Liquidmetal-Based iPhone 5 to Launch at WWDC in June?

[ThatsMeRight]

i love how you get downvoted for sharing your opinion. pathetic lol and yep i agree with you, if the new iPhone doesnt convince me, ill go with the Galaxy S III or something like that. ive been using the iPhone since 2007, its time for something fresh in my case

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maybe a announcement with a 4+ screen and iOS6 in june will give the devs enough time to adjust their apps for both old 3.5 iPhones and the new 4+ iPhone

Yeah, I mean I like iOS and the iPhone, but I wouldn't mind trying out something new and something other than Apple.

We'll see what Apple will do with iOS 6. If it's a huge, big upgrade (a bit like from iOS 2 to iOS 3 (big new features like copy and paste), and from iOS 3 to iOS 4 (multitasking) than I might hold out and see what Apple has to offer.

But if iOS 6 is disappointing and Samsung - for example - is bringing out an excellent Samsung Galaxy S3 than I wouldn't mind trying it (unlike some others, I have never hated Samsung products - Samsung also creates great products).

As a matter of fact, I'm currently trying out a Samsung Galaxy S2 because my iPhone 4 just stopped working (it's currently being repaired, but waiting is anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks). Why does this matter to me? Because now I can actually try out Samsung's 'best' phone from the past year.

I would write an article/topic about my experiences with the Samsung Galaxy S2 when my iPhone 4 is repaired and returned to me, but I don't think anyone here on MacRumors would really care.

 

[CaryMacGuy]

It would be amazing if Apple announced the next iPhone in June! I always loved the atmosphere surrounding the WWDC.

It's also sort of a dealbreaker, my telecom contract expires this summer and than I'll pick a new phone - and it won't be the 4S (I'm ready for a new design and new features which the 4S doesn't really offer compared to the 4 (Siri does not work in my language)), so I'll go with the best device available than.

If Apple announced and launched their iPhone in June or July, than that would mean that they will at least keep me as a customer.

Just because your contract expires, doesn't mean you have to get a new phone. I bought my Verizon iPhone on a one year contract a year ago and I can now upgrade anytime I want...I am holding onto this iPhone until the next one comes out. If the next one doesn't wow me, I will hold onto my iPhone 4 until either it dies or Apple comes out with a phone that does wow me.

 

[SockRolid]

iPhones launch in September, now. I doubt June will happen

Agree. Releasing the iOS developer preview at WWDC in June gives developers time to update their apps. They can be ready to use the new API and/or hardware features on day 1 when the new iPhone and new iOS are released to the public. And that would presumably be in late summer / early fall.

But who knows? Apple just might decide to go back to the June iPhone release schedule again. Last year's later iPhone rollout was probably due to the Verizon iPhone launch in the spring. They might not need to hold back the iPhone release until iOS 6 is released.

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Korean site ETNews.com claims that Apple is planning to use new "liquid metal" alloys in the iPhone 5 to yield a thinner and lighter device that is resistant to impact damage.

Yay if true. My 2012 iPhone wish list remains the same:

Things I want that are reasonably likely:
- Metal back enclosure
- Narrower bezel
- Possible minor increase in screen size
- Possible minor decrease in thickness

Things I want that probably aren't going to happen:
- MagSafe dock connector
- LiquidMetal back enclosure
- Inductive charging (yeah, right)

Still not convinced that LiquidMetal is 1. cheap enough and 2. recyclable enough to be used on a high-volume item as big as an iPhone enclosure. But there's always hope...

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Besides the generic uninformative "thinner" description of the article, anyone knows what this material can offer to a mobile device ? Now, that would be worthy to read.

Google is your friend.

That, or you could use the link directly in the article to find the previous MR article about liquidmetal

Apple is planning to use new "liquid metal" alloys in the iPhone 5 to yield a thinner and lighter device that is resistant to impact damage. Apple acquired the rights to Liquidmetal Technologies' "amorphous metal alloys" in August 2010

and then because link finding is really tough, here's another another relevent part within that embedded article

The company also points to the advantages of using Liquidmetal alloys in consumer electronics, citing its ability to deliver stronger and harder device casings while also offering thinner designs of excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The relatively low melting temperature and other characteristics of Liquidmetal alloys also permit them to be easily cast into a variety of forms while retaining their strength and durability.

 

[Moonjumper]

Liquidmetal body? Believable and would quite like that.

June launch? Possible, but unlikely. Vases doubt over the whole rumour, so I'm not believing the Liquidmetal story anymore than I did before, but it is still on my mental "would like" and "hopefully" lists.

 

[jayducharme]

I'm hoping this turns out to be true. I'm not sure how they'd solve the antenna dilemma, but I'd certainly love a metal-clad iPhone 5.

 

[iPhysicist]

iPhone 1? All 3G/4G iPads? Unibody HTC phones? It's possible to design a metal enclosure that still has some area that is RF transparent. Also, Apple seems to like to incorporate the case into the antenna structure (see iPhone 4/S), and liquidmetal allows for that too (it's currently used for some wifi antenna devices).

