Analyst: iPhone 5S Will Have Larger Camera, New Fingerprint Technology, Same Screen Size

[lordofthereef]

you dont honestly expect a maturing product line to prevent the boredom in your life from overtaking you, do you?

but im curious -- since youve seen the fingerprint featureset, can you tell us more about how it works? publish some screen grabs, maybe?

Have you not seen the tech? It was in laptops for a while. I think I remember reading it being in and Android phone or two. The hardware looks basically like a recessed switch that you drag your finger across. Of course, this is assuming that Apple would be using something similar to what has already been out there. For what it's worth, the stuff that already exists isn't great in terms of reliability.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

My friend married in the U.K., she paid £2000/yr for her Masters, making good money in London with her husband. I'm bitter.

She'd need to based on the cost of living there. What she didn't pay in Edu costs she's surely paying now for just in basic groceries and housing. A lb of raw hamburger there is $10 -- that's chuck, not sirloin. Don't be bitter. There's no free lunch.

 

[rtomyj]

It's getting boring now. It's only a phone and just like siri the finger print thing is a gimmick. No doubt the "must have latest" will be queuing up again to have the same phone as there 5 but with finger print technology. They'll find another excuse to upgrade to the iPhone 6 that will have this also. SMH

Alright, so you give a crack at it. You come up with new things that aren't gimmicks.

 

[hiptobesquare]

Well said, SeattleMoose, about a maturing market, and the anarchy of seeking "change for the sake of change".

And to those who think that fingerprint or other biometrics are a fad, like I8P'CS, it is actually a method for better security, and wider acceptance of digital transactions with biometric acceptance of trust.

A device now is just a device, and can be programmed with fraudulent or stolen data, or the device itself could be stolen, and operated by someone other than the owner of the information being used. (like a stolen credit card... but that requires a PIN, or recorded signature to verify, an open device without a passcode doesn't even require that... and is difficult to truly trust, in terms of financial and other identity-sensitive transactions.)

A time and GPS coded fingerprint or retina scan verification is an increased measure of trust that the USER is who they say they are, and the device is just the medium of transaction and verification.

Theoretically, the user's device could 'salt' the security identifier code with as much metadata as one wants... The exact time of the transaction, GPS location, IMEI/ESN/MAC address record, a shared encryption key, network communication session identification number, the device's plain name, maybe even a quick image capture from the user-facing camera or a specific facial/retina recognition image, and a logged fingerprint scan.

That isn't even counting a docked add-on for other functions.
that is all current functionality, plus a consideration for a rumored fingerprint scanner as a biometric tag of the user, not just information about the device and transaction.

That will open device-to-device transaction trust much wider. NFC might actually help that also, as proximity, plus security verification can further enhance trust, not just anyone on a WiFi or Cell network. Near-Field Comms are defined by proximity within inches.

Security as well as differential identification possibly could open the door to multi-user interfaces, and multiple user profiles on the same device.

If my spouse and I share an iOS device, simply by touching the fingerprint sensor, the interface and/or preferences could shift to my favorites and preferences, and back to hers when she touches the device.

Cloud-based roaming profiles might not be too far behind that... even for public kiosk use. Workplaces with tablets or phones can have a pool of devices, you pick one up, and it is configured by your server or cloud stored profile and data store. It doesn't matter which one you happen to have picked up. A simplified digital checkout lane, or an interactive restaurant menu that accepts payment directly on the device, and remembers your "usual", and suggests similar dishes...

Any number of versatile uses of a biometric identification factor on a public, or privately owned device.

One often can't see the gestalt shift before it happens, or predict a big new technological revolution... but even with the tech we have, there are new streamlined functions to be explored, and increased security and trust are integral in taking the next steps.

 

[3282868]

She'd need to based on the cost of living there. What she didn't pay in Edu costs she's surely paying now for just in basic groceries and housing. A lb of raw hamburger there is $10 -- that's chuck, not sirloin. Don't be bitter. There's no free lunch.

True, but she's earning British Pound's, and having grown up in the U.K., the cost of living and average salary (esp. in London) is better than the States (which most compare to and seem to forget). It is not as though she is earning U.S. dollars to support herself in London

lol I'm a little bitter, I just miss it (and my friends there)

 

[FirstNTenderbit]

They can do this...

