Is the "iPhone 4S" and the "iPhone 5" one and the same?

[Dubthedankest]

4S=5 meaning... I think we'll see one new iPhone this year, and it'll be a combination of what we all think the 4S and 5 will be. The internals of this new phone will be upgraded to A5 chip, 8 MP camera, and maybe more RAM (rumored properties of the "4S") but it will not be in the body of the iPhone 4; it'll be in the body of a slightly redesigned phone (which is a rumored property of the "5" but without the supposedly major internal upgrades). This would explain the new case leaks, which seem fairly credible.

So the new iPhone, which will be called "iPhone 5" will really just be the features of 4S and 5 together in one. There never was meant to be a separate "4S" phone. I believe the "4S" is just a byproduct of internal Apple testing of new specs purposefully hidden for secrecy reasons in the body of an iPh4.

I also think the current iPhone 4 might get a slight spec bump, but retain its "4" name. This will sell alongside the new 5.

Hope that clarifies my theory.

That would pretty much just be a 5 then.

We'll see either a 4S or a 5 but not both. I believe we will see a 4S, then follow the tradition of the 4 being offered at rock-bottom prices. Otherwise the lineup gets too crowded and there's too much blurring of the specs, very un-Apple-like.

 

[onthecouchagain]

That would pretty much just be a 5 then.

Yeah, basically.

We'll see either a 4S or a 5 but not both. I believe we will see a 4S, then follow the tradition of the 4 being offered at rock-bottom prices. Otherwise the lineup gets too crowded and there's too much blurring of the specs, very un-Apple-like.

Yeah. I agree. An iphone 4, 4S, and 5, would be a different approach for Apple.

 

[ap3604]

We'll see either a 4S or a 5 but not both. I believe we will see a 4S, then follow the tradition of the 4 being offered at rock-bottom prices. Otherwise the lineup gets too crowded and there's too much blurring of the specs, very un-Apple-like.

So if its very un-Apple like to have 2 different current product versions instead of 1 new and 1 old, then how do you explain 2 different current versions of the macbook air and the fact that you can't even buy the old version in store?

Not saying I really disagree with you on the only one version of the iPhone 5/4s... but that Apple def does this already with other products.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Maybe the current 4 will also have upgraded bands after October for Tmobile? Who knows.

EDIT: My above statement is supplement to this I made earlier: You know what else I think is possible? Apple may "silently" update the internals of the current iPhone 4. Meaning, all new iPhone 4's (not "4S") that ship shortly after the iPod/iPhone event will have slightly upgraded internals, so they can still be affordable (mid/low market) but still bumped up a little bit. I think they'll keep the name "4" and sell two iPhones: the 4 for marked down price (like the 3GS is now), and the 5 (aka 4S) for regular.

 

[ap3604]

Maybe the current 4 will also have upgraded bands after October for Tmobile? Who knows.

I'd have to say no according to T-mobiles CEO. Why would he randomly kill all customer hope with that statement (and lose customers) if there still was a chance of any sort of T-mobile iPhone?

 

[Dubthedankest]

So if its very un-Apple like to have 2 different current product versions instead of 1 new and 1 old, then how do you explain 2 different current versions of the macbook air and the fact that you can't even buy the old version in store?

Not saying I really disagree with you on the only one version of the iPhone 5/4s... but that Apple def does this already with other products.

Two different versions of the Air? As in 11" vs 13" or Late 2010 model vs Early 2011? I'm not seeing any way to purchase anything but the new Early 2011 models without going into the Sales area of the website and purchasing an older model on the cheap so Apple can liquidate that inventory. Which just makes good business sense.

 

[vitzr]

Actually Apple is in a very envious position.

It really doesn't matter what they put out. The public will line up for miles, the fans will cry "win" and my stock will shoot through the roof.

It's as easy as that

 

[kre62]

Apple would be the dumbest company alive if it just does a 4S.

People want something new. My grandma has a 4. Give me something to get excited about.

Sometimes business seems so obvious, yet big companies make these bonehead moves. I want to believe Apple is smarter then to release a 4S only.

 

[Savor]

Actually Apple is in a very envious position.

It really doesn't matter what they put out. The public will line up for miles, the fans will cry "win" and my stock will shoot through the roof.

It's as easy as that

This.

Apple can do whatever they want. MacRumor members don't represent a large portion of the market they are targeting. There is still millions of people who never owned an iPhone or coming from the 2G, 3G, 3GS, or from Android or BlackBerry and are unhappy with it or getting sick of it.

