Rumor: Next-gen iPhone now in production, possible design change in tow

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  • Reply 21 of 132
    cvaldes1831cvaldes1831 Posts: 1,832member
    No, it would not.


     


    Apple states iPhone sales in their quarterly financial results conference calls. From those calls, one should be able to determine a reasonable monthly production capacity, especially in the months in which the device is back ordered. 30 million iPhones per quarter is not atypical, but that's for a device that has most/all of its production kinks worked out. The initial production ramp months have less yield, so one would presume more time to make X amount of units versus full production six months down the line when the manufacturing partner has nailed it.


     


    Apple does not need an entire quarter's worth of iPhones for launch. They probably need a month's worth to launch. Enough to supply channel inventory, as well as daily replenishments at their own stores. The biggest issue is having enough stock for existing markets during the time the manufacturing line pumps out new devices for upcoming markets. Apple's manufacturing partners have a finite capacity, it's not like they can spit out two French Canadian 64GB iPhones, followed by one 16GB American iPhone, followed by two 32GB UK iPhones in succession. They have production runs for certain SKUs and certain destination kits.


     


    The cargo capacity of a single 747 cargo jet is uninteresting. The devices are being flown out every single day, but probably not on jets that are exclusively chartered to Apple Inc. The same aircraft are probably carrying Dell notebooks, Samsung smartphones, whatever alongside the pallets of iPhones.


     


    AppleInsider could easily look up the dimensions of a 747 Cargo jet, but that really gives us no insight into Apple's manufacturing capacity or distribution strategy. After all, the devices could easily go out on other aircraft.

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  • Reply 22 of 132
    kotatsukotatsu Posts: 1,010member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mstone View Post



    I'm wondering if I really want a larger iPhone. Perhaps a smaller iPhone, like really small and then have an iPad mini to do browsing and maps. With Siri you could conceivably have an iPhone like 50 mm square, even wrist style, that would do voice search everything and even FaceTime. Everything else would be better on an iPad mini anyway.


     


    I'd really like a larger iPhone. When I see people using Galaxy S 3s and HTC OneXs then I look at my iPhone's puny little screen I'm rather jealous.


     


    4.8" seems to be the standard now, and sadly Apple look to still be dragging their heels and refusing to keep up.


     


    It's curious that as Apple are apparently soon to offer people a choice in tablet size, they won't do the same in phone size. Why not make two versions of the iPhone 5 - one with the same tiny screen as previous iPhones, and one with a modern screen size? That way everyone is happy.

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  • Reply 23 of 132
    peter236peter236 Posts: 254member


    Apple is not leading the technological trend these days. Samsung and others are leading the trend by making 4.5 inch and 4.8 inch phones, which have large market demand. Apple is allowing its competitor to get away with rising sales.

     

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  • Reply 24 of 132
    chiachia Posts: 715member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kotatsu View Post


     


    I'd really like a larger iPhone. ...I look at my iPhone's puny little screen I'm rather jealous.


     


    4.8" seems to be the standard now, sadly Apple look to still be dragging their heels and refusing to keep up.


     


    ...Apple are apparently soon to offer people a choice in tablet size, they won't do the same in phone size. Why not make two versions of the iPhone 5 - one with the same tiny screen as previous iPhones, and one with a modern screen size?


    That way everyone is happy.



     


    With your persistent grumbling about all things Apple, I highly doubt that YOU will be happy, whatever Apple does.

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  • Reply 25 of 132
    kotatsukotatsu Posts: 1,010member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by ChiA View Post


     


    With your persistent grumbling about all things Apple, I highly doubt that YOU will be happy, whatever Apple does.



    They've made a lot of mis-steps lately it's true, and it's right to vent about them because I know they can be better.  They've squandered their lead in smart phones by failing to innovate, and in some ways iOS 6 is a big step backwards - the lack of the superb Google Maps with street view and very in depth local information is a massive, completely insane mis-step.  Maps is surely one of the top three most used features in a smart phone, and Apple have willingly crippled the iPhone 5, and anyone foolish enough to 'upgrade' with a vastly inferior mapping product. 


     


    The lack of a modern screen size for the iPhone is also a major issue. I use public transport a fair bit and can see trends in phones change over time - the British public have gone from dumb phones, to iPhones, to Blackberrys (bizarre I know, but true in my experience) to large screen Android phones. iPhones are still a common sight, but far less than they used to be.  It's impossible to know what the causes for this are, and there are most likely several, but given the way the likes of the Galaxy phones sell it's hard to imagine that screen size isn't a major draw.


     


    Then there's the skeumorphic design, which is beyond hideous. Whoever is green lighting these ghastly designs needs to be given a new job at Apple, perhaps making the tea or cleaning the loos.