Here is a proposed line-up, not too fragmented, but addresses additional important markets:

1.Basic non-smart "Go Phone" for those pay as you go plans. They sell millions of these truly awful devices and Apple offers nothing in this market.

2. iPhone X, the flagship that does it all. Always will have excellent technology and cutting edge design and build.

3. Cheap big-ass phone. Sort of an ultra-mini iPad, iTouch and iPhone combined. Millions of people want giant phones. Sell them one. Millions around the world want an Apple phone but cannot afford the elegant iPhone. Make one they can afford. Don't be so damned snotty about it.

Also, it is likely that TMob's policy of separating the cost of the phone from the contract will catch on and this will bring price pressures on phones. Right now people just pay the $200, sign the 2yr contract and don't really care what an iPhone costs. In the future they will. As a result, Apple would be smart to offer a more affordable model.

Let me add one thing to that proposal: At all cost, they must keep you away from the marketing meetings. You did a wonderful job of presenting your ideas in the most unpalatable way possible. Pretty slick the way you managed to incorporate a crap ton of condescension regarding the cheaper/bigger iPhone.

/rant

Don't forget, this is Apple we're making up stuff about (looking at you analysts). If they're going to do something, they're not going to do it half- assed. Cheaper iPhone with less features? GTHO. Why would Apple do something that stupid? If they build it, I assume they want someone to buy it. Using plastics instead of aluminum to lower costs is my definition of a cheaper iPhone; not slapping one of these on a feaure phone.

Cheap ass big phone? Dumber still. If they do it, they're going to go all out. There are an untold number of iPhone users who secretly, and not so secretly wish for more screen real estate. A number of them post here regularly.

/rant over

If they go cheaper, give it everything (incl. 4" screen) except aluminum. If they go bigger (please because I would buy one) make it shine. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Not that stuff you said.

 

[malexandria]

Rumors

I know it is CRAZY PANTS to come to a rumor site and then bitch about rumors. But come on! How often are you guys going to post the same gd story with the same predictions????

 

[Jimmy James]

Analyst: Someone who predicts that something may or may not happen, and who may change their opinion any number of times before said event does or does not happen.

 

[krravi]

What a dilemma for Apple. They have perfected a smartphone with the right dimensions for holding,storing,slipping into a pocket etc etc.. and then the large screen ones come along...

People laughed at the large ones when they came out and now they are becoming common... If Apple sticks with the same size, its product line will look boring. But if it comes with a larger screen it will be seen as a copycat...

So leave the size as it is and add some high tech features seems the best option.

Fingerprint tech might just be the only remarkable feature of the new phone + incremental hardware updates... Any news of the switches being here and there is silly at best.

 

[twoodcc]

cool. i still hope for a bigger screen though.

 

[chainprayer]

You can unlock with your fingerprint, but if someone else taps it 3 times, spins it around their thumb, and claps three times it will bypass the lock screen.

 

[rp2011]

With leaks for iPhone 5s and iPad 5 parts already having been see in the last few months, I find it hard to believe an "iPhone mini" is imminent. I think we will see one eventually, as well as a larger iPhone, but if they were due this summer parts would have already leaked. Especially colorful plastic phone cases with Apple logo.

 

[inselstudent]

Alright, so you give a crack at it. You come up with new things that aren't gimmicks.

I agree, I can't think of anything that's lacking, even on my iphone 4. It's the software Apple has to reinvent. Doing that with the phone was one thing, but their ideas regarding software subsided fairly quickly. Or at least only few ideas have ever been implemented. I'm actually quite certain that all those bright heads at Apple have more to offer, but simply can't push it through.

 

[RawBert]

C'mon, that's enough with the analyst stories already. These are hardly rumors.
:-/

 

[Gigaman]

Not gonna lie; I saw the word analyst and went straight to the comments!

 

[64Mario64]

Larger camera sounds good. Fingerprint technology sounds bad. Same screen size is great.

 

[maxosx]

How interesting, a huge group deluding themselves into thinking they know more that trained experienced experts.

Hardly anyone understands what analysts, engineers, & designers have gone through both in college & real world experience to do their jobs well.

Few here have a clue as to what an analysts job is. Like a highly skilled meteorologist, they're not always going to be correct, that's not what they're paid for.

Just because you've passed the low barrier to entry, as a MacRumors member, in no way makes you an expert.

