It is a fact that apple can no longer compete in the smartphone market against such large players now like HTC and Samsung with just hardware and physical features that would be impossible as these companies are willing to throw all of their profits in R&D to crank out phones every other month
Apple is the biggest company in the world.
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Is iOS 5 a worthwhile OS for someone who already has a Samsung Galaxy S II or a Evo 3d to make the switch to the iPhone. Well they would now have to sacrifice their larger screen, NFC, 3D, HDMI ports Dual flash, and for what. They would go to an OS with a new notification system that is not as good as the one they came from. They would have twitter integrated. Is that really a big deal? NO they would have had all the features of this on their last phone it was just nothing that was bragged about. They will have the new assistant feature, which is good because android has had that since 2.2 so its not a big deal to them. They will notice that allot of the videos in some of the websites they frequent don't work anymore. In all I don't think apple would be wise to just release a small spec bump with competition this fearsome and iOS really being a Catch-up OS.
With that said Google will be announcing Ice Cream Sandwich soon so we will know what features iOS 6 will have. JK
Ice Cream Sandwich is paying catch=up with iOS 4.0, by integrating the Tablet and Phone OS. Thats only a year later than iOS 4. iOS 5, like all of Apple's OSes, are far better than Android's VM, precisely because it is an OS, not a VM.
Android's only advantage is maps.
( As for the voice assistant. Most people dont care, on either phone. We can type).
Apple lives and dies by it's design. I will buy one of these 4S as I have a 3GS, I update every two cycles ( and thus the delay has bugged me anyway). However there will be little reason for someone on the 4 to update to the 4S. The 3GS was a dog. The 3GS was much better.
If iOS5 screams on the 4S it may sell. Otherwise people on an iPhone 4 will stick to it.
ditto.
But it is a bit puzzling it took so long. Lots of reason why, but don't know if they hold with the competition coming on so strong.
The 3GS was essentially the same aesthetically as the 3G. The feature set was not a significant improvement. It was essentially *just* a speed bump, which was proven not to be bad mojo at all as the iPhone only became more popular. So Apple may well be staying consistent.?
This is a very different world compared to June 2009. Apple's competitors have stepped up their game, and sticking to the tired old form factor could prove to be disastrous this time.
Note that I owned a 3GS and thought it was a great update at the time (an incredible speed bump). It was more than good enough to deal a significant blow to the competition. Hell, Android was only really put on the map for mainstream consumers months later, in November 2009, with the first Droid. Things are very, very different today - the next few weeks will see the release of Android phones with 1.5 Ghz dual core CPUs and 720p-screens, and WP7 has really come into its own. I will be horribly disappointed if Apple stick with the iPhone 4 design.
Sure, but what would developers do? Add another button in a row of horizontal buttons because they could do this while keeping their 'physical' size the same?
Can anybody with some experience with Android tell me how this is done there? If you run the same app on a 3.5" Android phone and on a 4.3" Android phone. Are the control elements (buttons etc.) larger (in millimetres) on the 4.3" device? Are there more control elements? Or use the control elements the same pixel numbers and the extra space (and pixels) are used to display more non-fixed size content (eg, longer lists, larger photos)?
Controls stay the same size but can be programmed to keep the same distance from the edge of a screen, or another control etc. None too different to the way resizing works on a window on OS X when resized. Its not a huge challenge.
I can see a case for a $49 (under AT&T/Verizon contract) iPhone 4, an iPhone 4S with updated internal components in an iPhone 4 casing, and the tapered iPhone 5 with the larger display.
The 3GS was essentially the same aesthetically as the 3G. The feature set was not a significant improvement. It was essentially *just* a speed bump, which was proven not to be bad mojo at all as the iPhone only became more popular. So Apple may well be staying consistent.
On the other hand, 15 months are a long time for a speed bump, unless the software is the reason for the delay.
Except when the 3GS came out there was still no real smartphone competition, so it was almost like Apple saying "others still can't do what we do, but we're improving on ourselves". Now the playing field is very different. iOS is still loads better in my mind than Android, but the fact is a lot of consumers are going for larger screens, more memory, etc (as others have posted above). For Apple to do a "tweak" at this point - and especially after so long - would in fact be a disappointment, at a minimum.
Who says that the device has to be redesigned every year or two? It's still selling and leading the industry, so why constantly change it - just to make a tiny percentage of people on AI who might care happy?
