*** iPhone 5 - Revealed! ***

Apple really needs some innovation now, a bigger screen, a bigger battery and a new power point are not exactly leading the field. If it were the best phone, which is simply isn't or provided a breadth of capability unmatched I would be less concerned, but at the moment I do feel I am getting my plonker pulled, such as with the latest AirPlay not working on my Mid 2010 MacBook pro when my old iPhone 4 does. I'm all for innovation and the need to upgrade sometimes but that, even for someone who can go an buy each new model if he wishes is a bit to much take in, I feel like I am being played a little to support the profit margins...

I say this as someone who has defended Porsche's new 911 models and their apparent lack of innovation..
 
What exactly do you want on the next iPhone?

I'd like them to innovate as they tell me they prefer to own that rather than putting it into the hands of the users so would like them to surprise me like they have in the past.

I want a phone that doesn't need a case to work effectively, as my iPhone 4 does. I would like a device that is maybe half the weight so I can pop it in a suit pocket without it pulling. I would like an edgeless screen with no wasted real estate and I would like more customisation of the OS so I can change what appears on my home screen. I'd like something that works with my Zeppelin (both small and big) works with my Monitor Audio iDock and doesnt need me to invest in more connectors to make it work with them. I'd like a memory card slot so I can add my own memory with any content I might chose and I would like double the batter life.

These are just some things.
 
Whilst I'm not discounting the possibility that, as last year with the 4S, all these rumours are baseless and the 5 will be totally different, if it does turn out to be what we're all now expecting, I'm seriously underwhelmed.

The 4S was an incremental upgrade, just as the 3GS was, and that was fine. There's no need for a radical change every 12-18 months and Apple knew full well that, with the 4 still so popular, all they really needed to do was update it a little.

But now we're looking at another incremental upgrade. A larger one that with the 4S maybe, but still fairly small.

I don't really see the point of a taller screen. All the screen icons and furniture will still be the same size, merely offering a little more vertical space for apps that can utilise it. In exchange for this we'll get a taller and more cumbersome phone that won't fit in pockets quite as easily. Really don't see why they're bothering - it's almost as if it's just so they can claim a 4" screen for the device and try to placate all those who've been moaning that the existing screen is too small.

What else are we going to get? Quad-core processor? What's the point in that? The 4S is more than quick enough and a quad core CPU just reduces battery life. NFC? We're so far away from this becoming prevalent in the UK that we'll all be two or three models of phone further on by then.

Unless I'm missing something, I really can't see why anyone would bother upgrading from a 4S, or even a 4.
 
Apple really needs some innovation now, a bigger screen, a bigger battery and a new power point are not exactly leading the field.
What exactly do you expect? And surely that's the point of new models, to upgrade the old models? We're not going to see a holographic iPhone just yet.

If it were the best phone, which is simply isn't or provided a breadth of capability unmatched I would be less concerned, but at the moment I do feel I am getting my plonker pulled, such as with the latest AirPlay not working on my Mid 2010 MacBook pro when my old iPhone 4 does. I'm all for innovation and the need to upgrade sometimes but that, even for someone who can go an buy each new model if he wishes is a bit to much take in, I feel like I am being played a little to support the profit margins...
With phones, what is the "best" phone is more down to the interface rather than the features, seeing as so many features are provided by apps now. Hardware features aren't quite as important as they used to be, and most devices nowadays have a very similar feature-set. Many feel that the iPhone is the best phone...the sales suggest that. Not saying that it is, just saying that one person's preference can be another's pet hate. It's all about the user experience, and it's vital to Apple, as well as its customers, that the iPhone continues to feel like an iPhone - it needs to be familiar. As for AirPlay, what does that have to do with it? AirPlay works on devices that are pretty old (3GS and second gen iPod touch), and the fact that it doesn't work on your MBP isn't an issue with features, it's a bug or other problem. Nothing to do with profit margins or anything. Siri would have been a better example; personally I think it's disgusting that iPad 2 owners don't get the feature.

