Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Let's look at hardware changes in Apple's past "tick" iPhone models.

iPhone 3GS:
- Performance: 2 times faster CPU and GPU, 256MB RAM (from 128MB)
- Display: Improved LCD with oleophobic coating
- Camera: 3.2 MP camera (from 2 MP)
- Connectivity: 7.2 Mbps 3G (from 3.6 Mbps), Bluetooth 2.1 (from 2.0)
- Sensor: Compass, Nike+
- Misc: Voice control

iPhone 4S:
- Performance: Dual-core A5 (from single core A4), SGX543 (from SGX535)
- Camera: 8MP rear camera (from 5MP), 720p front camera (from 480p), improved camera sensor with image and video stabilization
- Connectivity: World 3G, improved antenna, 14.4 Mbps 3G (from 7.2 Mbps), Bluetooth 4.0 (from 2.1)

I think it's reasonable to expect 5S to be faster (not that 5 is any slow), world 4G, and improved camera. Beyond that is anybody's guess, but I fully expect iOS 7 to take the center stage.
 
I suggest you hurry up and buy whatever latest Android flagship is available right now or prepare to be disappointed in June.

I just want Apple to release a phone that is top of class again, like they pretty much used to be. "It is the experience, not the specs"-I'm sorry, and it isn't so much about the chipset. The S4 smokes the iPhone 5's chipset, and the S3 was still faster than the iPhone 5 despite its age. Why do I want those cores? Simple. Real multitasking. Programs not needlessly getting interrupted. Or needlessly crashing. Or heck, a version of Fritz that could beat my old PC's version of Fritz.

I want the bigger screen. The developers don't have to deal with the fragmentation as much as they fear. Three screen sizes isn't a big deal.

I really, really wish I could jailbreak more easily. I don't use it to pirate. I like using My3G a lot-why can't I download what I want, when I want to, like Android users? File attachments? I like SSH. And besides, if the Cydia store took off and there was competition, developers might gain-or lose-power since Apple would have to compete for the right to make sales (I think Apple would still do better because trust and name recognition, but it would cut into their margins).

I simply don't expect these updates to come to the iPhone 5S-especially freer jailbreaks (the ability to intentionally run unsigned code for more savvy users). I understand some people like a smaller screen, so what's wrong with two models of phones, anyway, so long as it has the same capabilities?

I expect a few new features in the software, and some neat tricks, and I could live with the screen size. Maybe Apple has doubled down on secrecy here. But a switched fab A7? Big deal. All day battery I could do. But has Apple once increased battery power in the last few updates to a reasonable extent?

And, before someone accuses me of saying Apple's falling, it'll still sell by the millions and be a smash hit.
 
In my opinion, the biggest problem in iOS is email search, it sucks and it's feature crippled.
 
unless the iPhone 5S or 6 or whatever it will be called will have some attention-attracting new innovative features, i'll continue to stick with the iPhone 4S. a lot of people bash the iPhone 4S, but it's a really solid phone

----------

In my opinion, the biggest problem in iOS is email search, it sucks and it's feature crippled.

it's one of many deficient aspects in iOS.

i came from Blackberry and i couldn't believe how basic the Mail App was in iOS 6. but what compensated was that i could do so much more with the iPhone than i could do with my Blackberry. the iPhone is truly like a pocket computer regarding capability
 
That's nice.

It would be better if Apple began releasing some actual computers between now and now.
 
Cheaper iPhone just sounds like the dumbest idea ever. Apple wants to be known as the Ferrari of the technology industry. Ferrari would never announce a cheap Ferrari.

Everything in the Apple line needs to remain relatively expensive (within reason) in order to make the line more exclusive, a la "Prada" (excluding fragrances, of course).

No pay? No play. Exclusivity makes something perceived as being more valuable. High price does that.

Rip that apart if you want. I'll believe it till I die, and I'll be right.

Next thread.
 
Man, the iPhone 5 isn't even a year old, and already they're planning another one.

Like with everything you buy?! But seriously, iPad 4 was introduced a bit too early, and we will never exactly know why. But iPhone life cycles are acceptable from my point of view, especially in contrast to competitors around.
 
Was getting ready to buy myself an iPhone 5 when I can afford it on pay day at the end of this month. C'mon Apple, give us an announcement in the next three weeks and I'll wait!
 
Not that it would be a stand-apart feature, but I think Apple should roll out color options on the iPhone 4s (Along with more customization options in iOS 7). Give the people SOMETHING to freshen these phones and make them more personal!
 
it's not all about the price Apple it's the SIZE! all I notice here in the UK is the massive take up on larger screen size Samsungs, if Apple release another same size & form iPhone they really have lost the plot.
as a lot here are already saying when's the iPhone 6? or like me disappointed propective iPhone 5 buyers that ended up hanging on to a 4s as the upgrade just isn't worth it.
Jeez Apple get a grip and stop being greedy..innovate again!!
 
