple ready for big China growth
China is catching up with the Western world in many ways, and now "Wanting an iPhone really, really badly" has been added to the list of similarities. Until now, Nokia has been the most desired brand in China, largely because it's provided cheap handsets. Now such handsets come from Chinese manufacturers, and their low-budget image has led to their desirability being drastically reduced. These days it's the iPhone that tops the desirability charts amongst those Chinese who say they're thinking of getting a 3G handset. Up to 53 percent of those surveyed said they'd get an iPhone if price were no object, according to a new Alphawise/Morgan Stanley survey. This research was carried out with the iPhone 4 now nearly a year old compared to some of the competition. The eventual arrival of the iPhone 5 can only change this situation in Apple's favor, meaning that sales may be getting ready to take off in the land where the iPhone is actually made.
