iPhone 5 rumors: new antenna, metal case
Trial production for the iPhone 5 has already started in China, according to speculation from The China Times published on Tuesday. According to the report, Apple's fifth-generation smartphone, expected to launch during the third quarter this year, will feature a metal chassis, more sensitive antennae design, dual-core A5 processor, 5-megapixel still camera, 4-inch, scratch-resistant touch screen and near-field communication (NFC) technology.
The China Times report reiterates many popular rumors about Apple's next generation iPhone. Despite ditching the current iPhone's glass backing in favor of a metal chassis, The iPhone 5 is expected to maintain many of the design sensibilities of its predecessor while evolving the device's underlying technology. At the center of the fifth-generation iPhone sits Apple's potent, dual-core A5 processor, likely to double the iPhone 5's performance. To address perceived issues with signal attenuation in the iPhone 4, the iPhone 5 includes a re-designed, more sensitive antenna. Apple also reportedly crammed a larger, 4-inch display into the iPhone 5 that stretches closer to the edges of the device's face without changing its overall shape or size.
The China Times report [translation] also claims Apple will include an NFC chip in each iPhone 5. NFC technology would allow users to associate financial data with their devices to enable a rapid, wireless payment solution that could one day replace plastic credit cards. Previous rumors have gone back and forth about Apple's plans to include NFC chips in the iPhone 5. If included, the chips are likely to be provided by Qualcomm, according to Boy Genius Report.
Each of Apple's first four iPhones launched in late June or early July, but The China Times expects Apple to push the launch of iPhone 5 until later in 2011. The speculated third quarter launch date would put more time between the iPhone 5's availability and last month's launch of the iPhone 4 for Verizon Wireless. With the iPad 2 expected to ship about 40 million units this year and Japan focused on recovering from a massive natural disaster, constraints on manufacturing capacity and component supply may also be contributing to the iPhone 5's later-than-usual launch schedule.
Hon Hai, Apple's biggest manufacturing partner in China, declined to comment for the report, but the company is expected to expand its operations globally to address the world's growing appetite for iPads and iPhones. Hon Hai expects to build a new facility near Sao Paulo, Brazil, specifically to address Apple's supply needs in the United States. Foxconn, a Hon Hai subsidiary, already operates two facilities in Jundiai City, Brazil, where it assembles products for Sony and Hewlett-Packard. Unfortunately, Hon Hai's new facility in Brazil won't start production for Apple until 2013, leaving plenty of room for speculation regarding a late, third-quarter launch of the iPhone 5.
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Trial production for the iPhone 5 has already started in China, according to speculation from The China Times published on Tuesday....
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Latest chatter out of Foxconn is that 5 will have 12mp camera. Suggests Apple's consumer research team have identified that this will drive new users and upgraders seeking to displace a dumb camera from pocket or purse. Not helpful if you are canikony
April 21 2011 at 5:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI haven't heard from anyone mentioning AT&T lowering phone bill. I am still using 3G iPhone and happy with it. At the end of my 2 year contract, AT&T lowered my phone bill from $210 to $160(family plan w 3 iPhones). My guess is; they'll increase the monthly bill when I buy the 5G iPhones.
March 23 2011 at 11:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI can't take this timing rumor seriously... Isn't this the same source that said the iPad 2 would be delayed? Well, it wasn't, was it?
March 22 2011 at 10:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyPlease please please Apple don't push the iPhone 5 launch back to far! June has always worked, so keep it then!
March 22 2011 at 5:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyQ1:
J,F,M
Q2:
A,M,J
Q3:
J,A,S.
Q3 doesn't have to mean later than in previous years. Does China Times say August or September or do they just indicate 3rd Quarter?
More 'evolutionary' changes instead of 'revolutionary.'
I love all of my Apple 'things,' but there hasn't been a product update recently that radically shifted the landscape as Apple is known for doing.
I honestly think China Daily is simply regurgitating others' rumors, but if true then there's nothing there that would compel me to ditch my iPhone 4 for a 5.
It irritates me every time I hear someone make the "evolutionary, not revolutionary" comment.
In the past decade, Apple has revolutionized at least three different markets (iPod, iPhone, iPad). Do you really expect them to do it again so soon?
Besides, any good revolution doesn't need another revolution to keep it on top. Just some timely improvements.
The NFC provides a range of benefits to consumers and businesses, such as:
Intuitive: NFC interactions require no more than a simple touch;
Versatile: NFC is ideally suited to the broadest range of industries, environments, and uses;
Open and standards-based: The underlying layers of NFC technology follow universally implemented ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards;
Technology-enabling: NFC facilitates fast and simple setup of wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.);
Inherently secure: NFC transmissions are short range (from a touch to a few centimeters);
Interoperable: NFC works with existing contactless card technologies;
Security-ready: NFC has built-in capabilities to support secure applications
In another words, NFC’s bidirectional communication ability is ideal for establishing connections with other technologies by the simplicity of touch. For example if the user wants to connect their mobile device to their stereo to play media, they can simply touch the device to the stereo’s NFC touch point and the devices will negotiate the best wireless technology to use.
So guys, the future is happening...now! Welcome!
NFC is about much more than payments. It allows for a quick exchange of small data of ANY type without pairing, so you can share contacts, settings, do check-ins, etc... all without pairing devices. Plus, it should be developer accessible as well.
Look at the big picture guys!
5MP Camera. Come on put at least 8MP in there geez.
March 22 2011 at 2:28 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI really hope the launch date for the iPhone 5 (or whatever Apple may call it) isn't pushed back. I am still using my venerable iPhone 3GS however it is due for replacement (contract ending in June) which i'd hoped would be perfect timing for the next incarnation of this fantastic Apple Gadget.
I wonder if Apple may decide on a more dramatic name for the next version rather than just iPhone 5. Whatever happened to the good old days when we could rely on a powerful Cat to name our next Apple Goody (Mac OS X incase I actually had to explain that reference).
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