Which stans for Fix it Again Tony.

Yeah, their first foray into the US market went terribly. But they seem like they have it together this time around, especially with the addition of Chrysler, whose Jeep brand has been selling well.
 
Next iPhone

Whatever it is called, I will buy it. My current iPhone is on its last legs due to an unfortunate rainstorm. It still does everything but the homescreen button is barely useable. I don't get the latest and greatest iteration; I get the latest and greatest available when I need a new phone, and I'm pretty much always happy with that method.:)
 
Not that this is any indicator of a summer launch

But I when I checked my early upgrade status at AT&T today, the date for the best price for an early upgrade was June 11th. If the 5s is launched around then, I'll see; But if I can hold out until my contract expires later this year, I'd prefer that.
 
Ios7

If IOS7 is done properly and meets several general expectations, then my iPhone 5 with IOS7 will make me very happy. So much more looking forward to IOS updates than the phone. The hardware, even though does not meet everyone criteria or wish lists, is VERY GOOD, the OS on the other hand is getting very old as far as UI and some easily implemented features that we have all been seeing in JailBreaks.
 
What happened to the rumour that production started more than a month ago? Not reported by WSJ, that bastion of truth about Apple's business?? Pahh!

If we don't get a 5S this month and a 5" 6 later this year, iPhone lovers are going to go nuts.

Apple got a pass last year for the phenomenal upgrade to the internals (hence the flood of externals leaks, knowing full well that the screen size would be below customer expectations). That was the second year in a row with no 5" screen, despite even MacRumors rendering larger models in anticipation (the year before).

Let's get the 5S out of the way as soon as possible and pray Apple's got a 5" screen, even if it can't manage HD, for later in the year…

Pretty sad when even those worldmac guys came back from MWC complaining that the iPhone 5 screen hurt their eyes after trying the new Android offerings.
 
I think we have hit a smartphone plateau. I don't anticipate any revolutionary feature or "look" that's going to compel me to upgrade my perfect 4S. Maybe if they improved the "phone" part of it and made it sound better.
 
I hate to say it but I have a genuine concern that if Apple fails to wow people, the investment community & even some of the naysayers, this could be a very rough year ahead. I know, money's no problem, it's public perception at stake.

Obviously only time will tell at this point. From my perspective they have less latitude than ever. This ought to be interesting. Anything less than the amount of attention & fawning that Apples used to, will be a very foreign experience for them.

There's a lot of great variety & terrific choices out there. Apple better bring it.

----------

I think we have hit a smartphone plateau. I don't anticipate any revolutionary feature or "look" that's going to compel me to upgrade my perfect 4S. Maybe if they improved the "phone" part of it and made it sound better.

No, Apple has more left, but will they prove it. The Android contingent is going to lead the way unless Apple gets it right.
 
[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple will begin production on the next iPhone this quarter, setting the stage for a potential launch this summer.In line with some previous rumors, the report claims that the lower-cost iPhone will include a 4-inch display like the iPhone 5, and likely make use of plastic casing materials. The report claims that Apple has been testing "different color shells" for the lower-cost iPhone but that its ultimate plans remain unclear.

Update: The Wall Street Journal has expanded its report to include additional context, including word that iOS 7 is expected to debut in the middle of this year, presumably alongside the new iPhone hardware as is tradition for Apple.

Article Link: Apple to Begin Production of Next iPhone This Quarter, Summer Launch Possible

apple has the means of giving there customers what they have been waiting for, and they don't! 5 inch screen, NFC and real multi tasking (watch a movie and correspond to emails @ the same time). I am definitely moving on to android if this Ipone 5s is just a shinny version of the iphone 5
 
apple has the means of giving there customers what they have been waiting for, and they don't! 5 inch screen, NFC and real multi tasking (watch a movie and correspond to emails @ the same time). I am definitely moving on to android if this Ipone 5s is just a shinny version of the iphone 5
Then start looking for the Android phone.......May I suggest the Galaxy S4.
 
Ah

Man, the iPhone 5 isn't even a year old, and already they're planning another one.

Why even buy a smartphone when it's going to be outdated faster than your last Call of Duty game? I'll stick with my flip-phone and iPod Touch.

Let's go here - I've had my iPhone5 exactly six months - I got it maybe five or six weeks after the opening weekend.

It's funny. People have an attention span of a gnat but their cellular contracts are all still two years long. What can you do?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.