Apple’s next iPhone continues to sit just out of sight on the horizon, and the latest rumors suggests that a few of the details of just what Apple’s latest smartphone iteration will be are still up in the air.
According to a story from iMore, some of the interesting rumors about the device – the larger screen, LiquidMetal unibody construction, and 16:9 aspect ratio – aren’t going to happen. The report cites unnamed sources, who claim that Apple hasn’t quite figured out just how big the screen will be, but that it won’t be exceptionally larger than those of the currently available iPhones.
The story from iMore claims that while the screen size and ratio hasn’t been decided, Apple is implementing the smaller dock connector for the new device, which will allow it to leave more space internally for things like a bigger battery and 4G LTE cellular radio. If the screen size does change, the report stipulates, it won’t be by much – and the iPhone’s screen definitely won’t be larger than 4 inches, apparently. Oh, and the device will be keeping the ubiquitous home button, contrary to other rumors.
All those conflicting rumors, this year and last, might be the result of Apple’s prototyping process, iMore suggests. Apple makes lots of prototypes to try out different components and designs, ranging from conservative to outlandish, and Apple eventually settles on one that works best for its costs and goals.
We’ve also heard that a 7-inch iPad is coming along with the new iPhone, and that both are being launched in October. Apple also intends to revamp its Maps app, the rumors say, and stop using Google for its map services – a move that will affect the search giant’s ad revenues, since Google reportedly makes more from advertising on iOS than it does from its own Android operating system.
Of course, these are all rumors, but some seem more substantiated than others. The LiquidMetal body for the iPhone, for example, seems to be less likely, as does the larger screen. Then again, Apple is likely to iterate pretty substantially on its smartphone this time out, given the fact that the iPhone 4S was not greatly changed from the iPhone 4. Apple is due to wow consumers, so it doesn’t seem too far-fetched that the iPhone 5 will be different from its predecessors.
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