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iPhone 5c With Touch ID on Apple's Website Fuels Unlikely Refresh Rumors
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The only difference between 5s & 6/6+ Touch ID is the NFC chip, which is the only reason why 5s can't do
pay in stores 
apple: pay in stores uses NFC).I agree, however, my take on this:
Apple will have too many form factors when they update the 6 & 6+. Most logical thing to do, taking all into consideration:
drop 5s as it is
5(sc)*, whatever they call it (maybe change up the names of iPhones this year).
6
6+
6s
6s+
*They will continue to use the 5c form factor, but put 5s internals AND add NFC chip, and now we have
pay w/any iPhone (last Qtr this year).This list also has all 64-bit processors. (5c A6 is 32-bit). Apple has required developers to submit their apps in 64-bit as of sometime this year.
This would also have all iPhones with rounded edges and no glass on the back at all.
My reasoning: the iPhone 5c is not just the 5 with a different back on it, the 5 was the first LTE capable iPhone and had limited LTE bands. In order to offer more than one LTE iPhone in OTHER emerging markets (outside of USA), i.e. China, they updated the LTE chips in the 5c so that both the 5s & the 5(now c) would be able to get the same LTE bands, as the 5 would not pick up the LTE bands used in those markets. This is the only internal difference, and the main reason they dropped the 5. Some people also really like the polycarbonite back and the colors. ... So, in a similar way, the 5s has TouchID but no NFC chip, if they moved it to the c case, this would be an opportunity to add NFC chip. This would also give an
pay option in the smaller iPhone, and could satisfy those that want pay, but not a bigger iPhone.I really think they will keep the c form factor for at least another generation or two (probably longer). But, it's possible they will keep the 5c as is and keep making 5s as is. I just don't see it with all the iPhones they will have this fall, and the popularity (and security) of
pay. Plus, retailers have to update their checkouts so they can all accept NFC payments by end of this year.
The only difference between 5s & 6/6+ Touch ID is the NFC chip, which is the only reason why 5s can't do
I agree, however, my take on this:
Apple will have too many form factors when they update the 6 & 6+. Most logical thing to do, taking all into consideration:
drop 5s as it is
5(sc)*, whatever they call it (maybe change up the names of iPhones this year).
6
6+
6s
6s+
*They will continue to use the 5c form factor, but put 5s internals AND add NFC chip, and now we have
This list also has all 64-bit processors. (5c A6 is 32-bit). Apple has required developers to submit their apps in 64-bit as of sometime this year.
This would also have all iPhones with rounded edges and no glass on the back at all.
My reasoning: the iPhone 5c is not just the 5 with a different back on it, the 5 was the first LTE capable iPhone and had limited LTE bands. In order to offer more than one LTE iPhone in OTHER emerging markets (outside of USA), i.e. China, they updated the LTE chips in the 5c so that both the 5s & the 5(now c) would be able to get the same LTE bands, as the 5 would not pick up the LTE bands used in those markets. This is the only internal difference, and the main reason they dropped the 5. Some people also really like the polycarbonite back and the colors. ... So, in a similar way, the 5s has TouchID but no NFC chip, if they moved it to the c case, this would be an opportunity to add NFC chip. This would also give an
I really think they will keep the c form factor for at least another generation or two (probably longer). But, it's possible they will keep the 5c as is and keep making 5s as is. I just don't see it with all the iPhones they will have this fall, and the popularity (and security) of
Nice thoughts: Good read!
You really think they'll keep the 6 around as is? That's so boring. The 6s will really have to be freaking amazing to be same form factor as the 6. I do agree that it makes the most sense what you posted above about 5sc, but keeping the 6 around as-is sounds so boring. Oh well.
Oh, forgot... what are your thoughts on the people who bought a 5s new and want to get a new phone but don't want larger than 4"? Think Apple will dump on them?
My reasoning: the iPhone 5c is not just the 5 with a different back on it, the 5 was the first LTE capable iPhone and had limited LTE bands. In order to offer more than one LTE iPhone in OTHER emerging markets (outside of USA), i.e. China, they updated the LTE chips in the 5c so that both the 5s & the 5(now c) would be able to get the same LTE bands, as the 5 would not pick up the LTE bands used in those markets. This is the only internal difference, and the main reason they dropped the 5. Some people also really like the polycarbonite back and the colors. ... So, in a similar way, the 5s has TouchID but no NFC chip, if they moved it to the c case, this would be an opportunity to add NFC chip. This would also give an
hmm, given that the C unit is aimed towards emerging markets, the addition of LTE was necessary as LTE was already present on these markets.
