Two new iPhone identifiers discovered by ad tracking service, rumored 'iPhone 6C' model in doubt
Mobile app marketing firm Fiksu on Tuesday discovered two new iPhone device identifiers in its dataset for July, suggesting Apple's tests of next-generation hardware do not include a rumored low-end model dubbed "iPhone 6C."
The firm reported seeing about 150 iPhones carrying identifiers not currently in public circulation, 87 labeled "iphone8,1" and 67 tagged "iphone8,2." For reference, Apple's current iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models are designated "iphone7,2" and "iphone7,1," respectively.
The "iphone8,1" and "iphone8,2" identifiers are thought to be associated with next-gen "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" hardware, though finalized naming conventions have yet to be announced. Perhaps most apparent in today's data is the absence of a third identifier for a much-rumored "iPhone 6C," which would theoretically carry an "iphone7,3" or "iphone7,4" designation due to its basis on current-generation hardware.
Rumors and speculation have suggested Apple plans to release of three new iPhone models for 2015, with the "6C" potentially marking a return to the 4-inch form factor. Earlier today noted cellphone leaker Evan Blass said he heard Apple was looking to announce all three devices this year, most likely at a special event next month.
Apple's supposed next-gen iPhone test base accounts for only a small fraction of total device impressions that number "in the millions," but Fiksu was able to determine that an overwhelming number of devices connected to data networks within the U.S., with a handful of hits originating in Germany and Brazil.
Apple is expected to unveil its latest smartphone lineup in the coming weeks as part of its annual product refresh cycle. A report last week pegged the date as Sept. 9, adding that an anticipated Apple TV revamp might also make the bill.
The firm reported seeing about 150 iPhones carrying identifiers not currently in public circulation, 87 labeled "iphone8,1" and 67 tagged "iphone8,2." For reference, Apple's current iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models are designated "iphone7,2" and "iphone7,1," respectively.
The "iphone8,1" and "iphone8,2" identifiers are thought to be associated with next-gen "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" hardware, though finalized naming conventions have yet to be announced. Perhaps most apparent in today's data is the absence of a third identifier for a much-rumored "iPhone 6C," which would theoretically carry an "iphone7,3" or "iphone7,4" designation due to its basis on current-generation hardware.
Rumors and speculation have suggested Apple plans to release of three new iPhone models for 2015, with the "6C" potentially marking a return to the 4-inch form factor. Earlier today noted cellphone leaker Evan Blass said he heard Apple was looking to announce all three devices this year, most likely at a special event next month.
Apple's supposed next-gen iPhone test base accounts for only a small fraction of total device impressions that number "in the millions," but Fiksu was able to determine that an overwhelming number of devices connected to data networks within the U.S., with a handful of hits originating in Germany and Brazil.
Apple is expected to unveil its latest smartphone lineup in the coming weeks as part of its annual product refresh cycle. A report last week pegged the date as Sept. 9, adding that an anticipated Apple TV revamp might also make the bill.
Comments
Does anyone know why Apple doesn't simply spoof the identifier rather than pass along the real useragent info on these test phones?
Who's to say they didn't? Until the new hardware is actually released, everything is conjecture.
Does anyone know why Apple doesn't simply spoof the identifier rather than pass along the real useragent info on these test phones?
Apple likely needs the correct identifiers to gather diagnostic information with their servers.
Does anyone know why Apple doesn't simply spoof the identifier rather than pass along the real useragent info on these test phones?
Makes it easier to track down prototypes left in bars.
But if this is accurate and there's no 6C turn for sure the 6 is getting discounted. Apple has to have something for the mid-tier.
I doubt Tim Cook takes these rumours and analyst "reports" any more seriously than sensible people do horroscopes.
A couple of minutes of entertainment and chuckling at the nonsense of it all, then back to work with the serious business of running Apple.
People aren't that stupid
What data tracking suggests is that there are devices "marked" as such iPhones, but unless they are coming from known Apple IP addresses or ISP's that Apple employees use, they could probably be dismissed as spoofs.
