iPhone 5 may not launch until the autumn
Reports indicate Apple will stick with the 4S's timeframe, while also preparing revamp of iTunes and App Store
Published: 21 February, 2012
The latest wave of reports about Apple's plans for 2012 suggest a major revamp of the iDevice portfolio, to try to put clear water between the firm and its increasingly powerful Android challengers. A new iPad, perhaps with LTE and a RetinaDisplay, is slated for next month; the iTunes and App Store platforms could be given a major makeover later this year; but the iPhone 5 is reported to be planned to launch in the fall, rather than Apple reverting to its traditional summer schedule.
Last year's iPhone 4S was unveiled in the autumn, which caused one of Apple's rare disappointing quarters as the market waited for the new model - though it more than compensated for that with a huge fourth quarter performance based heavily on the 4S. However, Apple supporters will hope it goes back to its old summer timeframe for this year's iPhone, since it is increasingly seeing Samsung grasping the high end initiative with a host of LTE models, and the promise of an ultra-high resolution display.
But according to Japanese blog Macotakara, citing "reliable Asian sources" in the supply chain, Apple will choose September/October for its handset launches for the foreseeable future, perhaps to make maximum impact during the important holiday quarter and also to replace the iPod in the autumn debut slot as the music player becomes less significant to the product mix. And as the iPhone 4S is still selling rapidly, Apple will not want to stem that tide too early with a new handset. Waiting a few extra months could allow it to create a really bighitting redesign, while taking advantage of falling prices and sizes in LTE chipsets.
The source of the report about a redesigned iTunes Store and App Store is the 9to5mac blog, which says Apple is working to make the platform simpler and more navigable. Apple has reportedly told its music and other content partners that it wants to make the iTunes Store a "much more engaging experience", which will be important as it faces rising competition from Amazon, Spotify and others in music.
One long running rumor which has come true is Apple's deal with China Telecom. The third Chinese cellco will now offer the iPhone 4S, starting on March 9, ending rival Unicom's three-year stint of being the only supplier. Telecom will offer the 16Gbytes model for free with contract. The cellco has about 12% market share in the Chinese mobile market, but punches above its weight in 3G, where it has over 25% of the base.
More APP STORE News
More HANDSET News
More HANDSET News
COMMENTS
Carrier Broadband Performance: Africa & Middle East
Carriers are using mobile broadband as their weapon of choice in the fight against the commoditization of voice and falling ARPU. This...
Voice over LTE: Market Analysis and Forecasts
VoLTE offer unique advantages in lowering a carrier's voice infrastructure economics and promises to improve voice quality, device...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
