Okay, we all know the next iPhone is going to be announced in a little under three hours… but which one? The iPhone 4S or the iPhone 5?
Claiming they have been “briefed” on today’s “Let’s Talk iPhone” event by “sources familiar with Apple’s plans, the guys over at The Next Web say they’ve confirmed the iPhone 4S, which will have the same form factor, an A5 processor, 1GB of RAM, an 8 megapixel camera with “improved optics” and more. Don’t expect the iPhone 5.
The Next Web reports:
Sources familiar with Apple’s plans have revealed to us that Apple will indeed debut the new iPhone 4S today, featuring an 8-megapixel camera with “enhanced optics” and “more definitive GPS features” thanks to Apple’s new A5 processor.
Our sources tell us the iPhone 4S “is much more powerful than an iPhone 4″ and “feels like the high-end device”, all but confirming that the device will feature Apple’s new A5 processor and include 1GB RAM, as tipped in previous reports, noting that the device will retain the same dimensions and design as the iPhone 4.
The 8-megapixel camera will output photos with a 3264 × 2448 resolution, the same resolution of a photo posted by an Apple employee a number of weeks ago. The 8-megapixel camera also lines up with Sony CEO Howard Stringer’s accidental confirmation that the Japanese electronic giant was to supply an eight-megapixel camera for Apple’s next-generation iPhone.
We were also told that the iPhone 5, which is rumoured to sport a teardrop design and aluminium unibody, is merely an Apple prototype for a future iPhone 5 “which won’t be available any time soon”, as the “iPhone 4S will have the same dimensions”.
This isn’t really anything new. At this point, you’ve really got to be toking hard to think the iPhone 5 is coming, when there’s no evidence for the iPhone 4S. Still, consider this the penultimate word on the subject: Apple is not going to release a radically redesigned iPhone this year.
John Brownlee is a writer for Fast Company, and a contributing writer here at CoM. He has also written for Wired, Playboy, Boing Boing, Popular Mechanics, VentureBeat, and Gizmodo. He lives in Boston with his wife and two parakeets. You can follow him here on Twitter.
99 responses to “The iPhone 4S With New GPS Features Is The Only New iPhone Coming This Year [Report]”
:-(
weh?
If they don’t i think it will be a huge mistake on their part
Then count me as toking hard. Apple’s stock is going to absolutely plunge if they don’t release a redesign. There’s the fact its been 16 months. There’s the fact there was enough controversy around the design the first time around with the antenna. They simply can’t release an updated 4. It’s not gonna happen.
There was a leak today confirming the Nexus Prime with a 4.6” 720p screen. If Apple sticks to the 3.5” shit, Prime here I come. But, they won’t. Seriously, I don’t know why this is hard to understand, the only evidence of a redesigned iPad 2 was case makers. If we use the fail logic of “no evidence, hurr durr” then the iPad 2 should not exist. The last phone under the direct guidance of El Jobso will not be an incremental upgrade. Apple won’t be the only manufacturer sticking to 3.5” screens. They won’t have a brand new OS with a minor hardware update. The “s” was a one time thing, the design has changed more than it has stayed the same. Apple won’t intro a device that looks inferior sitting next to other phones. After the 4 fiasco of course no one has seen anything related to the 5.
Wrong – the case design matters less than you think (it’ll be thinner if it looks similar to a 4 anyway).
Even if it’s called a 4S, it’s still the biggest update ever. Huge iOS 5 leaps, massive hardware boosts everywhere…
And then Assistant, which is Apple joining the AI and search race. Maybe even hint of an iPhone “social platform” after evidence of follow/block functions in iOS 5.
Apple can call it whatever they damn please, this phone will be another game changer and their ad team know how to convince you to love it.
I agree with Tom…sell the stock now! If they are going to continue to be a major player in the smartphone arena, they better introduce a newly designed iPhone today. I think it would be ridiculous to announce a revamped iPhone four and then come out with a newly designed one in a few months….the cell companies will never let us upgrade again without a charge!
