I gave up reading this thread after a few pages. Not sure how many are still reading at this point, but for the record here's my theory:
I think there's huge pressure on Apple, and Tim Cook especially, to surprise us in a positive way.
The 3G -> 3GS -> 4 naming transition got us on track with a simple numbering scheme that matched the "generation" of the device. During this last year and a bit the world has gotten used to the idea that the "S" model is the cut-down, cheaper, version (forgetting that it meant it was faster than the 3G model).
Apple are not as nerdy as Google when it comes to numerical patterns, but the symmetry of the 5s in an iPhone 5 release are quite compelling.
Calling the same device an iPhone 5 will almost certainly drive more demand than calling it a 4S.
But.
There's this supply chain thing. Lots of (possibly deliberately leaked) examples of iPhone 4S parts - but nothing for a 5. Then there's the current leak.
So I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't think there will be a (significantly) redesigned *look* to a new iPhone.
But I think there will be two phones.
An iPhone 4S. Introduced first (to murmuring - and the occasional boo and hiss from the gathered throng). It's a world phone. It has the A5 chip (so it;'s faster - earning it's 'S'). But other than that is identical to the 4.
As the murmuring heightens Cook introduces his new catchphrase, "and by the way...".
The iPhone 5 is revealed. It has the A5 chip. 1GB RAM (we don't find that out until later). Capacity up to 64GB. An 8mp camera. And one extra bonus feature (not sure what). But it still looks like the 4 - possibly tweaked a little.
It's what we expected the 4S to be. But at this point we're so pleased there wasn't *just* a 4S that we realise it could never have been any other way. Tim is a new hero and the stock price... crashes (because it always does - regardless).
I think there's huge pressure on Apple, and Tim Cook especially, to surprise us in a positive way.
The 3G -> 3GS -> 4 naming transition got us on track with a simple numbering scheme that matched the "generation" of the device. During this last year and a bit the world has gotten used to the idea that the "S" model is the cut-down, cheaper, version (forgetting that it meant it was faster than the 3G model).
Apple are not as nerdy as Google when it comes to numerical patterns, but the symmetry of the 5s in an iPhone 5 release are quite compelling.
Calling the same device an iPhone 5 will almost certainly drive more demand than calling it a 4S.
But.
There's this supply chain thing. Lots of (possibly deliberately leaked) examples of iPhone 4S parts - but nothing for a 5. Then there's the current leak.
So I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I don't think there will be a (significantly) redesigned *look* to a new iPhone.
But I think there will be two phones.
An iPhone 4S. Introduced first (to murmuring - and the occasional boo and hiss from the gathered throng). It's a world phone. It has the A5 chip (so it;'s faster - earning it's 'S'). But other than that is identical to the 4.
As the murmuring heightens Cook introduces his new catchphrase, "and by the way...".
The iPhone 5 is revealed. It has the A5 chip. 1GB RAM (we don't find that out until later). Capacity up to 64GB. An 8mp camera. And one extra bonus feature (not sure what). But it still looks like the 4 - possibly tweaked a little.
It's what we expected the 4S to be. But at this point we're so pleased there wasn't *just* a 4S that we realise it could never have been any other way. Tim is a new hero and the stock price... crashes (because it always does - regardless).