Where is the point in an extra strong case if you weaken it with a stripe of plastic for the signal? Nibelungen once again

 

[marksman]

Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are going to spin Galaxy III shells one at a time.

 

[j_maddison]

It would be amazing if Apple announced the next iPhone in June! I always loved the atmosphere surrounding the WWDC.

It's also sort of a dealbreaker, my telecom contract expires this summer and than I'll pick a new phone - and it won't be the 4S (I'm ready for a new design and new features which the 4S doesn't really offer compared to the 4 (Siri does not work in my language)), so I'll go with the best device available than.

If Apple announced and launched their iPhone in June or July, than that would mean that they will at least keep me as a customer.

What EU country are you in?

In the UK you can move to a reduced tariff at the end of your contract. This can be accomplished by either moving network to a sim only deal, or requesting that your network reduce your tariff to match their own sim only deal.

The way it works is you make a 30 day commitment to the network on a rolling agreement, and for that they offer you a substantially reduced tariff. Once the new phone comes out you can move back to a contract that offers a subsidy on the handset. I"m not sure if they have something similar in your own country, it might be worth investigating. I hope that helps

 

[-jeffB]

iPhone 1? All 3G/4G iPads? Unibody HTC phones? It's possible to design a metal enclosure that still has some area that is RF transparent.

And that works like the 4G iPad -- where, if I'm holding it in landscape mode with one hand on each end, my 4G performance drops to basically nothing?

 

[supmango]

Image

I went there too!

 

[Shrink]

Yes. Based on the iPad release, it will be called the new iPhone. Did you miss that whole conversation? Lots of people care, just because it's not important to you doesn't mean it's not important.

Ah, yes...terrifically important.

Lives hang in the balance...

Um.... LIQUIDMETAL?!?

Awesome. Simply awesome. I'm ready to buy it based on that word (or words?) alone

But won't it get goopy stuff all over the inside of your pocket!!??

 

[PerfectDB]

Assuming that the new iPhone will have iOS 6, then Apple needs to give developers time to beta test and develop for iOS 6. That implies a June iOS 6 announcement and a October new iPhone release. If there was going to be a June iPhone release, we would have already had an iOS 6 announcement and public beta.

Tony

Why though?

In the past Apple has always launched the OS along side the iPhone, and developers never had a problem then. iOS 5 was likely delayed due to iCloud & Siri (arguably the primary selling feature of the 4S).

Just as delaying the 4S to October was out of the ordinary, it's just as possible they'll revert back to a June release this year (here's hoping).

That said, given Junes only a couple months away, you would have though we'd seen part leaks or blurry cam shots by now.

 

[Tilpots]

Ah, yes...terrifically important.

Lives hang in the balance...

It's very relevant to how I make my living. But thanks for listening and understanding, Shrink. I bet you're great in your field.

 

[fruitycups]

wicked sick!

 

[chrmjenkins]

Where is the point in an extra strong case if you weaken it with a stripe of plastic for the signal? Nibelungen once again

They don't choose aluminum or other metal alloys for their strength, otherwise they would have never made a glass iPhone. They are for aesthetic reasons.

And that works like the 4G iPad -- where, if I'm holding it in landscape mode with one hand on each end, my 4G performance drops to basically nothing?

Original iPhone had acceptable performance. No reason they couldn't return to that.

Your problem with the new iPad doesn't surprise me because such a scenario is more avoidable with a larger device.

 

[Shrink]

It's very relevant to how I make my living. But thanks for listening and understanding, Shrink. I bet you're great in your field.

Wait...what the next iPhone is named is relevant to how you make your living?

How so??

Great in my field...no. But I show up for work every day, anyway.

 

[cvaldes]

Faraday? Anyone?

I guess you're not familiar with any of the mobile products that Apple has released over the past 2-3 years.

Apple could use plastic cutouts like they do for the iPad and iPod touch. Those have metal backs.

Or they could continue with their current practice of using the metal bands encircling the iPhone as antennas, just like the past two iPhone models. In any case, this would not be the first phone with a metal back. If I recall correctly, the original iPhone had a metal back.

So it's not a big deal. Plus, I hear that Apple has some decent hardware engineers.

 

[ixodes]

Liberal pinch of salt added.

Yes, I agree... Brilliant comment on your part

Here's a little blurb about the material:

"Liquidmetal also has a visible point of difference with scratch resistant surface finishes that can be satin blasted, highly polished, or molded with intricate designs and shapes not possible with other materials. This is truly a design-engineers' dream to be able to create the most innovative, unique and exciting designs that out-perform other popular high performance metals."

Liquidmetal potential applications include:
Golf Clubs
Tennis Rackets
Baseball and Softball Bats
Skis and Snowboards
Knives
Bicycles
Scuba Gear
Guns and Gun Equipment
Fishing Equipment
Marine Applications


http://is.gd/yz5EWx

 

[jclardy]

The new phase of the rivalry is because neither one of them can get a decisive edge over the other solely with its OS and AP specifications, features or design.