     


    I've owned and used Apple products for many, many years, but they're being eaten alive by Google right now and that doesn't need to be the case.

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  • Reply 26 of 132
    chiachia Posts: 715member


    I have great admiration for the workers who assemble the iPhones.


    Yesterday I had to take apart a 3GS to repair it.


    It had over 30 tiny screws inside and lots of fiddly, delicate cables.


    It took me almost two hours to take apart, replace the faulty part and reassemble.


    I had the iFixit guide but it was the first time I had taken an iPhone apart.


     


    Thinking back, it probably took me about 30 minutes to reassemble the iPhone at home.


    I wonder what the average assembly time will be at the factories?


    It may be quicker as they'd be starting from scratch with the necessary tools at hand but 30 screws!


     


    From my experience I also appreciate how much design can affect the product's manufacture.


    I can see how the iPhone 4 and 4S are easier to assemble than the 3GS.


    Easier assembly should make for faster production, shipping and sales.


     


    Fingers crossed the new iPhone will be easier still.

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  • Reply 27 of 132
    zozmanzozman Posts: 393member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kotatsu View Post

    I've owned and used Apple products for many, many years, but they're being eaten alive by Google right now and that doesn't need to be the case.


     


    Android does have a bigger market share, but apple makes more money & seems to have a better business model, its one of those things, it will sort its self out, people will buy what they want.


     


    The new iPhone that's hopefully coming out in the next few months, will either look the same as the old one...or it will look different, these random rumor articles are pointless. 

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  • Reply 28 of 132
    lerxtlerxt Posts: 186member
    I fly some of those cargo 747's that take iPhones to the US. They carry about 80-120 tonnes depending on the fuel and the model. They do carry not just Apple stuff except for some that are virtually exclusive Apple loads from xxxx and Hong Kong. The first shipments start in August...
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  • Reply 29 of 132
    entropysentropys Posts: 4,471member
    Someone seriously wants a 4.8 inch screen phone? A phone? Derick Zoolander must be turning over in his grave. (aside: is he dead yet?)

    I have come to the conclusion people who want a screen that size never use the phone as a phone, because it looks friggin' stupid holding something that size against your head.
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  • Reply 30 of 132
    jragostajragosta Posts: 10,473member
    lerxt wrote: »
    I fly some of those cargo 747's that take iPhones to the US. They carry about 80-120 tonnes depending on the fuel and the model. They do carry not just Apple stuff except for some that are virtually exclusive Apple loads from xxxx and Hong Kong. The first shipments start in August...

    Right. And they happen to tell you over a month in advance what the cargo is going to be on some future shipments. And they let their pilots publicly announce what's on the planes. Riiiiiigghhttt.
    kotatsu wrote: »
    They've made a lot of mis-steps lately it's true, and it's right to vent about them because I know they can be better.  They've squandered their lead in smart phones by failing to innovate, and in some ways iOS 6 is a big step backwards - the lack of the superb Google Maps with street view and very in depth local information is a massive, completely insane mis-step.  Maps is surely one of the top three most used features in a smart phone, and Apple have willingly crippled the iPhone 5, and anyone foolish enough to 'upgrade' with a vastly inferior mapping product. 

    The lack of a modern screen size for the iPhone is also a major issue. I use public transport a fair bit and can see trends in phones change over time - the British public have gone from dumb phones, to iPhones, to Blackberrys (bizarre I know, but true in my experience) to large screen Android phones. iPhones are still a common sight, but far less than they used to be.  It's impossible to know what the causes for this are, and there are most likely several, but given the way the likes of the Galaxy phones sell it's hard to imagine that screen size isn't a major draw.

    Then there's the skeumorphic design, which is beyond hideous. Whoever is green lighting these ghastly designs needs to be given a new job at Apple, perhaps making the tea or cleaning the loos.

    I've owned and used Apple products for many, many years, but they're being eaten alive by Google right now and that doesn't need to be the case.

    Eaten alive? I'm sure Apple shareholders would agree. /s

    Apple has the lion's share of profits in the industry. Sure, the competitors are able to give phones away and sell cheap junky phones at low prices. They're even able to get a portion of the high end phones. But your characterization is grossly misleading.

    Look at the Galaxy SIII. Fastest selling Android phone ever AFAIK. They sold 6 M phones in the first quarter (including several months of pre-orders and over a month of shipping product). Apple sold 4 M iPhone 4S phones in the first weekend.

    Apple is not interested in being the only cell phone provider - they are too focused on being the best.

    As for your opinions on design? Who cares what you think? It would be pretty hard to argue that your expertise (whatever it might be) is better than Apple's experience.
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  • Reply 31 of 132
    uguysrnutsuguysrnuts Posts: 459member


    Just buy an Android phone. Problem solved. Then begone.


