We usually save anonymously-sourced, totally unconfirmable Apple rumors for our weekly Apple rumors roundup; but when a likely iPhone 5 announcement date emerges along with the best-yet photos of the next-generation iPhone, you can't stand on ceremony.
Why is this news? Just last week, two separate blogs reported that September 21 would be the Big Day for the next iPhone. iMore's article, however, separates itself in a few key ways:
1. It also has an announcement date -- September 12 -- attached to it, which we have not heard yet.
2. The two blogs (PhoneArena and App4Phone) have empty track records when it comes to Apple rumor reportage, so we can't know how reliable their unnamed sources are. iMore's sources have been accurate in the past, especially when it comes to announcement and release dates.
3. iMore includes the iPad Mini in its report, which no other news site had yet done.
Recent reports from respected Apple sources like KGI Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (one of the few financial analysts not to buy into the redesigned iPhone 5 hype last year) have strongly argued for a September release date for both the new iPhone and perhaps the iPad Mini, too; if iMore's dates aren't exactly correct, in other words, they are likely close to accurate. Another Apple site with strong credentials, iLounge, also has a report Monday morning claiming that the new iPhone will be released in the "third week of September."
iLounge's Jeremy Horwitz, however, does not necessarily agree with iMore's Rene Ritchie on the topic of the iPad Mini. Writes Horwitz:
The iPad mini will apparently not be ready to ship at the same time as the new iPhone, and might have its own debut event. Our source says that it could ship by November, which we noted would be really close to year’s end, during a month that typically doesn’t see new hardware releases from Apple; our source stood firm on the target date.
While the exact details of the announcement date and release date of the smaller, cheaper iPad (dubbed "iPad Mini" by an analyst about a year ago) remain mired in disagreement, it appears pundits with anonymous sources do agree on a release date for the next iPhone: The third week in September, perhaps on Friday September 21. The iPhone 4S was released on October 12, also a Friday.
As for the details of the so-called iPhone 5, we're still expecting the usual features: 4G LTE connectivity; a larger 4.0-inch screen, with a taller, thinner phone body; the headphone jack moved to the bottom of the phone; and a smaller dock connector. Up to now, we've seen a few good renderings and mock-ups of what that phone could look like; now, however, we have some gorgeous high-def photos, from the Japanese website iLab. These iPhones were apparently constructed from leaked parts assembled outside of a manufacturing plant, according to CydiaBlog:
If that's not enough for you, another Japanese Apple blog, Macotakara, has posted a new video to YouTube, showing what is allegedly the casing for the next iPhone. It gives a good multi-dimensional look at what might be the design of the upcoming, September-bound iPhone:
Does the two-tone, taller and thinner casing in this video and in these photos contain the look of the new iPhone, and will it be available for purchase on September 21? Given the consistency of leaks, and the provenance of iMore and iLounge, both scenarios are looking ever more likely.
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Two Blogs Claim iPhone 5 Will Be Released On September 21
Are you less than two months away from holding the new iPhone 5 in your own hands?
Only Apple execs, and perhaps their spouses and/or lovers, know for sure, but <a href="http://www.bgr.com/2012/07/26/iphone-5-release-date-rumor-september-21st/" target="_hplink">two separate blogs this week reported</a> that they had discovered the next iPhone's official release date. One of the blogs (App4Phone) is written in French, and the other (PhoneArena) is written in English; and though the two can't agree on a common language, they did come together on one thing: The iPhone 5 will be released on September 21.
That's what they've heard, anyway. PhoneArena <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/news/iPhone-5-release-date-set-to-be-September-21_id32598" target="_hplink">has claimed that September 21st</a> is the day once before, and <a href="http://www.phonearena.com/news/More-rumors-confirm-September-21-to-be-iPhone-5-release-date_id32684" target="_hplink">now they're confirming that date</a>. The first time PhoneArena heard this rumor, their source was an accessory maker; this time, the source is "an employee working for a large U.S. retailer." (Because it has been in the news so often this week, I can only assume that the "large U.S. retailer" in question is, indeed, Chick-Fil-A).