Apple can stamp their logo onto a turd and it will sell millions just by how they hype it. Apple doesn't need to target people who know about dual core, 1080p camera, or whatever. The masses aren't that smart. The real Apple fans will buy it anyway because they are part of that walled garden and buy it for the stability and EXPERIENCE. The experience of being out with other Apple/iPhone fans while camping out for it and having employees cheer you on. Alot of people don't go out much and love these type of "events." But Apple pleasing MR members isn't their #1 agenda. You can never please everybody on here who's sole purpose is to complain about something. Target Asia which is still untapped and they win in the longer run. Asia is still unsaturated.

It worked in 2009 when Jobs wasn't there. They boosted the processor by almost 200MHz plus added a video camera and compass and the 3GS which looked exactly like its predecessor still sold like crazy. The 4 had those Antennagate issues and it still sold like crazy.

If there is no new redesign, how is this any different than the one from 2009? And they can get away with it again. The best-selling smartphone of 2011 is a 16-month old phone. Apple got away with a 3.5 inch screen for four generations. The more you make them popular, the more they can do whatever they want and at their own pace. At the end of the day, what they care about most is their profits since this is all business. People can complain about the lack of changes and they will still go out and buy it just for the Apple ecosystem and the "experience."

 

[ap3604]

Kind of reminds me of going to a club with a SMOKING hot girl in the corner that knows she is hot and a million guys want her, so she act's stuck up and makes it all about her with no real regard for what you really want.

Can get old pretty quickly once the "hotness" wears off...

Anytime a company operates along the lines of "F you public, we don't care what you really want we know we are hot and we can slap an apple stamp on a dog turd and it will sell zillions" is dangerous territory.

Apple can do whatever they want. MacRumor members don't represent a large portion of the market they are targeting. There is still millions of people who never owned an iPhone or coming from the 2G, 3G, 3GS, or from Android or BlackBerry and are unhappy with it or getting sick of it.

Apple can stamp their logo onto a turd and it will sell millions just by how they hype it. Apple doesn't need to target people who know about dual core, 1080p camera, or whatever. The masses aren't that smart. The real Apple fans will buy it anyway because they are part of that walled garden and buy it for the stability and EXPERIENCE. The experience of being out with other Apple/iPhone fans while camping out for it and having employees cheer you on. Alot of people don't go out much and love these type of "events." But Apple pleasing MR members isn't their #1 agenda. You can never please everybody on here who's sole purpose is to complain about something. Target Asia which is still untapped and they win in the longer run. Asia is still unsaturated.

It worked in 2009 when Jobs wasn't there. They boosted the processor by almost 200MHz plus added a video camera and compass and the 3GS which looked exactly like its predecessor still sold like crazy. The 4 had those Antennagate issues and it still sold like crazy.

If there is no new redesign, how is this any different than the one from 2009? And they can get away with it again. The best-selling smartphone of 2011 is a 16-month old phone. Apple got away with a 3.5 inch screen for four generations. The more you make them popular, the more they can do whatever they want and at their own pace. At the end of the day, what they care about most is their profits since this is all business. People can complain about the lack of changes and they will still go out and buy it just for the Apple ecosystem and the "experience."

 

[onthecouchagain]

I agree that whatever Apple puts out, it'll sell like hotcakes.

We will see a redesigned phone, rest assured.

 

[Bumble Bee]

You know what else I think is possible? Apple may "silently" update the internals of the current iPhone 4. Meaning, all new iPhone 4's (not "4S") that ship shortly after the iPod/iPhone event will have slightly upgraded internals, so they can still be affordable (mid/low market) but still bumped up a little bit. I think they'll keep the name "4" and sell two iPhones: the 4 for marked down price (like the 3GS is now), and the 5 (aka 4S) for regular.

Boom?

Good point just like they do with the MBPs they dont call them MBPs 6 or 7 they just come out with a core ix processor. Why change the name of the 4 with just a new processor/ram/cam

 

[iamthedudeman]

can remember saying the same when apple released the 3gs after the 3g with the smallest of upgrades
to my knowledge despite the rumblings, the 3gs went on to be a pretty damn successful phone for apple and still is
for me i would get the 4s in an heartbeat if those specs rumoured were to be true (as long as it was available in White)

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Actually, the casing of the iphone 3G and 3Gs were almost the same. But the internals were a drastic change. Cortex A8, processor, completely redesigned internals.
The biggest change internally between models since. The only thing similar between the iphone 3G and 3Gs was they looked the same. Thats about it. They were completely different internally.