I say this as someone who has defended Porsche's new 911 models and their apparent lack of innovation..
Far too many people miss the point of the 911 range. Much like above, what do people expect? You have a car that is more technically capable than its predecessor, you have updated infotainment and other gadgets on the inside, and design changes (whether that be major or minor). Besides, if Porsche were to create an incredible turbo four-pot that could reliably produce 650hp day-in, day-out to go into the next the next GT2, I'm sure that many customers would be pretty peeved at such an "innovation" :P Like the iPhone, a 911 needs to continue being a 911 - huge changes and major innovation could risk taking some of that away. The electronic power steering, while not an innovation as such, is just one example of this that, in the opinion of some.


Whilst I'm not discounting the possibility that, as last year with the 4S, all these rumours are baseless and the 5 will be totally different, if it does turn out to be what we're all now expecting, I'm seriously underwhelmed.

The 4S was an incremental upgrade, just as the 3GS was, and that was fine. There's no need for a radical change every 12-18 months and Apple knew full well that, with the 4 still so popular, all they really needed to do was update it a little.

But now we're looking at another incremental upgrade. A larger one that with the 4S maybe, but still fairly small.

I don't really see the point of a taller screen. All the screen icons and furniture will still be the same size, merely offering a little more vertical space for apps that can utilise it. In exchange for this we'll get a taller and more cumbersome phone that won't fit in pockets quite as easily. Really don't see why they're bothering - it's almost as if it's just so they can claim a 4" screen for the device and try to placate all those who've been moaning that the existing screen is too small.

What else are we going to get? Quad-core processor? What's the point in that? The 4S is more than quick enough and a quad core CPU just reduces battery life. NFC? We're so far away from this becoming prevalent in the UK that we'll all be two or three models of phone further on by then.

Unless I'm missing something, I really can't see why anyone would bother upgrading from a 4S, or even a 4.
As above, what do you expect? What else can they really add? People seem to love complaining yet cannot come up with anything themselves. The quad core processor debate is one that I won't get into as it isn't on the surface, and I largely agree with you that there is little reason for it right now, though if Apple don't, people may complain (without knowing any better at all). As for the taller display, that could again be said about any display; you've essentially said that "a bigger display gives you more space". Surely that's the point? :confused:

And frankly, there is little reason to upgrade to the 5, as you've said. However, with most on two year contracts, it works well for everyone; 4S users will get a huge upgrade next year with the next iPhone after the 5, and iPhone 4 users get a nice upgrade now with the 5.
 
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Back in the day smartphones were all 'wow' and there was so much stuff that could be added and improved upon. We've got to the point of diminishing returns now though, both with phones and to some extent tablets, and the 'wows' will be coming from elsewhere.
 
For me personally, one of the reasons I've had iphones for the past 3 years is because I can use a lot of minutes and so have opted for higher minutes tariffs for the last few years. So unless I keep changing networks and doing cashback deals, there hasn't been any cost difference in upgrading between android or iphone or other. In the past few months, high-minutes tariffs have really started to come down. A few networks now do unlimited minutes for £36 and I've seen 2000 minutes for £26. I have to say, even now, a free galaxy s2 on 2000 minutes/£26 month is tempting. I know many of you only use a couple of hundred minutes so you probably don't look at this.
 
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If anything it's software changes they need, never mind hardware changes.

As for the "what else can they add", well that's the big question. I'm sure I heard Nokia at one point think this (i might be wrong)... well look where we are today.
 
What exactly do you expect? And surely that's the point of new models, to upgrade the old models? We're not going to see a holographic iPhone just yet.

You are getting carried away and not a little defensive I feel. I was asked for my opinion on what I would like and all of them are potential deliverables, not holographic displays. I fully appreciate and understand the concept of evolution over revolution, it's why I was most pleased with my GT3 of all the cars I've owned but Apple are great at overhyping small innovations, as are Porsche, when in reality to most users they mean nothing.

With phones, what is the "best" phone is more down to the interface rather than the features, seeing as so many features are provided by apps now. Hardware features aren't quite as important as they used to be, and most devices nowadays have a very similar feature-set. Many feel that the iPhone is the best phone...the sales suggest that. Not saying that it is, just saying that one person's preference can be another's pet hate.

