iPhone N94 Prototype Back Cover - Is this actually the iPhone 5?

[gorgeousninja]

Re-releasing the iPhone 4's awful industrial design to the current market is just asking to be savaged by critics, who will rightfully ding the phone for:

1. Not being competitive with current Android offerings (no LTE / 4G support, no large screen, no improved battery life)
2. Not justifying the wait and cost when it supports exactly 0 new features in iOS 5 compared to the iPhone 4
3. Not increasing durability when the glass build has been roundly criticized as being too fragile to use for building a piece of consumer electronics.

Sell on Apple stock if this is the best their geniuses have cooked up for the iPhone 4S.

You perhaps should already know this but maybe you don't read many quality 'tech sites'. When the iPhone4 was launched it was quickly lauded as being a design classic reminiscent of Leica cameras or the Braun product range of the 60's. It has gone on to become the worlds best selling phone.
Without being aware of these things it is highly unlikely that anyone would feel compelled to take your advice on what they should do with their Apple stock.

 

[Padraig]

You perhaps should already know this but maybe you don't read many quality 'tech sites'. When the iPhone4 was launched it was quickly lauded as being a design classic reminiscent of Leica cameras or the Braun product range of the 60's. It has gone on to become the worlds best selling phone.
Without being aware of these things it is highly unlikely that anyone would feel compelled to take your advice on what they should do with their Apple stock.

In fairness that comparison originated from Jobs during the keynote. And whatever comparisons were made at launch it quickly became apparent that the iPhone 4 ( and I own one) design is critically flawed in that it is far too fragile for purpose. It may feel great in the hand, but it's still a terrible design.

 

[apolloa]

Explain to me, without a design change, what "major upgrade" is going to be. The screen can't be made any better as far as resolution. The only thing left is to make the camera higher resolution, and to make the device even faster.

Both of which aren't necessary to function properly.

So please, let me know what would make anybody using an iPhone 4 buy this iPhone 5 you are describing.

Nothing in iOS 5 requires a faster processor. Not. One. Thing. It is completely compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.

So, explain to me how you sell the iPhone 5? Regular users don't care about processor speed on their phones -- and rightly so, since a processor is only useful if it adds additional functionality. You could have a 9 GHZ processor in your phone, but if software only requires a 1 GHZ, you are just wasting extra cycles.

Nerds get excited about processors. Regular people get excited about features. If a processor doesn't add new features, it may as well not exist in the minds of anyone with common sense.

You know that what you are stating in effect that Apple should never update the CPU right? Because iOS5 works fine on the A4, people are too stupid to understand the difference between the A4 and A5, and no CPU is going to bring added features that you can sell to the public bar it runs faster or makes prettier graphics.
All of which by your thinking aren't needed as iOS5 runs on the A4 and the 3GS.

Thank God none of you work for Apple, technology would stand still, but at least we would get a brand new design every 6 months with ever bigger screens

 

[theperipheral]

You do know that the upgrade from 3G to 3GS was quite huge in terms of features and functionality, right?

Granted it didn't look any different, which some people can't get beyond, it was quite a "major upgrade".

Will the iPhone 5 get the same treatment... we'll all see... but that's a dumb statement in it's own cuz how can u not expect a "major upgrade" from 4 to 5 right? Numbers don't lie...

You do realize that the 3G was a piece of garbage, right? It's easy to do a major upgrade on something that is horrible.

The iPhone 4 has awesome features. Awesome camera, awesome speed, awesome screen resolution, awesome video. Everything about it is awesome, except the feel of it.

The iPhone 4 cannot be upgraded to a point where a current iPhone 4 user will be unable to resist upgrading. If they keep that design, they are throwing thousands and thousands of sales down the drain.

The only way they are going to get a ton of iPhone 4 users into it is if they change the design. Period. It's a very dumb to think that just because the number 5 is written on the same designed phone, that people are going to drop their 4's to get it. The phone HAS to change design, or Apple is screwing themselves out of millions of dollars.

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You know that what you are stating in effect that Apple should never update the CPU right? Because iOS5 works fine on the A4, people are too stupid to understand the difference between the A4 and A5, and no CPU is going to bring added features that you can sell to the public bar it runs faster or makes prettier graphics.
All of which by your thinking aren't needed as iOS5 runs on the A4 and the 3GS.

Thank God none of you work for Apple, technology would stand still, but at least we would get a brand new design every 6 months with ever bigger screens

I believe that Apple should definitely increase power in every model they release. The new phones should ALWAYS be more powerful than the last. My thing is that just upgrading power (especially when it's clearly not a necessity to run the current OS), is not enough to get people that are currently under contract, or people that just currently have the latest model, to upgrade.