I think the 4s would sell loads of units there’s alot of people out there that got the 3GS when that came out on a 2 year contract and would be ready to upgrade now.
“…when there’s no evidence for the iPhone 4S.” – apart from the Vodafone DE site that temporarily listed a black and white iPhone 4S ;)
“…when there’s no evidence for the iPhone 4S.” – apart from the Vodafone DE site that temporarily listed a black and white iPhone 4S ;)
Telling other commenters they are wrong, rather than the cult of mac article, just to be clear. Though, regarding the article, to say there’s no iPhone 4S evidence is inaccurate – references to the title were found in a recent iTunes beta.
I would have liked a bigger screen, but: way faster with more memory, a better camera, probably a better antenna (which no one is talking about after making such a big deal about it last time around), and iOS 5 is more than enough to get me to upgrade from my 3G. I think 3GS owners will also go for it, and the rumored voice recognition capability may be enough to grab a lot of 4 owners. The bigger deal for the stock would be the addition of another Chinese carrier, even if it’s just a low-end, non-contract 3G phone. Adding Sprint doesn’t hurt, either.
Apple is really dropping the ball after all the hype.
How about some perspective?
The original iPhone kept the same general design from 2007 until the release of the iPhone 4 in 2010. Yes, the iPhone 4 is 16 months old, but it’s STILL the bestselling smartphone out there right now. (Also, I don’t see anything wrong with the current form factor. If anything, I think a teardrop design would be a step down — think of how awkward it would be to hold in landscape orientation.)
A spec bump is all the iPhone really needs right now. Any outstanding antenna issues can be improved without having to redesign the whole case.
It will be what it will be. This is Apple, and frankly, NO ONE KNOWS A THING until Apple actually tells us what’s up their sleeve. This is the way it has always been, and the way it always will be.
If it’s an IPhone 4s i guess I’ll be keeping my enV3 longer. dammit! gimme some iPhone5! Don’t want that little i4
I sincerely do not think it is possible nor that it is “Apple-like” to launch iOS5 , without the accompanying iPhone5. It would not make sense to have iOS5 with an Iphone4-ish. Furthermore, I think Apple learned from the “lost iphone4 incident”, and that’s why I think that even though an Iphone4s will be announced, the real big surprise will be the “unknown” and “unleaked” Iphone5 (in a 32GB/64GB version). Just my 2 cents
They changed ipad design in 10 months, its been 15 months since iphone 4 launch and i think its time to change the design, this is what i think, be positive.
Not Apple’s hype! They haven’t said *anything*.
Alas! I’m not the only one preaching this shit! For the longest time I have said that the only clear evidence we got with the iPad 2 was that from the same case manufacturer that leaked the iPhone 5 CAD dwgs… These rumors sites are seriously dropping the ball on the hype while fucking with us in the worst way. Brownlee can’t even stick to one side of a rumor; every article he releases contradicts the last..
I’m with ya man, incremental upgrade = prime or galaxy. I’m tired of looking a 3.5 inch screen while everyone else has 4-4.5+; 2011 is a game changing year for phones and a screen size from 2007 won’t cut it any longer.
Good point. I agree a teardrop design is not comfortable for landscape use. But a new thinner design would certainly generate some buzz, and is my prediction. If they were going to upgrade the same design they would have done it already. I might be wrong. We’ll find out in an hour.
If Apple doesn’t release a larger screen, I can guarantee you that Apple fans will flock to the Nexus Prime or Galaxy 2. Why am I so sure of this? Because I’m one of them. A screen size from 2007 isn’t attractive anymore.
The 3G and 3GS had the same case design. If anything, this shows a track record for Apple keeping its cases the same to make the most of all that expensive factory tooling they paid for.
Also, to ditch the iPhone 4 design after one generation would be like admitting they got something wrong, after the antennae problems.
Keeping the iPhone 4 design is a matter of pride for Apple.
As for the screen size… maybe that will happen. Maybe.
However, until 2010, there was also next to no pressure from Android. It was up-and-coming, but never held the capacity to challenge the iOS platform. It’s beginning to gain momentum and Apple will want to make a move to quash it as much as possible.