As we can see here.

It's all about the user experience, and it's vital to Apple, as well as its customers, that the iPhone continues to feel like an iPhone - it needs to be familiar.

I don't disagree but who is talking about wholesale changes here, I'm not.

As for AirPlay, what does that have to do with it? AirPlay works on devices that are pretty old (3GS and second gen iPod touch), and the fact that it doesn't work on your MBP isn't an issue with features, it's a bug or other problem. Nothing to do with profit margins or anything. Siri would have been a better example; personally I think it's disgusting that iPad 2 owners don't get the feature.

No, its not supported and again you are protesting a little too much here. It is not a supported feature in Mountain Lion on the 2010 machines or earlier for no good reason. It was used as an example of my point but siri is another such example as you said. It is ALWAYS about profit margins, it's a business not a charity and this shows a little naivety if you believe it has no influence or is a consideration, in nearly 30 years working in tech I can assure you it does. It may of course not be the preeminent reason of course, but please don't tell me that Apple aren't interested in creating controlled upgrade paths for a I will laugh in your general direction. However it should also be considered it isnt enforced but I find it frustrating none the less, but this isn't just an Apple problem it is across the tech sector. Want new stuff, but new stuff and so the world turns again.

Far too many people miss the point of the 911 range. Much like above, what do people expect? You have a car that is more technically capable than its predecessor, you have updated infotainment and other gadgets on the inside, and design changes (whether that be major or minor). Besides, if Porsche were to create an incredible turbo four-pot that could reliably produce 650hp day-in, day-out to go into the next the next GT2, I'm sure that many customers would be pretty peeved at such an "innovation" :P Like the iPhone, a 911 needs to continue being a 911 - huge changes and major innovation could risk taking some of that away. The electronic power steering, while not an innovation as such, is just one example of this that, in the opinion of some.

As I said, I bought their best 911 and plan another of their best soon. I don't like the electronic steering but the 911 is and always has been the very best at what it does, I don't really believe the iPhone has ever been the best phone for making a phone call, though it has been a fabulous device in many other ways, hence the 4 I bought.

As above, what do you expect? What else can they really add? People seem to love complaining yet cannot come up with anything themselves. The quad core processor debate is one that I won't get into as it isn't on the surface, and I largely agree with you that there is little reason for it right now, though if Apple don't, people may complain (without knowing any better at all). As for the taller display, that could again be said about any display; you've essentially said that "a bigger display gives you more space". Surely that's the point? :confused:

I gave you a list. Again I feel you protest too much and strike me a little fanboy. I have loads of Apple kit, tons of the stuff and bought 2 more Apple TV's this week, have 4 iPhones, Macs, MacBooks and iPads as well as numerous other bits of their stuff as well as tons of PC stuff too. I criticise objectively I believe, I don't **** off and I think my posts on this forum will substantiate that objectivity is one of my strengths!

And frankly, there is little reason to upgrade to the 5, as you've said. However, with most on two year contracts, it works well for everyone; 4S users will get a huge upgrade next year with the next iPhone after the 5, and iPhone 4 users get a nice upgrade now with the 5.

I have phone contracts and phones, I can swap the phone when I want that way. I am perhaps not your normal user and though I agree with some of what you are saying I think your stance is very defensive when I laid out what is a minor tweak that is being played out like some life changing event. Perhaps it's the hype I have the biggest issue with come to think of it. :)
 
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Okay, I think that my main point of view has come across a bit...off, probably because of my perspective reading your post.

I should say that I don't buy Apple products because I am an Apple fanboy - I'm really not. I didn't even bother going for the iPhone first; I went Android beforehand, but moved to the iPhone because I didn't like the Android experience. Similarly, I was brought up as a Mac user, then decided to go the Windows route, having used plenty of Windows machines but not owned one. However, I didn't like it, even though I was perfectly used to it, hence the move back to the Mac.

Also worth noting that I don't fall for the Apple marketing hyperbole. The term "retina" just frustrates me, and I only really upgrade when I find something that I really could do with. As a result, I have no plans to upgrade my 4S for a long time, probably a few years from purchase (another two years).

