iPhone 5 Update 'Bigger Than Expected', Coming to Canada October 1st?

[MacRumors]

Rumors regarding the iPhone 5 continue to fly fast and furious, and a couple of reports from earlier today are making the rounds with more claimed details on the next-generation device.

Sterne Agee analyst Shaw Wu today reported in a research note related by AppleInsider and Business Insider that the iPhone 5 update looks to be "bigger than expected", with the device said to be bringing a larger display and thinner bezel in addition to a dual-core processor. The form factor is said to otherwise be "similar" to the iPhone 4.

What is different is that in addition to a dual-core processor that we have talked about before, our supply chain sources indicate that it will sport a slightly larger display than the current 3.5-inch retina display that is already industry leading. We are picking up that it will retain a similar form factor and size but with thinner bezel. We believe this makes sense to improve the iPhone experience without making it too bulky as we have seen with models from competitors.

Consistent with other reports, Wu says that the iPhone 5 will not offer 4G LTE compatibility, as chipsets of acceptable size and power draw are not yet available and network coverage remains low.

Wu does not have a terribly good track record when it comes to iPhone rumors, and some of the case designs floating around and said to have been designed based on the iPhone 5's form factor instead show a slightly teardrop shape with rounded or tapered edges, with the latter feature much more akin to earlier iPhone models than the iPhone 4. Those cases also suggest that the iPhone 5 may be slightly longer and wider than the iPhone 4, supporting the notion that the device could see a larger display.

Mockup created by bikr​

Meanwhile, BGR reports that a "reliable source" at Canadian carrier Telus has revealed that an internal document at the carrier lists an October 1st release date for the iPhone 5. While the listed date could simply be a placeholder, BGR and its source believe that the date could actually be a genuine one given that listings for other upcoming devices do appear to be specific ones rather than placeholders. The report also notes that October 1st is a Saturday, reported to be the busiest day of the week for mobile phone retail stores.

We have significant doubts about this speculation, however, and find the October 1st date to most likely simply be a placeholder given that the date is merely a convenient first of the month and that Apple has not been known to launch new iPhones on Saturdays. In addition, Apple works very hard to keep its carrier partners in the dark about its device plans, with even senior executives at Apple's biggest carrier partners not being clued in to the details of the company's roadmap.

Article Link: iPhone 5 Update 'Bigger Than Expected', Coming to Canada October 1st?

 

[troop231]

We can't expect the unexpected, so I'm happy with any upgrade that we get over the iPhone 4.

 

[talkingfuture]

If in doubt go with the opposite of what Wu predicts!

On a serious note it looks as though it isn't going to be long before we see something. I wonder how far the event will be ahead of launch this time?

 

[davie18]

I don't know why anyone is doubting this is going to be a big upgrade.

Firstly after attena-gate, I highly doubt they will keep that design aspect of the phone the same.

Secondly, this refresh is coming months later than usual for previous phones, so they have had longer to develop it.

And finally, the iphone 4 is starting to get quite behind the competition hardware wise, and if apple's refreshes are going to only be 12-18 months then when they launch a new phone it has to be quite ahead of the competition so that throughout the cycle it can still stay near the top.

 

[krogers34]

It shouldn't be too surprising if this is a bigger update than expected. If it was going to be a 3GS type update why would they need to wait until Sept/Oct to release basically the same phone. They could have done that in June/July like they have before.

 

[SwiftLives]

I seem to recall that Mr. Wu doesn't exactly have a great track record in predicting much of anything.

 

[southernpaws]

isn't this just about what everybody expects? faster, better/bigger display?

He's just repeating what everybody else says and prefaces it by saying it's a "bigger" update than expected.

 

[winston1236]

I don't know why anyone is doubting this is going to be a big upgrade.

Firstly after attena-gate, I highly doubt they will keep that design aspect of the phone the same.

Secondly, this refresh is coming months later than usual for previous phones, so they have had longer to develop it.