It's not unprecedented to have people spoof potential user agents precisely to determine if a website "knows" about a future device.
People aren't that stupid
Oh. Really?
"Prototype iPhone was left at bar by Apple software engineer"
http://appleinsider.com/articles/10/04/19/prototype_iphone_was_left_at_bar_by_apple_software_engineer
"Apple engineer frantically searched for lost prototype iPhone"
http://appleinsider.com/articles/10/04/21/apple_engineer_frantically_searched_for_lost_prototype_iphone
"Steve Jobs talks lost prototype iPhone, Adobe Flash at All Things D"
http://appleinsider.com/articles/10/06/01/steve_jobs_talks_lost_prototype_iphone_adobe_flash_at_all_things_d
"Apple searching for another missing iPhone prototype left in SF bar"
http://appleinsider.com/articles/11/08/31/apple_searching_for_another_missing_prototype_left_in_sf_bar
"SFPD requests bar surveillance footage for lost iPhone 5 probe"
http://appleinsider.com/articles/11/09/25/sfpd_requests_bar_surveillance_footage_for_lost_iphone_5_case
... suggesting Apple's tests of next-generation hardware do not include a rumored low-end model dubbed "iPhone 6C."
But I think it's still possible for Apple to release an iPod touch that could do wi-fi calls.
It would fit the rumors: 4-inch "iPhone", iOS 9 wi-fi calling feature, release schedule different from iPhone / iPad.
Sure, iOS 8 has a wi-fi calling feature, but it isn't enabled for all carriers. Yet.
And it would be trivial to add a speaker/earpiece to an iPod touch. Or throw in earbuds with a mic.
So does an iPod touch that can make wi-fi phone calls actually make any business sense?
Probably not. It would give cheapskates something like a low-end alternative to iPhone.
But it might cannibalize iPhone sales somewhat.
But I think it's still possible for Apple to release an iPod touch that could do wi-fi calls.
It would fit the rumors: 4-inch "iPhone", iOS 9 wi-fi calling feature, release schedule different from iPhone / iPad.
Sure, iOS 8 has a wi-fi calling feature, but it isn't enabled for all carriers. Yet.
And it would be trivial to add a speaker/earpiece to an iPod touch. Or throw in earbuds with a mic.
So does an iPod touch that can make wi-fi phone calls actually make any business sense?
Probably not. It would give cheapskates something like a low-end alternative to iPhone.
But it might cannibalize iPhone sales somewhat.
How would Wi-Fi calling work with no linked cellular number. How would anyone call you on it?
The real reason the stock drops is because a consensus target price is reached and sellers act together. The strength and health of the company is irrelevant.
Here's an interesting way to make calls with an iPod Touch:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/35224746/piece-change-the-way-you-use-smart-phones
Skype, Google Voice, or any number of apps which assign numbers to your account. Indeed if you wanted to drop your cell service altogether, you could transfer your cell number to Google Voice in particular
Yes but why does that need the iOS Wi-Fi calling function?
I wouldn't give Google my cell number and I honestly can't see anyone relying totally on voice over IP using WiFi. It's a niche in a niche.
One rationale for having a 4-inch form factor phone is the ease of one-handed use. Even Steve acknowledged the importance of this consideration when talking about the size of the iPhone.
However, with the arrival of the Watch, maybe it obviates a need for the one-handed iPhone. You don't need to hold the Watch, and you can dictate to it rather than type. It doesn't perfectly cover all the ways people use a one-handed phone, but maybe it's good enough.
I'm still on a 4S, which is excellent for one-handed use, and in thinking about my next upgrade, am considering a Watch & the 6S Plus combo.
Skype, Google Voice, or any number of apps which assign numbers to your account. Indeed if you wanted to drop your cell service altogether, you could transfer your cell number to Google Voice in particular.
Yup.
Yes but why does that need the iOS Wi-Fi calling function?
I wouldn't give Google my cell number and I honestly can't see anyone relying totally on voice over IP using WiFi. It's a niche in a niche.
Good advice.
Never give Google your cell number.
But but but Google is not evil.