There have been a number of times that Apple kept designs in use for years. It's not the end of the world.
Besides, what else does it need? There are plenty of software updates coming - which will work just fine on a 4S. It's supposedly getting more RAM, better camera, faster CPU, and becoming a 'world phone'. For 99% of people, that's plenty. Sure, some want a bigger screen, but others won't buy it if it has a bigger screen, so that's a wash. What else does it really need? Would it really be a better phone with an FM tuner, 8-track player, and tailfins?
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
If they don't change the case design, that means they will be amortizing the iPhone 4 design over 2 generations, and that is good for profitability. Apple is super good at maximizing margins. They keep the number of models to a minimum. Why do they need 2 case designs?
I expect that on Tuesday, we will have an iPhone 4 8GB at $99, iPhone 4s 16GB at $199, and iPhone 4s 32GB at $299. Improved specs on the 4s (such as A5, 1GB RAM and 8MP camera) and loads of software improvements (such as stabilization for video, perhaps).
Look for long lines outside Apple stores on introduction day.
So it has a significantly faster dual-core processor, twice as much RAM, a better camera and is HSPA+ ready. What exactly would make this any more of a 'new' phone? It's an across the board upgrade!
Sure, it's nice to have a new look every now and again, but the iPhone 4 looks BEAUTIFUL, it's silly thin and it's sold like hot cakes with auntie Maggie's jam on top!
I can't think of anything hardware-wise that I would expect in excess of what is listed here. iOS5 is where my excitement lies. When Apple released the iPhone 4 last year I thought to myself 'they're gonna struggle to come up with something new for next year after this.' Not that I want them to, because I think they've hit a ceiling now with features. More speed is all we can expect each year from now on. The odd new thing like NFC sure, but the major areas like resolution, multitasking, front facing cameras etc. have all be resolved now.
Think about it, what's changed in a MacBook in the last 5 years? It's got thinner and faster, that's it. It's about the software now and that's fine by me.
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
Who cares? Apart from possibly Assistant, all of this stuff will work on my iPhone 4 too. Good software is obviously of paramount importance, but I expect Apple to lead in the hardware deparment as well. They're not doing that if they stick to a 15-month old design with a diminutive screen. So where's the incentive to upgrade my 4? Now, if they gave it a bigger screen with 720p-resolution, the rumored elongated capacitive home button, an aluminium back... I'd jump on that.
I can see a case for a $49 (under AT&T/Verizon contract) iPhone 4, an iPhone 4S with updated internal components in an iPhone 4 casing, and the tapered iPhone 5 with the larger display.
If the iPad 2 in relation to the original iPad is any reflection, the speed bump would not be minor. It doubled. Further, Apple used to redesign the casings for its Macs every year when it was struggling to sell Macs. Now that its Mac market share is increasing and it doesn't need to rely on the Mac faithful upgrading every two years, it has not significantly redesigned the casings of any of its Macs. By all indications, the iPhone is still the number one selling phone. Apple might redesign the casing, but the market isn't really giving Apple a significant reason to do so. Further, it would be foolish to do a major redesign as that would risk its current sales.
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Originally Posted by therealestmc
I might sit on the sideline this time around. I don't think i can spend over 600 dollars on an iPhone 4 with minor speed bumps. i am holding onto my iPhone 4 or i will get a htc or samsung phone until apple comes out with the iPhone 5 new year.
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
Speech is not the big deal everybody seems to think. And iOS 5 runs on a 3GS. iCloud storage we already know about .
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If they don't change the case design, that means they will be amortizing the iPhone 4 design over 2 generations, and that is good for profitability. Apple is super good at maximizing margins. They keep the number of models to a minimum. Why do they need 2 case designs?
Why not amortize the design of the iPhone 1 over 4 generations?
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I expect that on Tuesday, we will have an iPhone 4 8GB at $99, iPhone 4s 16GB at $199, and iPhone 4s 32GB at $299. Improved specs on the 4s (such as A5, 1GB RAM and 8MP camera) and loads of software improvements (such as stabilization for video, perhaps).
Those prices are basically you taking the existing on contract an US based prices, which are not reflective of the actual prices at all and applying them to the new models. That makes no sense. There is no reason to get rid of the 3GS, for instance. In fact you contradicted yourself in two paragraphs - amortizing the 4S design is good, getting rid of a top selling phone like the 3Gs is good.