    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kotatsu View Post


     


    I'd really like a larger iPhone. When I see people using Galaxy S 3s and HTC OneXs then I look at my iPhone's puny little screen I'm rather jealous.


     


    4.8" seems to be the standard now, and sadly Apple look to still be dragging their heels and refusing to keep up.


     


    It's curious that as Apple are apparently soon to offer people a choice in tablet size, they won't do the same in phone size. Why not make two versions of the iPhone 5 - one with the same tiny screen as previous iPhones, and one with a modern screen size? That way everyone is happy.


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  • Reply 32 of 132
    philboogiephilboogie Posts: 7,675member
    entropys wrote: »
    Someone seriously wants a 4.8 inch screen phone?

    Nope. Dell knows this, after the failed Streak from June 2010. Came with donut, not the edible type, but the Android 1.6 version.
    jragosta wrote: »
    Or this:
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow–Washington_hotline

    LOL. From that picture it looks like Apple wasn't the first with a one-button phone¡

    293
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  • Reply 33 of 132
    lerxtlerxt Posts: 186member
    [QUOTE]. Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lerxt 

    I fly some of those cargo 747's that take iPhones to the US. They carry about 80-120 tonnes depending on the fuel and the model. They do carry not just Apple stuff except for some that are virtually exclusive Apple loads from xxxx and Hong Kong. The first shipments start in August...

    Right. And they happen to tell you over a month in advance what the cargo is going to be on some future shipments. And they let their pilots publicly announce what's on the planes. Riiiiiigghhttt.
    [/QUOTE]

    Wait and see......
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  • Reply 34 of 132
    irelandireland Posts: 17,802member
    I'm not a fan of the two-tone design on the rear. Given that the antenna is external I'm hoping for an all-metal back. And an all metal back can't smash either. If the upper and lower parts are glass I promise you they will get broken/smashed for many, many people during the product's lifetime; which makes the decision to do that a bad design for the customer.

    I was hoping for slightly more radical design changes on iPhone 5 (the new iPhone), but will reserve final judgement for when the product ships (but, it is looking like it will be two-tone; which I personally find to be, shall we say: ugly). I'll probably still end up buying it for the camera improvements, though (I'm on a 4); to feed my Instagram addiction.
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  • Reply 35 of 132
    irelandireland Posts: 17,802member
    philboogie wrote:
    LOL. From that picture it looks like Apple wasn't the first with a one-button phone¡

    293

    Hehe.

    You should change your signature to 'Surface won't Surface'
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  • Reply 36 of 132
    kotatsu wrote: »
    I use public transport a fair bit and can see trends in phones change over time - the British public have gone from dumb phones, to iPhones, to Blackberrys (bizarre I know, but true in my experience) to large screen Android phones. iPhones are still a common sight, but far less than they used to be.

    I also use public transport in the UK daily, and I don't see the tends you do. The overwhelming trend is the explosion of smartphone ownership. From two years ago to now, almost all the dumb phones have been replaced with smartphones. A candy bar Nokia is a rare sight. In the pub, the people with dumb phones get teased now, not smartphone owners. I see a few big screen Android phones around, but there are many, many more iPhones.

    And, I don't recognise the dumb phone to iPhone to Blackberry to Andriod trend you mention. Some kids and some suits are sticking to Blackberry, while everyone else is using an iPhone or an Android phone (I've only ever seen one Lumia in the wild). Of the Andriod phones, only a few I see are the big screen type. They're beautiful, but awkward to use for most (they need two hands for basic stuff), and so won't ever form the majority.
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  • Reply 37 of 132
    Daekwandaekwan Posts: 175member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kotatsu View Post


    They've made a lot of mis-steps lately it's true, and it's right to vent about them because I know they can be better.  They've squandered their lead in smart phones by failing to innovate.


     


     


    I've owned and used Apple products for many, many years, but they're being eaten alive by Google right now and that doesn't need to be the case.



     


    And yet you still miss the point of the Apple products.  Apple has never been in some secret competition to be the #1 leader in sales, activation or marketshare.  The reason why their products are successful is because they dont follow the market trend train.  Apple's #1 goal is the best user experience.  Look at pretty much every product they sell.  The iPod looked the same for years.  The Macbook looked the same for years.  The iPhone, iPad, AppleTV, Extreme Router, iMac, you-get-the-point, has looked the same for years.  


     


    Some fake azz attempt at inovation of having a 1000 different versions of your phone.. and giving them away at 99cent buy one, get one free prices.  To gain marketshare.. isnt what Apple is about.  Apple is a computer/consumer electronics company.  They have been that way since they started in the late 1970's.  They dont release "me-too" products.  They dont release products on an absolute schedule.  They dont rush products to market attempting to answer a competitor.  And they dont care about selling cheap crap.  What they do is research & design something that will better the user experience, they spend years refining it.. until its truly ready for public use.  They are one of the very few companies that ALWAYS develops their own hardware & software.  When they release a product, there is usually one version of it.. and that version is done right.  Its well designed, well made (with the most premium materials available), extremely user friendly & it will not be cheap.