I think there’s a bunch of confusion right now with the “budget” iPhone rumors. Here’s my main issue: Why would they release a budget phone that *looks* the same as their premium product? Why would anyone buy the 4S? Apple is a brand that, to many (not most of us on here), is about fashion. They want to have the latest iPhone. If you can *look* like you have the latest iPhone, why buy the best one?
They’re at least announcing a 5 with a new form factor today. The budget iPhone 4 will launch today in order to compete in the pre-paid market the dominates a large percentage of the world. These two products WILL NOT compete. the budget iPhone will be banned from being subsidized on contract. iOS 5 will get Facebook integration, but perhaps not 5.0 and will come in 5.1. And lastly, assistant. That’s my bet for today. They can’t afford, with the departure of Jobs, to appear to be stuck with a phone from almost a year and a half ago. The 3GS was a major leap over the 3G. Video recording was a huge addition. So was Voice Control. We’re seeing something significant today or we’re seeing the stock tumble.
Frankly I’m not one of them. I have no use for a “larger” screen. I have friends that have them and think they are obnoxiously large. If you want a bigger screen go get a 7 inch Tab. Phones are getting out of hand with the sizes. I think that apple’s screen size is perfect.
wow i would be really disappointed in apple
i have a 3gs and i am ready for upgrade and i dont want iphone 4 /4s i want iphone 5
i am pissed if this happens
really not apple like to wait this long for just a speed bump
what crap
I agree, I think this will create a very difficult situation for Tim Cook if he decides to release an iphone 4s with a 3.5 inch screen only. Not a good way to start.
OMG, finally someone that agrees with me that Brownlee is dam flip flop. The article below this talks of the iPhone 5 being some weird exclusive to Sprint and about how it won’t run LTE…
Dammit, Brownlee, I don’t mind posting of these articles, but stop claiming that each one is the penultimate on whether or not we see the iPhone 5. We’ll know soon enough!
Also, did you no just post a CoM Exclusive that case maker was manufacturing iPhone 5 cases for this release?
I think that as said before they are going to need to change the design to compete with other phones out there. But i don’t forsee a radical change. It will probably be the same round about design as the 4 but a bit thinner and a slightly larger screen. Also apple has yet to release a cheaper phone and the rumors fly every new phone about this I don’t see it happening this time either. I think they know they are going to have to change the design in some way to keep people coming back. All an upgrade is going to do is sour the followers. I did not upgrade to the 4 because of its design. If the design stays the same I will not upgrade again. I will continue to wait for the new design if ever.
An iPhone 4 is very functional, when at the end of the day that is all that matters. Why must we gloat on form factors and physical appearance. It’s the insides and hardware that matter the most. The screen size and overall size of the phone is quite suitable.
Correction….insides and software
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
You’re pounding that “No iPhone 5” button pretty hard John. Hopefully there’s not a hard-to-swallow brunch of crow and humble pie in store for you.
Actually, I take that back. Hopefully there IS. Because I want the iPhone 5…now.
I have got to agree with Jrsnfd, a screen any larger than the current model just doesn’t float my boat. I need the thing to fit into the pocket of my jeans.
WHAT?!?! Get the fuck outta here! If Appl doesn’t release an iPhone 5 level phone they’re probably just going to stick with the iPhone 4 and if they have an iPhone 3GS, might upgrade to the iPhone 4’s new lower price. I buy Apple devices because they’re generally better to than the competition. Going to Android is just childish as most would do it because they want to spite Apple. Like I said, I don’t want a 4S, and think Apple is really fucking over a lot of people if they just release a 4S but lol I ain’t going to Android. That’s called being counterproductive ?
The iPhone 4 IS functional AND revolutionary, not to mention. But people won’t upgrade just for an incremental change. It’s a numbers game; always has been. Apple won’t be able to compete much longer if they can’t keep with the times. The Apple 2 computer was a great computer, but it didn’t last forever and neither will the iPhone 4. Apple’s competitors are gaining strength and it isn’t because of software (Apple will trump in software every time), it’s because of hardware. A 2 year old phone just simply isn’t attractive anymore.