I don't know if that's the case for NFC? Is NFC already a big thing in China or India? Will they use the C unit to push Apple pay?
I'm thinking they're going to do something with the current 6/6 Plus like they did with the 5 where they remove them from the market when the 6S/6S Plus are introduced.
I don't think they can differentiate the 6S/6S Plus from the 6/6 Plus enough in order to justify the $100 price difference with both being on the market. Most people would just keep buying the cheaper model.
I don't think they can differentiate the 6S/6S Plus from the 6/6 Plus enough in order to justify the $100 price difference with both being on the market. Most people would just keep buying the cheaper model.
changing ways
The 5S's A7 is a 64bit processor and is used is the iPad Mini 3. No problem there.
I highly doubt Apple would keep the A6 processor in rotation. As you've pointed out, 64bit is where they want to be.
I do believe NFC would be added to the 5SC to support Apple Pay. Plus they may add Focus pixels to the camera.
As for keeping the iPhone 6, as is... they will probably do that. I guess they would also keep the 6S in the lineup too.
The lineup is getting crowded, though with 5 different models adding up to 17 different variations of colors.
Then you have to consider the storage capacities...
The 5SC will likely be a 16GB phone; no other option.
The 6 and 6+ could have 1 or 3 storage options. Maybe they'll put 32GB in and have that as only option for these.
The 6S and 6S+ will have 3 storage size options: 32GB (hope), 64GB, and 128GB.
It's very un-Apple-like to have so many options to choose from, but it's maybe a necessity.
I believe they will keep the 5S in some for (as 5SC) for a few reasons:
* 4" phones are important to more people than some would imagine
* It'll be cheap to build
* Because it'll be cheap to build it will sell in more markets
It'll be interesting to see how they approach this transition.
The 5S's A7 is a 64bit processor and is used is the iPad Mini 3. No problem there.
I really think they will keep the c form factor for at least another generation or two (probably longer). But, it's possible they will keep the 5c as is and keep making 5s as is. I just don't see it with all the iPhones they will have this fall, and the popularity (and security) of
I highly doubt Apple would keep the A6 processor in rotation. As you've pointed out, 64bit is where they want to be.
I do believe NFC would be added to the 5SC to support Apple Pay. Plus they may add Focus pixels to the camera.
As for keeping the iPhone 6, as is... they will probably do that. I guess they would also keep the 6S in the lineup too.
The lineup is getting crowded, though with 5 different models adding up to 17 different variations of colors.
Then you have to consider the storage capacities...
The 5SC will likely be a 16GB phone; no other option.
The 6 and 6+ could have 1 or 3 storage options. Maybe they'll put 32GB in and have that as only option for these.
The 6S and 6S+ will have 3 storage size options: 32GB (hope), 64GB, and 128GB.
It's very un-Apple-like to have so many options to choose from, but it's maybe a necessity.
I believe they will keep the 5S in some for (as 5SC) for a few reasons:
* 4" phones are important to more people than some would imagine
* It'll be cheap to build
* Because it'll be cheap to build it will sell in more markets
It'll be interesting to see how they approach this transition.
No, but, all retailers in the US have to accept NFC payments by end of 2015, and, with the popularity and security of
Pay... I'll put it another way...I don't think Apple would want to sell iPhones in 2016 that can't do NFC, this could frustrate people...US is so far behind in only having mag stripe card readers while Europe had the chip in the card option for a decade. We are finally catching up, but one step past that with NFC (at end of this year)....and the iPad Mini 2 (they'll likely drop the non-retina Mini this fall).
I disagree about updating the camera in the 5sc, I think adding NFC is fairly simple, other mods, not so much. Also, the "cheap to build" is a misconception. It's always been cheaper to keep using a form factor than to invent a new one, but, just because the form factor is polycarbonate does not necessarily mean it is cheaper. (Previously Apple would keep making the same iPhone as is for 3 generations before discontinuing).
I think, yes, 16GB 5sc, I think 6/6+ will have 16GB/32GB options, 6s/6s+ will have 16GB/64GB/128GB, although, would like to see them start at 32, but I wanted that last year also. Having options is a necessity for Apple to compete these days, that's why I am not completely sure they will do things this way and may keep the 5c and 5s as is, maybe reduce the price. Personally, I think the number designation is not going to keep working.
In any case, the "slip-up" with the pic at least indicates the strong possibility the 5s will go into the same form factor as the 5c, other changes or not.
The 5 was not removed from the market. The 5 was kept internally, with the exception of a change of LTE chip, and put into a new outside case with colors and designated 5c.