The Francophones at App4Phone, meanwhile, <a href="http://app4phone.fr/article-53775/exclu-app4phone-date-de-sortie-et-informations-sur-liphone-5" target="_hplink">also have</a> an "exclu," <a href="http://app4phone.fr/article-53775/exclu-app4phone-date-de-sortie-et-informations-sur-liphone-5" target="_hplink">reporting that</a> the "date de sortie" is September 21, while also corroborating earlier rumors that the dock connector will be smaller (the reputable Reuters confirmed that one this week, too), that the headphone jack will be "déplacée" to the bottom of the phone, and that the phone itself will be taller to accomodate a larger, 4.0-inch "écran." That last bit either means that the next iPhone will have a 4.0-inch screen, or that it will ship with a new, innovative 4-inch long "E-Crayon" stylus. I don't know, I don't speak French.
(Bonus France joke: As a footnote, App4Phone is also reporting that, in France, the iPhone 5 will not be called the "iPhone 5" but will rather be called "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLtwFugudZE" target="_hplink">iPhone 5 with Cheese</a>." Either that, or "Jacques.")
Could September 21 truly be the end to almost two years of iPhone 5 rumors? We've been hearing more and more that September, not October, will be the release month, so if it's not <em>exactly</em> September 21, that date could at least be close. Now we have even more evidence that September will indeed be the month. If you come with me to the next slide in this merry slideshow, you can learn why.
Most Reliable Apple Oracle Dishes On iPhone 5, iPad Mini
Ming-Chi Kuo, a Korean analyst with KGI Securities, is something of a celebrity in the Apple rumors circles, as he is the Apple analyst that has been the most accurate, BY A LONG SHOT, with his predictions. He called the iPhone 4S (and dismissed claims of a redesigned iPhone 5) last year, and recently he was the analyst who had all the details on the Retina MacBook Pro before it was unveiled.
When Kuo talks, Apple watchers listen, in other words. This week he's <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/23/tweaked-ipad-and-new-ipad-mini-said-to-closely-follow-next-generation-iphone-launch/" target="_hplink">back with a fresh, juice-filled report</a>. For the next iPhone, Kuo predicts a launch in early September. Kuo also predicts an "iPad Mini" to debut some time that month, as well as a slightly tweaked iPad to address those pesky overheating issues from around the time the <strike>iPad 3</strike>new iPad was launched; a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro may also join the 15-inch model in September, Kuo says, and Ivy Bridge iMacs could be unveiled around that time, too. <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/23/tweaked-ipad-and-new-ipad-mini-said-to-closely-follow-next-generation-iphone-launch/" target="_hplink">MacRumors has more details on Kuo's report here</a>.
Kuo didn't stop with the iPhone 5, the iPad Mini, the MacBook Pro, and the iMac, however, because apparently <em>in addition to all that</em> Apple is going to introduce yet <em>another</em> new gadget later this year. No, it's not that egg-beater you've been hoping for, but rather...
Redesigned iPod Touch With 4-Inch Screen Coming In September?
And so here's the big reveal: <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/23/apple-planning-all-new-ipod-touch-and-ipod-nano-for-september-launch/" target="_hplink">Kuo also thinks that</a> Apple is set to update its iPod line for the first time in two years. This could be the updated design we've <a href="http://9to5mac.com/2012/05/22/alleged-front-panel-for-next-ipod-touch-leaks-suggests-4-1-inch-display/" target="_hplink">been hearing about for some time now</a> (<a href="http://www.macotakara.jp/blog/index.php?ID=17197" target="_hplink">corroborated by a Macotakara report from this week</a>): A 4.0-inch screen and a squarish design that will mimic that of the supposed next-generation iPhone, as well as the faster A5 chip inside. A redesigned iPod Nano could be on the way as well, <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/23/apple-planning-all-new-ipod-touch-and-ipod-nano-for-september-launch/" target="_hplink">Kuo says</a>.
If you're in the market for an iPod, in other words, try sitting on your wallet for a couple months, just in case the analysts are right this time. You'll still be able to download Carly Rae Jepsen in October, I promise.
Apple Is Considering And/Or Once Considered Investing Tons Of Money In Twitter
No, it has nothing to do with shiny new gadgets, but the biggest and most credible Apple rumor of the week may have concerned Apple's on-going buddy-buddy relationship with Twitter.
The <em>New York Times</em> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/28/technology/apple-is-said-to-discuss-an-investment-in-twitter.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2" target="_hplink">reported on Friday that</a> Apple almost #ff'ed Twitter in a big way, investing up to $300 MILLION in the social network. That would have valued Twitter at $10 billion dollars, even though the company is expected to pull in just $300 million of ad revenue this year, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443343704577553953443264394.html" target="_hplink">according to the<em> Wall Street Journal</em></a>.
