iPhone 5: what to expect
from the next iPhone
As most people are aware the next generation of iPhone will arrive sometime in 2011. Apple has released a new iPhone each year like clockwork. So what can we expect to see in the iPhone 5?
Summer Release Date
This is a no brainer because Apple has been quite consistent in releasing a new iPhone around June or July of each year. You can expect with reasonable certainty that Apple will do the same with the iPhone 5 in 2011.
Faster, multi-Core processor
One of the most widely reported and sourced rumors is that Apple is manufacturing a successor to the A4 processor in the iPhone 4 and iPad. The A5 processor will be based on a Cortex A9 design and feature multiple cores. That would mean significant increases in performance and possibly battery life. It would also keep Apple securely in the technology curve as several other manufacturers are introducing dual-core processors into Android smartphones.
Integrated graphics upgrade
Along with a newer, faster processor, the iPhone 5 is rumored to have an upgraded integrated graphics and video processor (also referred to as IGPU). With Apple's continuing emphasis on media, especially video and apps, this makes sense because a new graphics processor would boost the iPhone 5's media capabilities. That means better video, game graphics and possibly even HDMI-out to TVs. Apple's OpenCL technology would also be able to use the IGPU to do additional tasks when idle.
NFC technology makes iPhone your iWallet
Near-field communication technology would make it possible to pay for goods and services by simply waving your iPhone 5 over a terminal, no cards or checks needed. Multiple sources have cited engineers working on NFC technology for the iPhone 5. Rumors even indicate that iTunes would expand to manage your debit or credit accounts, basically making the iPhone 5 a futuristic wallet.
New antenna, bye-bye deathgrip
Apple took a beating in the Antennagate scandal following the release of the iPhone 4. Holding the iPhone a certain way, dubbed the "deathgrip," would drastically reduce the signal. It's no surprise that Apple is rumored to be changing the antenna design, possibly moving it behind the Apple logo on back, in order to alleviate the problem.
Spec upgrade
As with each iteration of the iPhone, the iPhone 5 specs will likely get a refresh. Aside from the processors mentioned above, this likely means a little more memory, more storage and possibly a slight increase in screen size (evidence points to a 3.7-inch screen instead of 3.5).
iPhone 5 UK price
Apple has upped the price of all its products after VAT rose to 20 per cent here in the UK, so we can perhaps expect to pay a little more to snap up the Apple smartphone this time round.
Those are the rumors that are either backed up by multiple sources or obvious from Apple's iPhone record. The following are several other rumors that are much less reliable, for one reason or another.
Better camera, 1080p video recording
This one isn't unbelievable, but there is little evidence to back this up. The 5 megapixel, 720p video recording rear camera is already pretty impressive, and Apple may see no reason to update it on this version cycle. However, the upgraded graphics processor could certainly handle 1080p video recording, and 8 megapixel 1080p cameras are the standard for new smartphones.
3D screen
Possibly following in the footsteps of the Nintendo 3DS, Japanese blog Macotakara suggests that a series of patents filed in recent years could see the iPhone get similar 3D treatment. One of the patents refers to being able to adjust the display based on the user's position, and using the iPhone camera combined with the onboard gyroscope and other motion sensors, deliver a 3D projection. A leap too far? Possibly, but we wouldn’t rule it out for future iPhone devices.
Solar powered charging system
Well known for its battery issues, one patent filed by the Cupertino company suggests the iPhone 5 could well boast a battery which is rechargeable by the sun.
The patent, which details ways of recharging the batteries found in portable phones, laptops and tablets, features a new power control circuit situated between the sun sapping solar cell and the device’s battery that ensures a steady release of the absorbed power.
With the battery on Apple’s market leading iPhone devices constantly under criticism, many users would no doubt value the inclusion of a mother-nature inspired power boost.
>>>UPDATE: check our latest article on the new iPhone 4 S<<<