And where, in this business plan. is the cheap model? The iPhone 4 8GB at $99 is really selling at $450 off contract. Not cheap. Even if - maybe especially if - they just have a 4S they will keep the 3GS. It runs iOS 5. It can be their entry model outside the US. <$300 of contract. Or cheaper.
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Look for long lines outside Apple stores on introduction day.
For just the 4S? Tumbleweed. I'll get one because I waited two cycles. I have no reason to see one, as there is nothing to see ( unlike the retina display last year). So even though I didnt buy last year, I went to take a look the day after the release in the UK. This year - an online order.
Apple lives and dies by it's design. I will buy one of these 4S as I have a 3GS, I update every two cycles ( and thus the delay has bugged me anyway). However there will be little reason for someone on the 4 to update to the 4S. The 3GS was a dog. The 3GS was much better.
If iOS5 screams on the 4S it may sell. Otherwise people on an iPhone 4 will stick to it.
Most people update every 2 cycles. At least those who are on a 2-year contract. I skipped both 3G and 3Gs. Got my iPhone 4 on the first day it was available. AT&T will not give me a subsidized price again until Feb 2012. So, I will wait and upgrade as soon as eligible. Now, if AT&T were to cut my monthly charge as soon as the contract was over, I would not upgrade for a long time.
Controls stay the same size but can be programmed to keep the same distance from the edge of a screen, or another control etc. None too different to the way resizing works on a window on OS X when resized. Its not a huge challenge.
Not a huge challenge but if Apple releases a 4" phone on Tuesday, it will nevertheless take quite some time until most apps actually take advantage of it. I mean, how long did it take until most apps had their iPad version which is also just a larger window? iPad app developers had a three month headstart between announcement and shipment but it still took quite some time.
So much is pointing to two phones. Evidence of one is not evidence against two.
And don't discount iOS5. Form factor is not why people buy the iPhone. It's apps, features, and usability.
There's been a lot of case imagery floating around, some of it convincing enough for me to think the cases are real, and plentiful. This is not to say that they'll fit anything Apple will introduce, but it appears significant money has been spent to make cases for something which is clearly not an iPhone 4S.
Comments
And the hits just keep on coming!...
There is a TUAW post of a reader who "captured" an image from Cincinnati Bell of an iPhone 5 with 4" screen and 4G
What to believe?... Is your head spinning from the rumor jerk around? C'mon Tuesday!
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That site doesn't mention Apple that I can see
http://i-ontheweb.com/shop/phones.aspx
Except for the case leaks, I'm unaware of any actual iP5 hardware 'leaks'.
Looks like it will be 4s.
It is a fact that apple can no longer compete in the smartphone market against such large players now like HTC and Samsung with just hardware and physical features that would be impossible as these companies are willing to throw all of their profits in R&D to crank out phones every other month
Apple is the biggest company in the world.
Is iOS 5 a worthwhile OS for someone who already has a Samsung Galaxy S II or a Evo 3d to make the switch to the iPhone. Well they would now have to sacrifice their larger screen, NFC, 3D, HDMI ports Dual flash, and for what. They would go to an OS with a new notification system that is not as good as the one they came from. They would have twitter integrated. Is that really a big deal? NO they would have had all the features of this on their last phone it was just nothing that was bragged about. They will have the new assistant feature, which is good because android has had that since 2.2 so its not a big deal to them. They will notice that allot of the videos in some of the websites they frequent don't work anymore. In all I don't think apple would be wise to just release a small spec bump with competition this fearsome and iOS really being a Catch-up OS.
With that said Google will be announcing Ice Cream Sandwich soon so we will know what features iOS 6 will have. JK
Ice Cream Sandwich is paying catch=up with iOS 4.0, by integrating the Tablet and Phone OS. Thats only a year later than iOS 4. iOS 5, like all of Apple's OSes, are far better than Android's VM, precisely because it is an OS, not a VM.
Android's only advantage is maps.
( As for the voice assistant. Most people dont care, on either phone. We can type).
That sight doesn't mention Apple that I can see
.
That site did. But it's just guesswork.
Its a much more competitive world...
Apple lives and dies by it's design. I will buy one of these 4S as I have a 3GS, I update every two cycles ( and thus the delay has bugged me anyway). However there will be little reason for someone on the 4 to update to the 4S. The 3GS was a dog. The 3GS was much better.
If iOS5 screams on the 4S it may sell. Otherwise people on an iPhone 4 will stick to it.
ditto.