But carry on, it's obvious that bashing others pumps up your self confidence.

 

[Dominicanyor]

Is not a big change at all.

 

[Genetheninja]

Same screen size? Until they make the screen larger and wider I'll not be getting another iPhone. I'll stick with the 5. You'd think they'd make a few of them in different sizes and release them at once. Such BS! Makes me consider Android... *cold shiver*

The rules of business.

1. Find out what people want.
2. Give it to them.

 

[Rad99004]

If the screen size is the same size I will wait another year. Thanks Apple you are saving me money.

As far as not making a touch screen laptop it cost you money. I bought a surface RT. My iPad stays at home since it doesn't have a "Real" office or mouse support for RDP. If a Mac Laptop had a touch screen and ran IOS apps and OSX apps it would be the one to buy.

But then again what do I know

 

[terraphantm]

If the screen size is the same size I will wait another year. Thanks Apple you are saving me money.

As far as not making a touch screen laptop it cost you money. I bought a surface RT. My iPad stays at home since it doesn't have a "Real" office or mouse support for RDP. If a Mac Laptop had a touch screen and ran IOS apps and OSX apps it would be the one to buy.

But then again what do I know

You're more generous than me. If the screen size is same again, I'm just jumping ship. All of my iphone-using friends feel the same way... and we used to be people who were crazy enough to wait in line on launch night to get it before everyone else.

I've loved all of my iPhones, but I feel like Apple just isn't as competitive as they used to be. The iPhone 5 itself is barely an upgrade over the 4S (no new features, design is pretty similar visually, and the extra row of icons is not particularly useful). It's practially a 4S-S in my eyes. I almost bought it for LTE, but then I found out the Verizon one can't do simultaneous voice and data like every other LTE phone on VZW.

So this is their last chance for me. If they don't deliver something with a properly bigger screen (width and height), then I'm jumping ship. I've been playing around with my friend's galaxy SIII, and it's actually a really nice phone. So much more modern than my iPhone

 

[johnnyturbouk]

A plea to apple: I would like a bigger screen pls!

Being a an iphone fanatic since the good ol iPhone(1), i could not even fathom making the change to android!]

I have 2 macs, ATB displays, iPads (useless for anything other than web browsing - imho) mac air, and my iPhones - love the icloud experience

However, i recently used the note 2 and was truly astounded! Very slick and nice form factor (ugly phone) and the screen was perfect, i could easily substitute my ipad and iphone for just this, when on the move - yes the slate is perfect for trains or mooching around the house. Not for taking on crowded buses and tubes (subway). However, i was not impressed with the os - think it was jelly belly fudge sandwich, or something equally ridiculous..

I retract statements i have made in the past regarding the samsung screen size, and see the err in my thinking!

I for one would drool over a iphone iPad-mini hybrid!
Have apple gone on a siesta? they are truly running far really behind the competition.

 

[Teste]

and says the rumored fingerprint technology will be the differentiating feature for the 5S, like what Siri was to the 4S

Ah, so the fingerprint technology will be the pointless, badly designed and perpetually in beta gimmick of the 5S? Nice to see there will be something new for the fanboys to call the salvation of mankind while struggling to use a "feature" that barely works.

 

[macbook123]

I just want a 4.7"-4.8" iphone, and not just taller, wider too this time!!

The vast majority of people has wanted that for several years. Apple needs to fall more before they will understand. I hope it won't be too late.

----------

How interesting, a huge group deluding themselves into thinking they know more that trained experienced experts.

Hardly anyone understands what analysts, engineers, & designers have gone through both in college & real world experience to do their jobs well.

Few here have a clue as to what an analysts job is. Like a highly skilled meteorologist, they're not always going to be correct, that's not what they're paid for.

Just because you've passed the low barrier to entry, as a MacRumors member, in no way makes you an expert.

But carry on, it's obvious that bashing others pumps up your self confidence.

Bla bla bla. Companies with all their analysts, engineers, and designers make wrong decisions. Often they make them for many years in a row. Sometimes companies die as a result. Apple has become arrogant. This is just one sign of it. Many in the industry are concerned about Apple's future. Let's talk again in a few years when we know the results of this trend. I bet that if they'll still be around their phones will have gotten bigger displays.

 

[Bako-MacAddict]

Analyst you say ? I don't know about these sources ...