10am, One Infinite Loop, tomorrow morning. Apple would like to talk about iPhone. Specifically, news of the imminent release of iOS 5.0 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
So before we talk about the iPhone, let’s talk about iOS. Tomorrow, Tim Cook will take the pleasure to announce that the iOS 5.0 GM will be available to developers. Apple stick to a familiar pattern when releasing beta releases to developers and last week, Apple skipped a release and that can only mean one thing. It’s ready.
The GM will be available to download immediately on Tuesday allowing for updates to be rushed through before it’s released to the public some time the following week. I expect this to be on Friday 14th October.
So iPhone. What’s going to be announced? There has been more noise on the internet surrounding an unreleased, unannounced product than ever before. Every rumour has been touted for what will most likely be called iPhone 4S.
In reality, the only time we’re going to find out what Apple has up it’s sleeve, is tomorrow. When they want to announce it. I’ll try to cut my way through the shrubbery and get right to the good stuff for you. Here is what I’m pretty sure will be announced tomorrow:
- iPhone 4S in White/Black
- Available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavours.
- iPhone 4 8GB in White/Black
- iPhone 4S will include A5 dual-core processor
- 1GB RAM
- Improved Camera (Possibly Sony’s 8MP)
- Same Size/Shape as iPhone 4
- iOS 5.0 will be very fast
As well as minor changes, like the antenna being moved so there will be no/less signal interruption with your hand. The sensors next to the ear piece will have moved near to the side of the phone. Battery life will be improved as will the microphone/noise-reduction. Which will help Apple’s new way of reacting to a long-home button press… Assistant.
There is quite a bit of last minute talk about Assistant which Apple hopes will become the new thing in voice-recognition and voice-powered software. As well as the usual ‘call Dad mobile’ and ‘play music’ Apple hopes to use it’s new acquisition Siri and their new partnership with Nuance to create the ultimate in voice powered apps.
Hoping to allow you to literally dictate messages and emails, ask for directions, book restaurants, check cinema times and book tickets. Literally, your assistant to the real world.
This hasn’t been featured in iOS 5.0 so far, only hinted at with the occasional microphone icon. This could lead to the fact that Assistant needs the RAM and the horsepower of the A5 chip to allow it to understand what you’re saying and what you’re actually asking for. This isn’t voice-recognition, this is voice-understanding.
A photo of what looks to be a 64GB model of an iPhone 4-Shaped device.
There are very heavy rumours about a new device. An iPhone 5. A slimmer, sleeker design with tapered edges similar to the iPad 2. An elongated home button to allow multi-touch commands away from the screen. Less storage to allow for iCloud integration and a SIM-free phone with an Apple-designed chip instead.
Apple could announce something but it’ll be a surprise. If they do, they’ll say it’ll be ready next year. They’ll say “Have this, you love the iPhone 4, well this is faster, better and will last… We’re gonna work on this and it’s gonna be AWESOME.”
They can’t let Tim Cook walk out there saying “Hi, I’m not Steve Jobs, here’s a slightly better phone and it’s not as cool as something Steve would bring but…” They’ve gotta give something more than the iPhone 4S.
As for me, I’ll do my usual. Sell my iPhone 4 the week before release. I’ve already locked in a very nice offer from several recycle websites. I’ll be buying the iPhone 4S on an 18 month contract as soon as it’s released.
Then if/when the iPhone 5 is announced and released. I’ll do the same all over again.
I’ve done this with every iPhone since the very first launch and each upgrade hasn’t cost me a penny.
