Apple Event 10/4/2011
So, the next Apple event is just around the corner, October 4. What are we going to see? Here are my thoughts on what Apple will announce.
Obviously there’s going to be at least 1 new iPhone announced. Now is it going to be an iPhone 4S, or an iPhone 5? I have a strong feeling there are going to be both. Why? Well, RadioShack’s inventory is showing iPhone 5′s for all 3 major carriers. While it’s no where near a definite (they could just be placeholders) it certainly is somewhat of a good sign of things to come. Secondly, Cincinnati Bell’s prepaid service accidentally showed placeholders for the iPhone 4S AND the iPhone 5 on their site over the weekend. The iPhone 4S has also shown up in the newest Beta of iTunes. So, if I had to say, I speculate that Apple will be announcing a cheap iPhone 4S with minor upgrades from the 4, and a new iPhone 5 with a complete design overhaul.
Apple will probably announce the new iPhone(s) on Tuesday and allow preorders either that same day, or a week later. They’ve done it both ways, so it’s a little difficult to predict.
I have a very good feeling that Apple will be announcing the GM for iOS 5. Beta 7 has been out for over a month, and it’s been very stable. I predict a GM release for developers on Tuesday, and general availability within 1-2 weeks.
So what about specs? Well, the new iPhone(s) will more than likely have Apple’s A5 chip, and, for the 5, will probably contain 1gig of RAM, an 8MP camera, and things look like a larger screen, possibly over 4 inches. The 4S would probably contain much of the same as the 4, but probably a little more RAM, and possibly smaller capacity (8GB only).
Network? Well I can say with quite certainty that Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T will be getting the new iPhone(s). Cincinnati Bell looks to be getting it as well, which would be quite the departure from the normal. I am seriously hoping for as many carriers as possible, as that (for Apple) would be a big increase in revenue. For consumers, that’s a plus as well, as there are many more options for service, a definite win-win.
Now some hopeful thinking. I’m really hoping that the new iPhone has LTE. I’m thinking it probably will have HSPA+, but that’s just an extension of 3G, so it’s a simple upgrade. Now I really really hope for this, but have a feeling that it won’t be making an appearance, per Apple’s usual mantra: the original iPhone didn’t have 3G because Apple deemed AT&T’s network to not be worth it at the time, plus it was a huge drain on the battery. Now, I believe that Verizon’s current LTE network is much more expansive than AT&T’s then 3G network, so while it is possible (especially since Verizon is constantly adding LTE in cities every single month & reports have LTE equipment being installed at Apple stores), I don’t think it’s very probable since it still is a little heavy on the battery.
All in all, I’m excited for Tuesday, and will be watching live blogs throughout the entire event. I’ll be tweeting as I see things announced, so keep an eye on my Twitter account! @theshoehorn
Posted in Speculation, Tech