But it is a bit puzzling it took so long. Lots of reason why, but don't know if they hold with the competition coming on so strong.
The 3GS was essentially the same aesthetically as the 3G. The feature set was not a significant improvement. It was essentially *just* a speed bump, which was proven not to be bad mojo at all as the iPhone only became more popular. So Apple may well be staying consistent.?
This is a very different world compared to June 2009. Apple's competitors have stepped up their game, and sticking to the tired old form factor could prove to be disastrous this time.
Note that I owned a 3GS and thought it was a great update at the time (an incredible speed bump). It was more than good enough to deal a significant blow to the competition. Hell, Android was only really put on the map for mainstream consumers months later, in November 2009, with the first Droid. Things are very, very different today - the next few weeks will see the release of Android phones with 1.5 Ghz dual core CPUs and 720p-screens, and WP7 has really come into its own. I will be horribly disappointed if Apple stick with the iPhone 4 design.
That site did. But it's just guesswork.
Sure, but what would developers do? Add another button in a row of horizontal buttons because they could do this while keeping their 'physical' size the same?
Can anybody with some experience with Android tell me how this is done there? If you run the same app on a 3.5" Android phone and on a 4.3" Android phone. Are the control elements (buttons etc.) larger (in millimetres) on the 4.3" device? Are there more control elements? Or use the control elements the same pixel numbers and the extra space (and pixels) are used to display more non-fixed size content (eg, longer lists, larger photos)?
Controls stay the same size but can be programmed to keep the same distance from the edge of a screen, or another control etc. None too different to the way resizing works on a window on OS X when resized. Its not a huge challenge.
The 3GS was essentially the same aesthetically as the 3G. The feature set was not a significant improvement. It was essentially *just* a speed bump, which was proven not to be bad mojo at all as the iPhone only became more popular. So Apple may well be staying consistent.
On the other hand, 15 months are a long time for a speed bump, unless the software is the reason for the delay.
Except when the 3GS came out there was still no real smartphone competition, so it was almost like Apple saying "others still can't do what we do, but we're improving on ourselves". Now the playing field is very different. iOS is still loads better in my mind than Android, but the fact is a lot of consumers are going for larger screens, more memory, etc (as others have posted above). For Apple to do a "tweak" at this point - and especially after so long - would in fact be a disappointment, at a minimum.
This is silly.
Who says that the device has to be redesigned every year or two? It's still selling and leading the industry, so why constantly change it - just to make a tiny percentage of people on AI who might care happy?
There have been a number of times that Apple kept designs in use for years. It's not the end of the world.
Besides, what else does it need? There are plenty of software updates coming - which will work just fine on a 4S. It's supposedly getting more RAM, better camera, faster CPU, and becoming a 'world phone'. For 99% of people, that's plenty. Sure, some want a bigger screen, but others won't buy it if it has a bigger screen, so that's a wash. What else does it really need? Would it really be a better phone with an FM tuner, 8-track player, and tailfins?
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
If they don't change the case design, that means they will be amortizing the iPhone 4 design over 2 generations, and that is good for profitability. Apple is super good at maximizing margins. They keep the number of models to a minimum. Why do they need 2 case designs?
I expect that on Tuesday, we will have an iPhone 4 8GB at $99, iPhone 4s 16GB at $199, and iPhone 4s 32GB at $299. Improved specs on the 4s (such as A5, 1GB RAM and 8MP camera) and loads of software improvements (such as stabilization for video, perhaps).
Look for long lines outside Apple stores on introduction day.
Look for long lines outside Apple stores on introduction day.
Maybe, but I don't expect them to be selling 600,000 in the first weekend of pre-orders like they did with the iPhone 4.
Sure, it's nice to have a new look every now and again, but the iPhone 4 looks BEAUTIFUL, it's silly thin and it's sold like hot cakes with auntie Maggie's jam on top!
I can't think of anything hardware-wise that I would expect in excess of what is listed here. iOS5 is where my excitement lies. When Apple released the iPhone 4 last year I thought to myself 'they're gonna struggle to come up with something new for next year after this.' Not that I want them to, because I think they've hit a ceiling now with features. More speed is all we can expect each year from now on. The odd new thing like NFC sure, but the major areas like resolution, multitasking, front facing cameras etc. have all be resolved now.
Think about it, what's changed in a MacBook in the last 5 years? It's got thinner and faster, that's it. It's about the software now and that's fine by me.