Your second paragraph is not valid, Apple has been doing this since the iPhone 3G:
iPhone
iPhone 3G
iPhone 3Gs (same form factor)
iPhone 4
iPhone 4s (same form factor, except 4s thicker)
iPhone 5
iPhone 5s (5 became 5c, new 3rd form factor introduced)
iPhone 6 & 6+ two more form factors introduced instead of one.
...
When 4s came out they still sold 4 & 3Gs. When 5 came out still sold 4s & 4. When 5s came out they still sold 5 in new form 5c, and 4s.
When 6 & 6+ came out they still sold 5s & 5c (and for a time 4s in some countries).
From a business perspective, it is cheaper to keep producing the same form factor for several years than to just dump it for a new one, however, since Apple introduced a 3rd one out of it's usual pattern, it may drop the 5s form factor. I think that particular form factor, with the 2 small glass/ceramic panels in the metal back, is more difficult to produce than any other, it will be the "odd duckling" this fall. Apple also has invested too much into the polycarbonate factory to dump it, but, with 2 versions of iPhone 6 & 6+, they will have plenty of form factors to deal with.
It's possible they will continue the 5sc an additional year in that form factor, if they add NFC to it this fall. But, if Apple doesn't drop the number designation this year, I think they will change things up next year.
When I say "remove from the market", I mean the actual iPhone 5 itself was removed from the market and no longer made for sale. I think we all know the 5C is a repackaged iPhone 5 in a sense.
Also while Apple did in fact do this with the iPhone 3GS and 4S, the fact that they decided not to sell the 5 and 5S side by side definitely means there is a possibility that they do not want to sell the 6S and 6 side by side. I think it was a combination of higher margins to be made on a plastic body which was the 5C in addition to them not being confident enough that the 5S had enough new features to strongly differentiate from the iPhone 5 in order to sell them side by side.
We'll see what they do though. Since this is the first time there are two flagship size models (4.7"/5.5"), all bets from the past other than the fact that we know there will be a 6S and 6S Plus are off.
The iPhone 5c was not a repackaged iPhone 5 "in a sense", it was a repackaged iPhone 5. The internals are identical, the 5c has the same specs as the 5 (with the exception of the LTE chip). It functions identically to the 5, just has a different back.
not enough to differentiate? No, the 5 to 5c was mainly a marketing move that had nothing to do with putting 5/5s side by side. They had the same pricing pattern as 4s to 5, dropped last year's model down by $100 (iPhone 6&6+ come out, 5s goes down $100). I think it had more to do with difficulties with making the back of the 5/5s, which is why I think they will drop that design as opposed to other designs. (I recall reading this, but, can't find a reference at the moment.)
Let's see, the 5s has 64bit A7 with a separate M7 co-processor, 5/5c has 32bit A6 (no coprocessor), the 5s has Touch ID, 5/5c did not. These were the major differences that made the 5s much faster, more secure, and more capable than a 5. I don't care to go over all the other differences, but there are lot of little things.
Although it is possible Apple won't follow old patterns, I do think they will keep the 6/6+, drop price $100 and have a new 6s/6s+. It only makes sense if you understand manufacturing, it saves them a lot of $ to make a form factor for several years than to make a new form factor. You have to think long term, not just year by year. This is why the iPad Mini jumped from A5 to A7&M7 in Mini 2 and why they have not changed the iPad Mini 2 except to add Touch ID for the Mini 3. They have made the iPad Mini (1st) for 3 years now, so, probably drop it when new ones are introduced later this year. I think Apple will change up the iPad Mini lineup later this year also.
It's also about price points. They will likely drop the 5c this year, so, the 5s will go into the entry level position (drop another $100), but, if they remove the 6&6+ for a 6s&6s+, there will be no mid-tier model. It would not make business sense. (right now 5c is entry level, 5s is mid-tier, 6&6+ premium tier)
But, many of us did not expect Apple to go with NFC, so, who knows?
I'm not sure that isn't a plain old iPhone 5c.. what we are seeing could just be picking up the edge of the button against the glass rather than a Touch ID sensor.
I really do hope that they keep something like the 5s going though. It's the perfect size for me and I'm so glad I got mine when the 32Gb version was still available. Even had it replaced under warranty this year a couple of months ago and they still had 32Gb units then.
I really do hope that they keep something like the 5s going though. It's the perfect size for me and I'm so glad I got mine when the 32Gb version was still available. Even had it replaced under warranty this year a couple of months ago and they still had 32Gb units then.
It's not just that, all of Apple's pics of the 5c have plain color backgrounds that match the back, not a photo in the background like all the other models. http://www.apple.com/iphone-5c/specs/
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On an unrelated note, I hope Apple give the original iPad Mini the axe this year. That thing is way too outdated to still be sold to customers today.