For some reason, some of you people can't get that through your heads. Nobody ever said that they shouldn't upgrade the processor. They are just saying that its not a NECESSITY to run iOS5.

Maybe you should go to Barnes and Nobles and find, "How to Understand What Somebody is Trying to Say For Dummies" or something.

 

[KnightWRX]

Explain to me, without a design change, what "major upgrade" is going to be.

design changes are superficial. Changing out the SoC to an A5 and bumping up RAM is already a major change in and of itself, as it allows application developers to bring yet richer applications to the platform. The less limits there are in the hardware, the more the limits become the imagination of the developers. Other changes

So a "3GS" style upgrade would still be a major upgrade. Now throw in all the usual gizmos they thrown into these revisions, stuff like a storage bump to 32GB/64GB, NFC, edge-to-edge 3.8" screen of the same resolution, capacitative buttons instead of physical ones, the better optics in the camera of the Xperia Arc (Sony branded, rumored) and a higher MP count to go with these upgraded optics so that your pictures are even better.

And if they do give us a case change for the iPhone 5, then that's the cherry on the sundae, but I wouldn't edge my bet on this.

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Nothing in iOS 5 requires a faster processor. Not. One. Thing. It is completely compatible with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS.

So, explain to me how you sell the iPhone 5?

How ever did they sell the 3GS with nothing in iOS 3 requiring a faster processor ?

They still sold it and made money hand over fist with it. Heck, back in those days, it took quite a long time before 3rd party developers even decided to push the 3GS a little and abandon 3G owners, so us early 3GS adopters basically had a iPhone 3G with video recording, voice control and other nice gizmos, but we didn't get to use our faster SoCs for quite some time.

The OS shouldn't be what is using CPU/GPU power anyway. You want it slim and you want it out of the way. It's the apps that should be pushing the SoC to its limits.

 

[theperipheral]

design changes are superficial. Changing out the SoC to an A5 and bumping up RAM is already a major change in and of itself, as it allows application developers to bring yet richer applications to the platform. The less limits there are in the hardware, the more the limits become the imagination of the developers. Other changes

So a "3GS" style upgrade would still be a major upgrade. Now throw in all the usual gizmos they thrown into these revisions, stuff like a storage bump to 32GB/64GB, NFC, edge-to-edge 3.8" screen of the same resolution, capacitative buttons instead of physical ones, the better optics in the camera of the Xperia Arc (Sony branded, rumored) and a higher MP count to go with these upgraded optics so that your pictures are even better.

And if they do give us a case change for the iPhone 5, then that's the cherry on the sundae, but I wouldn't edge my bet on this.

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How ever did they sell the 3GS with nothing in iOS 3 requiring a faster processor ?

They still sold it and made money hand over fist with it. Heck, back in those days, it took quite a long time before 3rd party developers even decided to push the 3GS a little and abandon 3G owners, so us early 3GS adopters basically had a iPhone 3G with video recording, voice control and other nice gizmos, but we didn't get to use our faster SoCs for quite some time.

The OS shouldn't be what is using CPU/GPU power anyway. You want it slim and you want it out of the way. It's the apps that should be pushing the SoC to its limits.

Boosted power is not a major upgrade, dude. That's just a slight upgrade in this case.

The reason the 3GS was a MAJOR UPGRADE and was worth the upgrade from the 3G was because the 3GS not only upgraded power (WHICH WAS AN ISSUE BACK THEN BECAUSE THE 3G SUCKED!!!) but they also upgraded the camera, they added VIDEO CAPABILITY, they introduced voice control over calls and music, they bettered the screen's oil resistance, added the compass feature into maps, increased battery life...they made a new phone with the same case. It NEEDED the power upgrade to do all that stuff. We already know what iOS5 is going to give us, and we already know that the iPhone4 can handle it perfectly fine.

For the billionth time, THAT is why a power upgrade is nothing but a small upgrade for the next phone. Why can't you understand, dude? I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall built inside the body of a dead person.

Of all the other things you've mentioned, the only thing that MIGHT have some kind of affect on people would be the bigger screen (which IS a physical change to the phone, by the way). Memory, NFC, camera quality...all of that stuff the majority of people won't notice or care about.

 

[KnightWRX]

Boosted power is not a major upgrade, dude. That's just a slight upgrade in this case.

The reason the 3GS was a MAJOR UPGRADE and was worth the upgrade from the 3G was because the 3GS not only upgraded power (WHICH WAS AN ISSUE BACK THEN BECAUSE THE 3G SUCKED!!!) but they also upgraded the camera, they added VIDEO CAPABILITY, they introduced voice control over calls and music, they bettered the screen's oil resistance, added the compass feature into maps, increased battery life...they made a new phone with the same case. It NEEDED the power upgrade to do all that stuff. We already know what iOS5 is going to give us, and we already know that the iPhone4 can handle it perfectly fine.