And finally, the iphone 4 is starting to get quite behind the competition hardware wise, and if apple's refreshes are going to only be 12-18 months then when they launch a new phone it has to be quite ahead of the competition so that throughout the cycle it can still stay near the top.

Very true, releasing an ip4 clone isnt good for business especially if the 3gs is going away. i think it may be just that a lot of ip4 owners are upset that they wont have the latest phone

 

[NinjaHERO]

Darn these rumors. They get me all excited about the new phone but they could all be wrong.

 

[NewYorkRanger]

As someone who used to work for one of the big 3 Canadian carriers (corporate, not retail) let me tell you that I have 100% confidence that is a placeholder date - they have NO clue or insight into release dates on Apple products.

 

[acidfast7]

No 4G/LTE is a deal-breaker.

Especially with the Samsung Galaxy S II being almost 300€ cheaper (485€ vs. 739€).

 

[troop231]

Moscone Center's Event Calendar: http://www.moscone.com/site/do/event/list

Oh where will Apple's date fit in?

 

[matthewvb]

Throwing this out there. This year the back to school promo ends on Sept 21, much later than last year (Sept 7 if I recall correctly). Last year Apple launched new iPod touches the day after the promo ended (so people couldn't get new models for free). Perhaps they are going to do the same thing and release new devices (iPhone included) on Sept 22 which is a Thursday (pretty sure launches have happened on Thursdays for Apple).

Just my thoughts.
-matthewvb

 

[FriarNurgle]

Interesting, I love rumors but don't really car much for the speculators and analysts.

 

[akm3]

No 4G/LTE is a deal-breaker.

Why? What will LTE allow you to do that you *need* that that 3G won't?

 

[Popeye206]

I'd be happy with just an update on the processors and camera's. It would also be cool if they were able to take "antenagate" and use that as a platform to develop and release the best antenna on the market.

Personally... I think the delays are simple. Apple learned with the iPhone 4 that rushing the product does no good. I feel like the iPhone4 and iOS 4 was rushed to meet the July ship time. Given all the little issues at launch like the iOS proximity sensor bug, I think they saw that rushing things don't do them any good.

However.... rushed or not, the iPhone4 was hardly a flop.

 

[AAPLaday]

Soooo slightly larger means 3.7" then Mr Wu?

 

[skellener]

No 4G/LTE is a deal-breaker.

Isn't that more of a carrier issue? Most places in the US don't get 4G/LTE , in AT&Ts case your lucky if you can even get 3G.

 

[Spoony]

That fake mock up is so Epic that I actually might be disappointed if Jon Ivy doesn't equal or trump that beautiful piece of hardware.

 

[Mattie Num Nums]

Why? What will LTE allow you to do that you *need* that that 3G won't?

Spending $500+ dollars on a phone that does not include the latest technology. Its hard to justify spending $500 dollars on something that does not include the latest and greatest tech, especially if the only change is form factor based.

 

[Clive At Five]

I don't think Shaw Wu has _ever_ been right.

So many of these "Analyst" rumors are caught in a self-affirming feedback loop between themselves and the rumor sites.

I'd rather have fewer articles written, than a colorful rehashing of what I've already read here, on AI, and everywhere else...

 

[Alchematron]

Size matters!

 

[acidfast7]

Why? What will LTE allow you to do that you *need* that that 3G won't?

When I travel, it's nice to tether at faster speeds. Especially when I need to download presentations or when Skyping.

Also, I usually keep my phones for a while (I usually buy them unlocked and without a contract), so I like the 4G/LTE option for the next few years.

 

[NAG]

More random speculation from Wu and BGR! The only thing we're missing is Dvorak trolling a spy shot in an elevator.

 

[JimmyDreams]

great!

I hope these rumors are true and that the release date isn't pushed too far back....

My old 3GS phone has been 'tarded ever since it took a dip in my hot-tub. My sanity requires a new phone ASAP.