After many months of speculation and rumours we do not have long to wait until we will finally get a glimpse of the next iPhone. The iPhone 5 is due to be launched by Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook at a keynote speech in Cupertino, California on Tuesday 4th October. Despite earlier stories of the new iPhone being lost in a San Francisco tequila bar, Apple have managed to keep exceptionally tight lipped about this upcoming phone.
iPhone 5 Launch
This will be the first iPhone that will not be launched by Steve Jobs, the iconic founder and father figure of the Apple electronic giant. Some people are already wondering whether Cook has the necessary charisma to set the new iPhone 5 of to the same start as Jobs has previously managed to. Regardless of how Cook’s speech actually turns out, Apple has a guaranteed winner on its hands with people already dusting off their tents in preparation.
With the release date impending the rumour mills are picking up pace, with trickles of information making their way from Apple supply chains in Asia. One piece of information that has appeared from Macworld Asia is that the iPhone 5 will come with HSPA+ support, allowing data speeds of 21Mbps. This seems to counteract earlier claims that the iPhone 5 would come with 4G LTE support. Although not strictly speaking ‘4G’, HSPA+ will provide much faster download speeds compared to those found on the iPhone 4.
HSPA+ seems almost certain considering that it is already present on Android phones like the Galaxy SII. The iPhone 5 may also include improved image stabilisation on its camera by making use of the gyro sensor and accelerometer, according to a recent patent filed by Apple. The iPhone 5 is also likely to incorporate advanced voice controls and all the benefits of the new iOS 5 like the notification tray.
Earlier rumours of Apple launching two iPhones instead of one are starting to lose momentum. Suppliers in Asia suggest that the earlier speculated iPhone 4S will not make an appearance, and that the original rumours were based on components being manufactured for a next generation iPod Touch. Some people are even suggesting that Apple have placed subliminal messages in the October 4th keynote invitation, with the green phone icon having the number ‘1’ in the corner.
With Apple employees being denied requests to take time off work in the first two weeks of October it seems like the iPhone 5 will go on sale very shortly after the speech on the 4th. Recent reports are suggesting that as many as 40% of people in North America and the UK will look to purchase iPhone 5 deals in the next few months.