For the billionth time, THAT is why a power upgrade is nothing but a small upgrade for the next phone. Why can't you understand, dude? I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall built inside the body of a dead person.

Of all the other things you've mentioned, the only thing that MIGHT have some kind of affect on people would be the bigger screen (which IS a physical change to the phone, by the way). Memory, NFC, camera quality...all of that stuff the majority of people won't notice or care about.

Look, that's all your subjective opinion. I think any of the features I've mentionned on top of a better SoC (which alone in and of itself is a major upgrade no matter how much you downplay it. All the carrier ads around here right now mention "Superphones with dual cores for better multitasking!") will make enough people salivate for an upgrade.

Feel like you're talking to a brick, I just don't agree with you on what constitute minor and major upgrades. I can state the same thing about you, but I won't stoop to your level and go for personal insults. Take a step away for a minute and realise how worked up you are over a simple discussion of an unannounced product (even going so far as to scream, ie, typing in caps).

 

[Sedrick]

If looks aren't important to keep people buying, they why does BMW change the look of their cars so often? Same great car. They know just updating the engine and headlights isn't enough to keep people buying new. Looks do matter. And in this case is would be a larger screen and less square back.

 

[Harmush]

It's PLASTIC boys and girls.

Prototype?

 

[apolloa]

I believe that Apple should definitely increase power in every model they release. The new phones should ALWAYS be more powerful than the last. My thing is that just upgrading power (especially when it's clearly not a necessity to run the current OS), is not enough to get people that are currently under contract, or people that just currently have the latest model, to upgrade.

For some reason, some of you people can't get that through your heads. Nobody ever said that they shouldn't upgrade the processor. They are just saying that its not a NECESSITY to run iOS5.

Maybe you should go to Barnes and Nobles and find, "How to Understand What Somebody is Trying to Say For Dummies" or something.

Cool, a personal insult! lol, no thanks I'll just be glad in the knowledge I have a more reasonable and sensible opinion of the topic, I actually appreciate just how much of an upgrade putting a CPU/GPU that is physically much larger then the one before onto the same size circuit board and in the same case.

You are also seemingly utterly ignorant of the fact MANY iPhone 4 users are in locked contracts and cannot upgrade to an iPhone 5 anyway. So why should Apple change the case just to attract people it can't sell to? It's a numbers game and judging by the rumours Apple is going to play it exactly as it should and keep the current design.
Even a couple of thousand queueing up round the block on launch day to buy it doesn't warrant the cost in making a totally new case.

 

[theperipheral]

Cool, a personal insult! lol, no thanks I'll just be glad in the knowledge I have a more reasonable and sensible opinion of the topic, I actually appreciate just how much of an upgrade putting a CPU/GPU that is physically much larger then the one before onto the same size circuit board and in the same case.

You are also seemingly utterly ignorant of the fact MANY iPhone 4 users are in locked contracts and cannot upgrade to an iPhone 5 anyway. So why should Apple change the case just to attract people it can't sell to? It's a numbers game and judging by the rumours Apple is going to play it exactly as it should and keep the current design.
Even a couple of thousand queueing up round the block on launch day to buy it doesn't warrant the cost in making a totally new case.

lol, you're a funny guy.

for the 2nd time, if you think that apple isn't trying to figure out ways to get people that currently use the iphone 4 to upgrade to whatever it is they are releasing, you need to go to a library and learn some things. i don't know if you realize that people that purchased the iphone 4 on launch to 3 months after launch, are definitely available for an early upgrade (at the least). others, like me are using the iphone 4 and are available for a full upgrade.

if apple isn't targetting those customers as well as old iphone users, they are making some of the most ridiculous choices they could possibly make.

 

[lilcosco08]

[/snip]
The problem starts when you insult other posters based on their posts and start polarizing them in a "with us or against us" way like you enjoy doing. Most of the people you label "hater" and "troll" are actually Apple users and you're insulting them instead of addressing their argument.

Or my personal favorite, giving you a little "-1" and not replying at all

 

[apolloa]

if apple isn't targetting those customers as well as old iphone users, they are making some of the most ridiculous choices they could possibly make.

No, Apple is thinking global, not America only like you are. Not all networks in all country's offer early updates. And just because the case is different does not guarantee sales. It will not offer anything other then 'oh look I have a new one'!
Apple could just update the battery, processor and camera and still sell millions. Hell even the iPad 2 advert doesn't mention ANY of it's features, all it does is just show you what it can do which is exactly the same as the first iPad.