 

[BowTheMan89]

Honestly, i think Apple has mastered the art of misinformation. With the insane amount of speculation we're seeing about this/these device(s), i think it's entirely possible that all these 4S images were seeing, the "lost in a bar" iPhone 5 etc. is just Apple doing certain tests of the internals for a major redesigned phone in the shell of an iPhone 4.

Why are we hearing nothing from apple as far as them going after the people who have taken or released these photos of the "4S"? If that truely was their next big device that they have waited so long to release and plan to "wow" everyone with, wouldnt there be a little screaming on their part? It's all kind of passed off like its no big deal, and it leads me to believe the 4S images were seeing are not the big draw to the upcoming event.

Edit: I mean really, they'll have nothing to show off. We know everything from its form factor to its camera, ram and processor. They'll basically just have a 2nd showcase event for iOS5

 

[mholtz2323]

iPhone 4s doesn't exist. Test models have iPhone 5 internals with iPhone 4-like shells.
iPhone 5 with the new design is being tested only on the apple campus.
October 4th we see a redesigned iPhone 5.


1) 16 months to bump up the specs? It's hard to imagine.
2) Thisismynext reported that the iPhone 4 fell "out of favor" from the top guys at apple. Although it's selling very well, it's caused apple nothing but problems from the antenna issue (or non-issue) to the phone getting leaked out before the keynote.
3) Although I like the look of the iPhone 4, I've heard stories about people dropping their phones and breaking the glass. They might want to reconsider the use of a glass back.

 

[onthecouchagain]

iPhone 4s doesn't exist. Test models have iPhone 5 internals with iPhone 4-like shells.
iPhone 5 with the new design is being tested only on the apple campus.
October 4th we see a redesigned iPhone 5.


1) 16 months to bump up the specs? It's hard to imagine.
2) Thisismynext reported that the iPhone 4 fell "out of favor" from the top guys at apple. Although it's selling very well, it's caused apple nothing but problems from the antenna issue (or non-issue) to the phone getting leaked out before the keynote.
3) Although I like the look of the iPhone 4, I've heard stories about people dropping their phones and breaking the glass. They might want to reconsider the use of a glass back.

Spot on.

 

[Tones2]

Edit: I mean really, they'll have nothing to show off. We know everything from its form factor to its camera, ram and processor. They'll basically just have a 2nd showcase event for iOS5

If the next iPhone is just an A5 and camera upgrade and nothing else, the focus will most assuredly be on iOS5, even though it will run perfectly fine on your iPhone 4 / 3GS. They'll also repeat the iPhone features in the new iPod's as filler. It will be interesting how they play this out in that scenario.

Apple as always will still dazzle the fanboys somehow even with basically minimal changes. This is what happened with a basically the same iPad 2. The iPhone will be somewhat tougher to do, however, especially in light of the competition, which wasn't an issue for the iPad release.

If we don't get a bigger screen I sure hope we get 64 GB at least.

Tony

 

[Sedrick]

Just to be clear...

Faster processor + more RAM + better camera + (possibly) larger screen = minor upgrade if they call it the 4S instead of 5.

Take out the larger screen and yes, it is a minor upgrade. Keep in mind the iPhone now has a lot of high-end competition out there. it's not 2007 anymore.

 

[beamer8912]

Just to be clear...

Faster processor + more RAM + better camera + (possibly) larger screen = minor upgrade if they call it the 4S instead of 5.

The 3GS->4 upgrade had all that PLUS:

another camera (front facing)
gyroscope
case redesign

Note I equated Larger Screen with Retina Display...although imo Retina > Larger Screen.

So yes, it WILL be a MINOR update if those are the only changes to the new phone.

If things like NFC, capacitive home button and redeisgn are added....then sure it'll be a great upgrade.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Did the iPad 2 have anything extraordinarily revolutionary? I'm not sure, but I'm leaning toward no. It had some great improvements and added things that existed elsewhere (the iPhone 4's front camera, right?), and it had a redesign. This sounds essentially like what we'll see in the new iPhone. They still gave the new iPad a "2" (not iPad S, or anything).

I think whatever phone comes -- big or small changes -- will be called iPhone 5. There will be no such thing as a "4S". If the current iPhone 4 gets a few minor internal spec bumps, I think it'll still retain the "4" name.

Also makes sense to do so alongside iOS 5.

But who knows.