     


    "If you have owned & used Apple products for many, many years".  Then you should know this already.


     


    Google's strategy is completely different than Apple.  Google is an advertising company first & foremost.  Why do so many people quickly forget this?  For Google's strategy to work, they have to practically give everything in their product portfolio for free.  Google Search, Gmail, Google Voice, Google Maps, Google +, Google Docs, Google Translate, Google Wallet, Google Cloud, Google Music, Youtube and even Android are all free for users to use.  The more people they bait into using their products, the more information they get to collect from those users.  The more users & information Google collects.. the more advertisers are willing to pay Google to reach those users.


     


    Understand the difference first.  Then choose the product & company that fits you best. 

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  • Reply 38 of 132
    tbelltbell Posts: 3,146member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tallest Skil View Post





    Apple is a software company, said Steve.

    But "people that love software want to do their own hardware. "


     


     


    His quote is taken out of context and doesn't match up with history. Apple has always been a hardware company. Wozniak's claim to fame was hardware. The only reason Apple creates most of its software is to make the hardware more valuable. That is why Apple gets pissed off when people steal the hardware designs  and wants an injunction when a company like Microsoft would only want a license. Apple used to frequently change the design of its hardware around when its customer base was smaller to get people to buy new hardware. For the longest time there wasn't anything comparable to iMovie and iPhoto on any other platform.


     


    If you go into any phone store and compare Apple's hardware with the rest, it is clear Apple's hardware is leaps above. I especially don't understand why Samsung does so well. It's hardware is made out of the cheapest materials and feels that way. 

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  • Reply 39 of 132
    tbelltbell Posts: 3,146member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Daekwan View Post


     


    And yet you still miss the point of the Apple products.  Apple has never been in some secret competition to be the #1 leader in sales, activation or marketshare.  The reason why their products are successful is because they dont follow the market trend train.  Apple's #1 goal is the best user experience.  Look at pretty much every product they sell.  The iPod looked the same for years.  The Macbook looked the same for years.  The iPhone, iPad, AppleTV, Extreme Router, iMac, you-get-the-point, has looked the same for years.  


     


    Some fake azz attempt at inovation of having a 1000 different versions of your phone.. and giving them away at 99cent buy one, get one free prices.  To gain marketshare.. isnt what Apple is about.  Apple is a computer/consumer electronics company.  They have been that way since they started in the late 1970's.  They dont release "me-too" products.  They dont release products on an absolute schedule.  They dont rush products to market attempting to answer a competitor.  And they dont care about selling cheap crap.  What they do is research & design something that will better the user experience, they spend years refining it.. until its truly ready for public use.  They are one of the very few companies that ALWAYS develops their own hardware & software.  When they release a product, there is usually one version of it.. and that version is done right.  Its well designed, well made (with the most premium materials available), extremely user friendly & it will not be cheap.

     


    "If you have owned & used Apple products for many, many years".  Then you should know this already.


     


    Google's strategy is completely different than Apple.  Google is an advertising company first & foremost.  Why do so many people quickly forget this?  For Google's strategy to work, they have to practically give everything in their product portfolio for free.  Google Search, Gmail, Google Voice, Google Maps, Google +, Google Docs, Google Translate, Google Wallet, Google Cloud, Google Music, Youtube and even Android are all free for users to use.  The more people they bait into using their products, the more information they get to collect from those users.  The more users & information Google collects.. the more advertisers are willing to pay Google to reach those users.


     


    Understand the difference first.  Then choose the product & company that fits you best. 



     


     


    When the first iPhone came out the people thought it would be a success if Apple took one percent of the market. That was Apple's goal. You make some other good points. With Apple you are the customer, and with Google you are the product. As such the companies attitudes are much different. 

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  • Reply 40 of 132
    tbelltbell Posts: 3,146member

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Entropys View Post



    Someone seriously wants a 4.8 inch screen phone? A phone? Derick Zoolander must be turning over in his grave. (aside: is he dead yet?)

    I have come to the conclusion people who want a screen that size never use the phone as a phone, because it looks friggin' stupid holding something that size against your head.


     


     


    I agree. Also the problem with the bigger phones is putting them in your pocket. My iPhone fits in my pocket nicely.  However, occasionally I notice if my iPhone goes in my pocket sideways, and I bend down, the fabric of my pants will stretch and put a lot of pressure on the phone. If the phone was much bigger, I am sure it would break. 

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