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
Who cares? Apart from possibly Assistant, all of this stuff will work on my iPhone 4 too. Good software is obviously of paramount importance, but I expect Apple to lead in the hardware deparment as well. They're not doing that if they stick to a 15-month old design with a diminutive screen. So where's the incentive to upgrade my 4? Now, if they gave it a bigger screen with 720p-resolution, the rumored elongated capacitive home button, an aluminium back... I'd jump on that.
I can see a case for a $49 (under AT&T/Verizon contract) iPhone 4, an iPhone 4S with updated internal components in an iPhone 4 casing, and the tapered iPhone 5 with the larger display.
Tapered iPhone 5 is unlikely. Read this:
http://daringfireball.net/2011/09/teardrop_skepticism
I might sit on the sideline this time around. I don't think i can spend over 600 dollars on an iPhone 4 with minor speed bumps. i am holding onto my iPhone 4 or i will get a htc or samsung phone until apple comes out with the iPhone 5 new year.
I agree. The iPhone 4 design is near-perfect in my opinion. As Steve said,"...like a fine Leica camera."
The smartphone is all about software. I am willing to bet that iOS5 with Assistant speech recognition and iCloud storage will knock the socks off everybody.
Speech is not the big deal everybody seems to think. And iOS 5 runs on a 3GS. iCloud storage we already know about .
If they don't change the case design, that means they will be amortizing the iPhone 4 design over 2 generations, and that is good for profitability. Apple is super good at maximizing margins. They keep the number of models to a minimum. Why do they need 2 case designs?
Why not amortize the design of the iPhone 1 over 4 generations?
I expect that on Tuesday, we will have an iPhone 4 8GB at $99, iPhone 4s 16GB at $199, and iPhone 4s 32GB at $299. Improved specs on the 4s (such as A5, 1GB RAM and 8MP camera) and loads of software improvements (such as stabilization for video, perhaps).
Those prices are basically you taking the existing on contract an US based prices, which are not reflective of the actual prices at all and applying them to the new models. That makes no sense. There is no reason to get rid of the 3GS, for instance. In fact you contradicted yourself in two paragraphs - amortizing the 4S design is good, getting rid of a top selling phone like the 3Gs is good.
And where, in this business plan. is the cheap model? The iPhone 4 8GB at $99 is really selling at $450 off contract. Not cheap. Even if - maybe especially if - they just have a 4S they will keep the 3GS. It runs iOS 5. It can be their entry model outside the US. <$300 of contract. Or cheaper.
Look for long lines outside Apple stores on introduction day.
For just the 4S? Tumbleweed. I'll get one because I waited two cycles. I have no reason to see one, as there is nothing to see ( unlike the retina display last year). So even though I didnt buy last year, I went to take a look the day after the release in the UK. This year - an online order.
Apple lives and dies by it's design. I will buy one of these 4S as I have a 3GS, I update every two cycles ( and thus the delay has bugged me anyway). However there will be little reason for someone on the 4 to update to the 4S. The 3GS was a dog. The 3GS was much better.
If iOS5 screams on the 4S it may sell. Otherwise people on an iPhone 4 will stick to it.
Most people update every 2 cycles. At least those who are on a 2-year contract. I skipped both 3G and 3Gs. Got my iPhone 4 on the first day it was available. AT&T will not give me a subsidized price again until Feb 2012. So, I will wait and upgrade as soon as eligible. Now, if AT&T were to cut my monthly charge as soon as the contract was over, I would not upgrade for a long time.
Controls stay the same size but can be programmed to keep the same distance from the edge of a screen, or another control etc. None too different to the way resizing works on a window on OS X when resized. Its not a huge challenge.
Not a huge challenge but if Apple releases a 4" phone on Tuesday, it will nevertheless take quite some time until most apps actually take advantage of it. I mean, how long did it take until most apps had their iPad version which is also just a larger window? iPad app developers had a three month headstart between announcement and shipment but it still took quite some time.
What about those iPhone5 case and other rumors?
So much is pointing to two phones. Evidence of one is not evidence against two.
And don't discount iOS5. Form factor is not why people buy the iPhone. It's apps, features, and usability.
There's been a lot of case imagery floating around, some of it convincing enough for me to think the cases are real, and plentiful. This is not to say that they'll fit anything Apple will introduce, but it appears significant money has been spent to make cases for something which is clearly not an iPhone 4S.