Industry analysts are already predicting that Apple's iPhone will be the best-selling smartphone of all time. How will it compare to the iPhone 4S? What hardware will it feature? How much will it cost? Joining us this morning is tech expert Brad Spirrison, Managing Editor for Appolicious Inc with the inside scoop.
Screen
-The iPhone screen will likely increase from 3.5 inches diagnolly to 4 inches diagnolly.
-The aspect ratio is expected to adjust from the current 3:2 aspect to 16:9 (which is the same aspect at HDTVs and most HD video)
-Some rumors indicate that in order to accommodate added screen space, Apple will ditch the current Home button at the bottom of the device, and find a new place for that capability.
Dock
The current dock is 30 pins. There is strong speculation that the size of the new doc will decrease to as low as 8 or 9 pins. The saved space would accomodate either new features, or additional hardware to make the device run more quickly, display more brightly, etc. Anybody's guess how that might appear.
Thinner Phone
The iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is 9.3mm deep. Analysts are speculating that the next iPhone could be less than 8m deep. This is due to a combination of "in cell" technology, which makes the touch sensors more space efficient, as well as a metal backside to replace the existing glass. The original iPhone was 11.6mm deep, and the 3G and 3Gs went as deep as 12.3mm.
Earbuds
The current earbuds with circular speakers may be replaced by an oval-shaped, narrower speaker.
Software
iOS 6. The software in the device. More Facebook integration, new Apple Maps, no more pre-installed YouTube.
Competitive devices
Samsung Galaxy S3. Motorola Droid Razr HD and RazrM. Other Microsoft/BlackBerry options.
Price:
Again all rumors, but educated guess is it will mirror the iPhone 4S. $199 for 16GB, $299 for 32GB, and $399 for 64GB. These are all subsidized prices that involve a two-year commitment/extension with your carrier. You will be able to buy "unlocked" phones without a commitment, but those typically start at $500+ and you will still need to pay for voice and data complete.
When will it go on sale?
9/21 is the rumor. Verizon employees were told they could not take vacations that day/following days. Usually it takes a bit more time for the device to come out after the announcement, but the prevailing date among pundits is Sept. 21. Consumers will likely be able to pre-order from Apple.com beginning today.
What's next? There is strong, recurring speculation that Apple will hold another event in October, to debut the iPad Mini. Would likely be a 7-inch screen, perhaps as low as $199 to compete head on with the Google Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire tablet.
For more informatino visit appolicious.com