Also according to the <em>Wall Street Journal</em>: This <em>Times</em> report is old news. Hours after the <em>NYT</em> pubbed its article, the <em>WSJ</em> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390443343704577553953443264394.html" target="_hplink">was out with a report of its own</a> saying that the Apple-Twitter investment discussion happened over a year ago and were no longer ongoing, despite Apple and Twitter's close relationship (what with Twitter integration now appearing in iOS and OS X on the desktop). The <a href="www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/28/us-apple-twitter-idUSBRE86R02G20120728" target="_hplink">Reuters followed</a> with a story of its own saying the two were not, in fact, in discussions.
At the end of its report, the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> finds the <em>real</em> story: Tim Cook, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, just enjoy chillin' out together and knockin' back some Zimas:
<blockquote>At a media conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, this month, Apple's current CEO, Tim Cook, ducked aside with Messrs. Dorsey and Costolo, according to journalists who saw them, fueling buzz among investors that the companies appeared particularly cozy.
</blockquote>
Sorry, finance types, it's not a strategic investment. Costolo and Dorsey just needed a third for their Jonas Brothers tribute at the Sun Valley Conference Talent Show, and Tim Cook kind of looks like Kevin.
Apple Wins Another Patent For iGlasses
Remember <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/05/google-glass-apple-patent_n_1651176.html" target="_hplink">earlier in July when it was discovered</a> that Apple had been granted a patent for a Google Glasses-like system for a heads-up display set of tech-enabled spectacles? Of course you do, you take gingko biloba and have great memory!
Well, Apple <a href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2012/07/apple-working-on-advanced-display-for-future-video-glasses.html" target="_hplink">has been granted another patent</a>, and this one comes with some pretty, pretty goofy drawings, of what appears to be a man wearing a cereal bowl over his head with an Asthma inhaler clipped behind his right ear. The patent itself is -- <a href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2012/07/apple-working-on-advanced-display-for-future-video-glasses.html" target="_hplink">in the words of Patently Apple</a> -- "one of the driest reads of the year" and covers a system by which Apple could make that tiny monitor that sits in front of your eyeball a Retina-quality display. And then we all made really funny jokes about your actual retina vis-à-vis a Retina display and had a great, great time together. Let's get drinks some time.
Before we do, however, let's just note the significance of the patent: Apple is certainly working on some kind of Google Glass competitor -- yes, I will be calling them iGlasses until someone official tells me not to -- and has been for some time (the first patent, remember, was granted way back in 2007). Should Google Glass turn out a smash success, Apple won't be totally flat-footed, in other words.
That's all for This Week In Apple Rumors. Make sure you check back for next week's TWIAR, which I will type while wearing a cereal bowl and clip-on Asthma inhaler on and about my forehead. And if you can't wait one week, remember that you can always get up-to-the-minute Apple rumors <a href="http://twitter.com/gilbertjasono" target="_hplink">by following me on Twitter right here</a>.
We usually save anonymously-sourced, totally unconfirmable Apple rumors for our weekly Apple rumors roundup; but when a likely iPhone 5 announcement date emerges along with the best-yet photos of the ...
We usually save anonymously-sourced, totally unconfirmable Apple rumors for our weekly Apple rumors roundup; but when a likely iPhone 5 announcement date emerges along with the best-yet photos of the ...
im looking forward to iphone 5. i still have iphone 4 and now its time to upgrade. i read on the danish iphone site http://iphonecentral.dk that this telefone will come to denmark 5. oktober. it will be great
Klaus_Harndahl: im looking forward to iphone 5. i still have iphone
The first slide is a 3D rendering is of a fictional iPhone 5 concept that has been around for some time. 'iPhone 5' cases were shown before the introduction of the 4S that don't fit a 4S. The housing shown appears to be milled from solid material and looks like the fictional concept. It could have been made anywhere using modern equipment for the global attention it would get. Even by the concept artists. I could make it in the my home metal shop. This also implies that every iPhone 5 housing - of millions - will be individually milled, rather than made by less expensive methods. Apple does this with Macbook Airs, but in much smaller numbers for much higher prices. This device has a touch sensitive home button. The parts following show a physical home button. The device in someone's hand and lying on the table could be photoshopped from the concept. If it's real, Apple would likely hunt it down as aggressively as previous lost prototypes. If they wanted credibility and had access to these parts, where are the others they would likely have access to? Where's a main board or a semi-assembled phone? Or, It could be a housing from an Asian knock-off. In other words, it's suspect that these are HD photos of the iPhone 5, as the article's title implies. It's plausible but it's also plausible that this is more iPhone 5 fiction fueled by high anticipation. These things have almost *never* been right.