I'm pretty sure the 4S far outpaces the Galaxy S II in terms of sales. Now Android as a whole is a different story, but the 4S on its own can't really be compared to anything out there as far as I know.

 

[Tilpots]

Wait...what the next iPhone is named is relevant to how you make your living?

How so??

I sell phones for a living. Trying to explain the differences between the 4, 4S and 4G to the general public is an ***** pain. They don't get it, they don't understand, they're frustrated and they don't care... until it's not what they thought they were buying, and then they're pissed. It's a customer relations nightmare.

The numbering scheme is confusing and only started with the 4. It adds zero description of the phones functionality. It didnt just work, it wasn't elegant and I'm relieved that they realized it and threw it out with the new iPad.

I can't figure out why MR continues to perpetuate the 5 myth when there's ample enough evidence that they're incorrect. When the 4S wasn't named the 5, remember the backlash? Everybody thought they upgrade sucked just because of the name. It's silly.

 

[tirerim]

Just because your contract expires, doesn't mean you have to get a new phone. I bought my Verizon iPhone on a one year contract a year ago and I can now upgrade anytime I want...I am holding onto this iPhone until the next one comes out. If the next one doesn't wow me, I will hold onto my iPhone 4 until either it dies or Apple comes out with a phone that does wow me.

I had my previous phone for six years. Built like a tank, that one, though the only thing it did was make phone calls. Never had to replace the battery, either.

Though I wish it worked the same in the States as in some other countries, where the carriers actually give you a discount on the plan once you're off contract. (I think I've heard of T-Mobile doing this, or at least offering lower-priced plans for people who don't buy a phone with a subsidy, but certainly none of the major carriers do.)

 

[ThatsMeRight]

I sell phones for a living. Trying to explain the differences between the 4, 4S and 4G to the general public is an ***** pain. They don't get it, they don't understand, they're frustrated and they don't care... until it's not what they thought they were buying, and then they're pissed. It's a customer relations nightmare.

The numbering scheme is confusing and only started with the 4. It adds zero description of the phones functionality. It didnt just work, it wasn't elegant and I'm relieved that they realized it and threw it out with the new iPad.

I can't figure out why MR continues to perpetuate the 5 myth when there's ample enough evidence that they're incorrect. When the 4S wasn't named the 5, remember the backlash? Everybody thought they upgrade sucked just because of the name. It's silly.

Even if it was called the iPhone 5 it was a really small upgrade. The biggest two features were an improved camera and a faster CPU - both of which weren't really necessary.

 

[DrMotownMac]

i love how you get downvoted for sharing your opinion. pathetic lol and yep i agree with you, if the new iPhone doesnt convince me, ill go with the Galaxy S III or something like that. ive been using the iPhone since 2007, its time for something fresh in my case

---

maybe a announcement with a 4+ screen and iOS6 in june will give the devs enough time to adjust their apps for both old 3.5 iPhones and the new 4+ iPhone

I've often thought exactly the same thing...."My phone is getting old and my contract is up. Should I switch to Android? They do have some pretty sweet phones with outstanding specs."

BUT, then I come back to what made me get an iPhone in the first place. I LIVE in the Apple Ecosystem. That is to say, I own an iMac, Apple TV, a MacBook Air, an iPad 1 and iPad 3 (excuse me, a "new iPad"), and my wife has her own iPhone, iPad and MacBook Air. Yes, I realize it's excessive, but we can't help ourselves.

Meanwhile, we also both subscribe to the iCloud (former MobileMe users since its launch) and we use iTunes Match for our Music. All of our movies, TV shows, music and photos are stored on my iMac, 1st generation Apple TV and in the iCloud.

So, if I suddenly add an Android phone to the mix, I don't think I'd know what to do with it. Would all of my media, contacts, calendar, apps, etc. continue to work smoothly? As Elastigirl and Mace Windu have both famously said, "I don't think so."

Yes, I realize this is Apple's grand plan: get suckers like me to start buying their crap until they have so much of it, they can never get out. But the thing is, I'm pretty happy with their crap, and I don't complain NEARLY as often as my friends who live in Google-ville or Microsoft-land. The Apple world is a happy place to be. So, my wife and I will just sit tight with our two year old iPhone 4s (not 4Ss, but 4s, like plural iPhone 4 originals), and wait until Apple releases their Liquid Metal Terminator Phone and instructs me to buy two of them before they kill Sarah Connor. And, being a good customer (and mildly brainwashed zombie), I will do as I'm told and live under the rule of The Machines.

But, good luck with that Galaxy S III! I assume you're not as dependent on the Apple Ecosystem as I am.

 

[j_maddison]

Even if it was called the iPhone 5 it was a really small upgrade. The biggest two features were an improved camera and a faster CPU - both of which weren't really necessary.

I"m not sure I'd agree with you on those features not being necessary. I was actually disappointed the camera wasn't improved upon more. And the CPU can never be too quick IMO. Developers will always find new uses for that horsepower, and the more instantaneous and responsive an app or GUI can be, the better, not to mention decoding video etc.

I would definitely love to see a form factor change though