Now that summer is winding down and the massive Apple vs. Samsung lawsuit has been decided, technophiles from all over the world are shifting focus toward Cupertino, California in anticipation of Apple Inc’s rumored announcement of the next-gen iPhone. Apple has predictably announced and launched the last few, new iPhone models between summer and fall. Sitting smack-dab in that middle, the rumor mills are churning and the handset that changed the game is due for an upgrade.
From a business perspective, Google’s Android is winning the day, capturing about 64% of the smartphone market for the second quarter of 2012. That jump is due in large part to the success of Samsung and their Galaxy S devices. Apple snagged only about 18.5% of smartphone sales for the same quarter.
It seems as if Apple has a lot at stake. Where once, they dominated the smartphone market with a device that was easy to use, capable, and just plain fun (Grindr anyone?), now they are getting their proverbial asses handed to them. To some, it would seem obvious as to why. The iPhone has looked and behaved about the same since the get-go. Sure the device is more powerful. The camera has improved substantially. Storage capacity has grown larger. However, when you look at what the competition offers, Apple just can’t compete. Samsung, HTC, and Motorola (among others) all offer screens that are not only larger, they’re splitting the pants off of hipsters in skinny jeans. The things are huge. For some size-queens, that’s all that matters. Additionally, despite AT&T’s and Apple’s claims, your iPhone 4s is not really a 4G phone, unlike many of the most successful Droid devices. The fastest iPhones run HSPA+, which is basically 3G with a few vodka/Red Bulls. The number one reason given for the preference however, leaves a little ray of sunshine for Apple. In an Apple survey that surfaced in court proceedings, 48% of Android adopters chose Android to “stay with current provider.” Now that Apple’s iPhone is (legally) compatible on AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, a successful device launch could turn the tides.
So what’s the buzz on the next-gen iPhone? Here are the top 5 rumors surrounding Apple’s latest ADHDD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder device):
5. Size Queens Rejoice
The iPhone 5 (if they stick with the numbers) will supposedly sport a 4” screen- a bump from the current 3.5” (and who couldn’t use an extra half inch?).
4. What’s Up Dock?
From 30 pins, to as few as 16 (8 per side), it’s likely all your 3rd party dock devices will soon be incompatible. The benefit however, means more room for phone guts (batteries, hard drive space, etc).
3. Nano-Nano
Clearing more junk from the trunk, Apple has been pushing for nano-SIM cards as the new standard. They may make their debut on the iPhone 5.
2. Speed Freaks
Bailing on the current feux G, the newest iPhone is purported to sport true 4G LTE, and NFC connectivity, along with a faster processor.
1. Hand(set) Release
The latest speculation suggests Apple will announce and begin pre-orders on Wednesday, September 12th, following up with a release nine days later, on the 21st.
Of course Apple does as Apple pleases, meaning some of this may be true, all of it, or none at all. So take it with a grain of salt but for all you fan-boys with cracked screens from a night of drinking, hold onto your credit cards until the middle of September.