jonbill: The first slide is a 3D rendering is of a
no not even close to being an accurate or valid statement. you fail to realize that virtually every american with a retirement portfolio has a fund manager that has included aapl especially now that it pays a dividend. also need to include the hundreds of thousands of americans who simply hold the stock as an investment. my tablet asus, my phone samsung, my stock apple, the fanboy statement just shows how limited some view things in life. as much as i hate the saying it in this instance it fits, "try to think outside of the box" you will be amazed at just how much those blinders block out regardless of topic. stereotypes are for the cognitively impaired plain and simple.
MichaelAKD: no not even close to being an accurate or valid
While I try to stay away from trash talking...heres the deal. Ive been a Droid fan for years....I had been contemplating getting an iPad to see what all the fuss was about. So I waited until the iPad3 dropped, and went out and got an iPad 2 just for the sake of it was cheaper, and I didnt want to spend that kind of money on something if I didnt even know I liked it. That being said, shortly after I got my iPad2, I bought a 4th gen iPod. After only 4 months of using these items, I use my iPad and iPod more than I use my Sony Viao LapTop. I will be replacing my Samsung with an iPhone, and my Laptop with a MacBook. They may be "Outdated" as some may say, but their product is superior. I have confidence in buying their products, based off of the reliability of the 2 products I own. Best money Ive ever spent on electronics, hands down. I think the people on here bashing apple, simply dont have the money to buy nice things
William_Wilhite: While I try to stay away from trash talking...heres the
Not Apple bashers here.....Tech educators. People on here explaining from first had experience how the iPhone and Apple are things of the past. We as a society are moving on together to better companies and more advanced and innovative technology.
jrev2020: Not Apple bashers here.....Tech educators. People on here explaining from
i agree and am very much looking forward to the next few months. there is so much new and revolutionary coming out before the end of the year it is just astounding. a whole swath of convertible laptops/tablets running w8, rt, jelly bean, besides whatever apple puts out there. if you have a tech addiction hide the cash as well as the credit cards because a lot of really good stuff is coming out and each vendor is going to bend over backwards to get us, consumers, to spend what we have on their particular new product lines. fun times ahead for all.
MichaelAKD: i agree and am very much looking forward to the
I am not an Apple fan boy or anything but give me an example of a product that is out for sale to consumers that represents the future? I am just curious of the answer you can give me. Thanks.
cozybop: I am not an Apple fan boy or anything but
OTOH, when the iPhone 4 came out, I wasn't impressed either, until I got to the Apple Store, and actually held one in my hands. Then I just had to have it -- though I did wait for the 4S to come out.
Highball: I'm not that into the re-design, frankly. OTOH, when the
I have held an iPhone , played with an iPhone also played with my daughter's Droid RAZR and I would choose the RAZR over the iPhone. Does so much more. MHO.
Jillxz: I have held an iPhone , played with an iPhone
Your probably better off. The iPhones actually keep getting worse rather than better with every release. The 4gs breaks so easily if you got one you'd have had to replace it with something more advanced like an Android by now.
jrev2020: Your probably better off. The iPhones actually keep getting worse
Totally agree...anything with a lower case "i" in front of it (followed by an uppercase letter) has become a thing of the past and a joke for the future.
jrev2020: Totally agree...anything with a lower case "i" in front of
Apple hasn't produced anything inspiring in decades. It's keeps in money to line it's CEO's pockets. Where as company's like LG, Samsung, Sony, HTC, Panasonic, Fugitsu..spend billions and billions to find out what the consumer wants and the best way to get it them. I commend these companies and they will last as they are respectable. Apple is a pathetic example of the dark side of capitlism.
jrev2020: Apple hasn't produced anything inspiring in decades. It's keeps in
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Posted: 07/30/2012 11:37 am Updated: 07/30/2012 11:37 am