 

[Muad'Dib]

For me, the case pics released today sealed it. There IS an iPhone 4S. (Chronic is a reliable source)

I'll come back here and eat crow if I'm wrong.

The existence of the 5 is still in question, but I'm hopeful.

 

[tcphoto]

My AT&T contract expires in 30 days and I called to see if they would offer any incentive to stay. I swear, there were crickets chirping on the other end of the phone and that spoke volumes. This afternoon, I dropped by a Verizon store and the rep told me they could offer $100 gift card to switch and there were deals coming. He was the one that mentioned the metal backed phone but offered nothing more. I told him that I'd wait for the metal form factor which I assumed was the iphone5 and called it a day.

If Apples Engineers have only come up with the 4s in the past 15 months, I or we have over estimated their abilities. I think the 4s will be the low or middle model and the 5 whether this year or soon after will be the icing on the cake.

 

[aohus]

iPhone 4s doesn't exist. Test models have iPhone 5 internals with iPhone 4-like shells.
iPhone 5 with the new design is being tested only on the apple campus.
October 4th we see a redesigned iPhone 5.


1) 16 months to bump up the specs? It's hard to imagine.
2) Thisismynext reported that the iPhone 4 fell "out of favor" from the top guys at apple. Although it's selling very well, it's caused apple nothing but problems from the antenna issue (or non-issue) to the phone getting leaked out before the keynote.
3) Although I like the look of the iPhone 4, I've heard stories about people dropping their phones and breaking the glass. They might want to reconsider the use of a glass back.

i'd also like to add to this.

based on two articles, the WSJ, and Bloomberg, I don't think there will even be an iPhone 4-like device come October. All the iPhones will be complete redesigns.

i know i keep stating this, but i feel it shouldn't be overlooked.

There are 2 reports dating back in February that state that the low end iPhone will have an entirely different look than the current iPhone 4.


- iPhone nano (to be 1/3 the size of iP4, and sold for $200, no contract required)
- iPhone 5 (impossibly light, edge to edge screen, tapered edges, larger screen)

Bloomberg

Apple has considered selling the new iPhone for about $200, without obligating users to sign a two-year service contract, said the person who has seen it... While Apple has aimed to unveil the device near mid-year, the introduction may be delayed or scrapped, the person said. The prototype was about one-third smaller than the iPhone 4, and it had no “home” button, said the person, who saw it last year. Apple would sell it at a low price mainly because the smartphone will use a processor, display and other components similar to those used in the current model, rather than pricier, more advanced parts that will be in the next iPhone, the person said.

Wall Street Journal, (the source that broke news of the announcement date of October 4, 2011)

One of the people, who saw a prototype of the phone late last year, said it is intended for sale alongside Apple's existing line. The new device would be about half the size of the iPhone 4, which is the current model.The new phone—one of its code names is N97—would be available to carriers at about half the price of the main iPhones.

on the iPhone 5

The person who saw the prototype of the new iPhone said the device was significantly lighter than the iPhone 4 and had an edge-to-edge screen that could be manipulated by touch, as well as a virtual keyboard and voice-based navigation. The person said Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., also plans to upgrade the iPhone 4.

 

[onthecouchagain]

For me, the case pics released today sealed it. There IS an iPhone 4S. (Chronic is a reliable source)

I'll come back here and eat crow if I'm wrong.

The existence of the 5 is still in question, but I'm hopeful.

Possibly. But I think this sums up I feel about the Otterboxes:

"This story doesn't make much sense. Apple doesn't release it's branding before an announcement. They don't even tell their own staff let alone case manufacturing partners.

The "4S" on the box is just a guess by the manufacturer. They may end up being right, but it's not a "confirmation" of anything."

 

[imwinning]

IPhone 4G for America. 4S everyone else.

4G networks will get the iPhone 4G. The rumored 4S is for networks not up to speed and overseas (just a relabled 4G with different receiver custom to network it's sold under). 4G will be sold in the Apple stores (and under 4G capable network contracts). Apple will lower prices (under contract) to $99 iPhone 4, $149 iPhone 4G 16gb, $199 iPhone 4G 32gb. Apple is going for saturation before Christmas, and then bringing out a completely redesigned phone in the Spring (iPhone 5 64gb $249, iPhone 124gb $299-$349 depending on network and depending on capabilities of network at the time of launch...another unheard of 'feature'. IPhone 4G/4S will run an A5, more ram, better cam. IPhone 5 will run an even better processor, revamped A5.