A "flatter" iOS 7? A new A7 processor? A fingerprint chip? Here, a handy guide to all the iRumors
1. It might debut this summer
The latest reports claim Apple has already started production of the iPhone 5S. Previous versions of the iPhone were typically unveiled in the fall, but Apple could be looking to unwrap the 5S during the dog days of summer. According to MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities — who boasts a pretty solid track record with this kind of stuff — says he expects Apple to debut the new iPhone in July. Such an effort would "avoid repeating the fatal mistake" made last year with the delayed iPhone 5 launch, "which gave competitors room to grab market share." Did someone say Samsung Galaxy?
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2. More horsepowerThis is a no-brainer, but according to Kuo's sources, the iPhone 5S will include some incremental spec bumps, most notably a new quad-core A7 processor. Here's the full rundown of the purported specs:
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3. 'Smart Flash'
The camera on the iPhone 5 has received excellent marks from reviewers, but Kuo insists the iPhone 5S will support a new feature called "Smart Flash." Essentially, the camera will automatically decide whether to use a white or yellow flash depending on lighting.
4. A new fingerprint chip
Nary a day goes by without a hacking story, and Apple could shore up the iPhone's defenses by potentially scrapping the four-number login. According to Kuo, the iPhone 5S will come sporting a first-of-its kind "fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability." Remember: Last July Apple bought AuthenTec, a security firm specializing in fingerprint-based technology.
SEE MORE: Jony Ive's major iOS 7 redesign: 'Black and white and flat all over'?
5. The 5S could have a little siblingRumors have long persisted of a more affordable iPhone built from lower-cost parts like a polycarbonate shell. Tim Cook insists that Apple will never make a "cheap" product, and Apple already sells older models at steep discounts. Still, everyone from The Wall Street Journal to DigiTimes reports that a more affordable iPhone is likely on the way, mostly to help the company gain some much-needed traction in emerging markets. Kuo claims that when the curtains rise for the iPhone 5S this summer, we shouldn't expect it to shine alone.
The iPhone 5 is a pristine feat of engineering — the best in its class, per more than a couple tech publications.
Critics gushed about the handset's feather-light brushed-aluminum
chassis, and its larger 4-inch screen to compete with bigger,
crowd-pleasing Androids. Now, the annual rumor mill is once again
beginning to churn, and speculation naturally turns to this question:
What will the next iPhone look like?
If history is any indication, we already have our answer: It'll probably look a lot like the iPhone 5. Here's what we know so far:1. It might debut this summer
The latest reports claim Apple has already started production of the iPhone 5S. Previous versions of the iPhone were typically unveiled in the fall, but Apple could be looking to unwrap the 5S during the dog days of summer. According to MacRumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities — who boasts a pretty solid track record with this kind of stuff — says he expects Apple to debut the new iPhone in July. Such an effort would "avoid repeating the fatal mistake" made last year with the delayed iPhone 5 launch, "which gave competitors room to grab market share." Did someone say Samsung Galaxy?
SEE MORE: Could fracking ruin Germany's beer?
2. More horsepowerThis is a no-brainer, but according to Kuo's sources, the iPhone 5S will include some incremental spec bumps, most notably a new quad-core A7 processor. Here's the full rundown of the purported specs:
SEE MORE: 5 fascinating reasons cockroaches will outlive us all
3. 'Smart Flash'
The camera on the iPhone 5 has received excellent marks from reviewers, but Kuo insists the iPhone 5S will support a new feature called "Smart Flash." Essentially, the camera will automatically decide whether to use a white or yellow flash depending on lighting.
4. A new fingerprint chip
Nary a day goes by without a hacking story, and Apple could shore up the iPhone's defenses by potentially scrapping the four-number login. According to Kuo, the iPhone 5S will come sporting a first-of-its kind "fingerprint chip under the Home button, improving security and usability." Remember: Last July Apple bought AuthenTec, a security firm specializing in fingerprint-based technology.
SEE MORE: Jony Ive's major iOS 7 redesign: 'Black and white and flat all over'?
5. The 5S could have a little siblingRumors have long persisted of a more affordable iPhone built from lower-cost parts like a polycarbonate shell. Tim Cook insists that Apple will never make a "cheap" product, and Apple already sells older models at steep discounts. Still, everyone from The Wall Street Journal to DigiTimes reports that a more affordable iPhone is likely on the way, mostly to help the company gain some much-needed traction in emerging markets. Kuo claims that when the curtains rise for the iPhone 5S this summer, we shouldn't expect it to shine alone.
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