In fact Apple are not going to be solely making a phone that only technology forum members, early adopters, people who brought one in the first 2 months of launch, are going to buy.

The iPhone is seen as a luxury item, even for working people, it is an expensive item that people buy with the idea of getting the money's worth out of it.

 

[theperipheral]

No, Apple is thinking global, not America only like you are. Not all networks in all country's offer early updates. And just because the case is different does not guarantee sales. It will not offer anything other then 'oh look I have a new one'!
Apple could just update the battery, processor and camera and still sell millions. Hell even the iPad 2 advert doesn't mention ANY of it's features, all it does is just show you what it can do which is exactly the same as the first iPad.

In fact Apple are not going to be solely making a phone that only technology forum members, early adopters, people who brought one in the first 2 months of launch, are going to buy.

The iPhone is seen as a luxury item, even for working people, it is an expensive item that people buy with the idea of getting the money's worth out of it.

For the billionth time, I'll say the same thing again. Just especially for you.

If Apple releases a 4S type of device, a certain amount of people will buy it....millions of people. People with original iPhones, 3G's, 3GS's, other phones...millions of people will buy. Many iPhone 4 users will see that a speed boost, and a better camera are not going to do it for them.

If Apple releases a 5 instead of a 4S, all those people who I just mentioned who would've bought that 4S will still buy the 5 because if they're willing to buy because they feel a 4S type of device is worth the upgrade, obviously the 5 will be. Then the magical thing happens...all those people with 4's will see a new device, a new design, something NEW after a year or more of having that phone, they'll buy it just because it's new. It's not gonna be every iphone 4 user, obviously, but thousands upon thousands more will upgrade because of the new features and the design change.

That's millions of dollars in revenue for Apple...which you can't ignore. Although they are worth billions and billions, millions of dollars is a significant amount of revenue for any company.

I don't feel like going on with this anymore, so I'm done. Nobody knows what's gonna be released. All I can hope for is that Apple doesn't make a stupid business decision.

I love you.

 

[LVappleNOTfnboi]

I'm going too keep this simple. If the Iphone5 does not have a bigger screen, the HTC Holiday or Samsung Galaxy S II will be my next phone. I have been a long time apple supporter, but I'm growning tired of their slow tech cycles. This is coming from someone who HATES the droid OS with Windows being even worse.

 

[twoodcc]

i really hope that's not the iphone 5. at least give us a bigger screen and 4G LTE

 

[duk]

2009
8 GB iPhone 3G - 99$
16 GB iPhone 3GS - 199$
32 GB iPhone 3GS - 299$

2010
8 GB iPhone 3GS - 99$
16 GB iPhone 4 - 199$
32 GB iPhone 4 - 299$

Considering that, why would anyone believe the following won't be what happens :

2011
8 (or 16) GB iPhone 4 - 99$
16 (or 32) GB iPhone 5 - 199$
32 (or 64) GB iPhone 5 - 299$

Remember guys : Everytime we over think an Apple product refresh, everyone is let down by how little Apple actually changed.

Actually based on this pattern, the next logical steps would actually be:

2011
8 (or 16) GB iPhone 4 - 99$
16 (or 32) GB iPhone 4S - 199$
32 (or 64) GB iPhone 4S - 299$

2012
8 (or 16) GB iPhone 4S - 99$
16 (or 32) GB iPhone 5 - 199$
32 (or 64) GB iPhone 5 - 299$

And judging by today's leak of the front panel, it looks like that's exactly whats going to happen. (hope I'm wrong, would love a new design).

 

[chrmjenkins]

Actually based on this pattern, the next logical steps would actually be:

2011
8 (or 16) GB iPhone 4 - 99$
16 (or 32) GB iPhone 4S - 199$
32 (or 64) GB iPhone 4S - 299$

2012
8 (or 16) GB iPhone 4S - 99$
16 (or 32) GB iPhone 5 - 199$
32 (or 64) GB iPhone 5 - 299$

And judging by today's leak of the front panel, it looks like that's exactly whats going to happen. (hope I'm wrong, would love a new design).

The leaked part is the revised iPhone 4 (call it iPhone 4S if you want, but that would be a disservice to the moniker as I don't see a CPU upgrade coming for it). The iPhone 5 will debut this year. It only adds to confusion to start adding letters again when a simple "4" was a return to simplicity.

 

[KillerClassic]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_3_5 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8L1 Safari/6533.18.5)

What about this...

iPhone 5 - same form factor as the iPhone 4 w/ A5 processor

iPhone 4s - new thinner beveled form factor, same parts as the current iPhone model.