Because Apple is one of the great design marvels and many, many, many people had issues with the iPhone 4’s design. I’m not one of them, hell, I don’t drop calls because I know where not to touch. That said, the design was flawed for the general public. In addition, Apple made people wait 16 months for a new iPhone. 16 months is a lot of work to put into a phone that looks exactly the same as the iPhone 4. Nah, this is fucked up and Apple is most likely see disappointing sales compared to the what the analysts say. At least I hope so. A 4S does not deserve to sell well. Apple needs to get their shit together and release an iPhone 5. Of course, all this is in the event that they really aren’t announcing the iPhone 5. This could just be the best kept secret EVER! If not, Fuck the iPhone 4S, I keep my iPhone 4.
Improved processor, improved RAM, improved camera, improved GPS and HUGELY IMPROVED SOFTWARE.
Does it matter what the thing’s called?
Unfortunately it does. People are THAT bloody stupid.
Apple, you owe it to your shareholders to call it the iPhone 5 and not 4S.
FUCK YEAH, BROTHER! The iPhone 4S would have been acceptable 4-5 months ago. Now? Now, I want an iPhone 5 or it really shows that Apple needs a wake up call. Apple fucked up by taking too long getting iOS 5 ready that they delayed the iPhone. The customers shouldn’t pay for it. It’s not right at all.
This was the phone that should have came out 5 months ago. I don’t think anybody’s against the idea of the 4S, just the fact that Apple delayed the phone AND iOS 5 to have the same design and functionality as the iPhone 4. If voice recognition doesn’t work on the iPhone 4, you’ll have plenty of angry iPhone 4 users.
Apple is really dropping the ball for delaying everything.
iPhone (Original) changed to the iPhone 3G. Plenty of people had issues dropping the phone and cracking the back glass panel; that’s an issue. The iPhone 5 was also supposed to have a capacitive home button, so it’s not just a bout looks.
Apple changed the iPad after one generation.
Apple put itself in this corner by being one of the more innovative companies around. The thing is, quite often, Apple is only slightly more innovative than the competition. That’s why it was so easy for Palm to release WebOS, which I called a better iPhone OS than iOS and Microsoft to release Windows Phone 7, which is incredible standing next to iOS. Apple needs to stop f’ing around and, for once, release a device that is the best at everything! That’s why I bought a Mac Pro. I got tired of Apple including badass processors and then including a GPU that is years old. Apple makes more than enough money to innovate to extreme lengths EVERY YEAR. They’re just being kinda greedy at this point.
The best comment i’ve ever read.
are you kidding the iphone 4’s design is the best part the 3gs, & 3g were plastic and feel cheap when compared… more glass and aluminum design please…
Take a bow Mr Brownlee – you nailed it.
If the siri voice recognition is not spectacular iphone 4s will be a real failure. NO one has been able to do decent voice recognition, even on a desktop.
And the built in location service sounds like a terrible idea. How many boyfriends/teenagers/husbands want to be tracked? Its one thing if a location app can be run, its another if the location service is built-in. YIKES Apple… bring Jobs back ASAP!!!
They often do that after a first gen product. Same for iPhone 1.
It went like this:
iPhone 1
iPhone 3G then 3GS
iPhone 4 then iPhone 4S
It’s their track record. Any complainers really are revealing themselves to be flat out pathetic.
I humbly eat my crow as I curse the hype machine that is Apple. You were right, John. And it’s a bitter pill I’m swallowing.
you were right, pretty disappointing, but as i like iPhone 4 design a lot for me the hardware upgrade matters a lot, in our part of world iPhone isn’t officially announced, we buy unlocked with really high price around 850$, but I’m really looking forward to have 4s in couple of months when price in grey market gets settled. but i must appreciate all the bloggers the way they dig into apple and get really close rumors, but what happen to those case makers who were showing different cases all over.