I'm not what you would call a avid member of the community. I see your name all the time Housey, however it's difficult for me to distinguish who are the more Apple people, and who aren't ;)

My post was saying, "there's only so much that Apple can do", rather than "Apple can only do right". We read so many rubbish comments about how the next iPhone is exactly the same, etc, when the fact is that every company churns out a new model that is, at the core, very similar to the predecessor. Because of Apple's fundamentals, most of the things that you said you would like to see, as we both know, simply won't happen. That aside, it leaves very little that Apple can and will really do. People will complain that the new phone is the same (even though they don't know what they want to see), yet they will complain if the new phone doesn't turn up. It's a lose-lose situation, in a way.

Of course, everything is about profit. My comment was referring to AirPlay exclusively, which I thought was not an example because I didn't realise it was incompatible. Apologies for that.

Sorry if I came across as a bit brash. I've read too many posts recently saying that the 5 will suck merely because the changes are minor, without posters really thinking logically about it. I say much the same when iPhone users slate Android on other forums - it's about being objective, as you have said.

The last part of my post was aimed at Vertigo, by the way :)
 
As above, what do you expect? What else can they really add?
I don't pretend to know but it's up to them to innovate and it just feels like they've run out of ideas themselves now. It's starting to feel like the 4 was the peak of iPhone development in terms of hardware and design and it might be a bit downhill from here with only small incremental changes to that basic design.

As for the taller display, that could again be said about any display; you've essentially said that "a bigger display gives you more space". Surely that's the point? :confused:

But only gives you additional space in one dimension, which seems a bit daft. It feels like they didn't want to make it any wider as that would compromise the design too much but wanted to make it bigger so it would compete more in terms of specs.

For the record, I don't want a larger screen at all. I think the current batch of Android phones with 4.3" or 4.8" screens are far too big. I've never once wished for a larger screen on my iPhone nor have I ever had any problem reading anything on it. The only real use I can see for a large screen is if you watch a lot of video or do a lot of web browsing, neither of which apply to me. I want a phone which is relatively small and pocketable, not a miniature tablet!

And frankly, there is little reason to upgrade to the 5, as you've said. However, with most on two year contracts, it works well for everyone; 4S users will get a huge upgrade next year with the next iPhone after the 5, and iPhone 4 users get a nice upgrade now with the 5.

I grant most are on 24 month contracts as that's the only way they can afford these things. Personally I'd never ever go on a contract that long and am actually on a 12 month one with my 4S so will have the option to upgrade come October. Whether I will or not is a very good question right now!
 
Okay, I think that my main point of view has come across a bit...off, probably because of my perspective reading your post.

I should say that I don't buy Apple products because I am an Apple fanboy - I'm really not. I didn't even bother going for the iPhone first; I went Android beforehand, but moved to the iPhone because I didn't like the Android experience. Similarly, I was brought up as a Mac user, then decided to go the Windows route, having used plenty of Windows machines but not owned one. However, I didn't like it, even though I was perfectly used to it, hence the move back to the Mac.

Also worth noting that I don't fall for the Apple marketing hyperbole. The term "retina" just frustrates me, and I only really upgrade when I find something that I really could do with. As a result, I have no plans to upgrade my 4S for a long time, probably a few years from purchase (another two years).

I'm not what you would call a avid member of the community. I see your name all the time Housey, however it's difficult for me to distinguish who are the more Apple people, and who aren't ;)

My post was saying, "there's only so much that Apple can do", rather than "Apple can only do right". We read so many rubbish comments about how the next iPhone is exactly the same, etc, when the fact is that every company churns out a new model that is, at the core, very similar to the predecessor. Because of Apple's fundamentals, most of the things that you said you would like to see, as we both know, simply won't happen. That aside, it leaves very little that Apple can and will really do. People will complain that the new phone is the same (even though they don't know what they want to see), yet they will complain if the new phone doesn't turn up. It's a lose-lose situation, in a way.

Of course, everything is about profit. My comment was referring to AirPlay exclusively, which I thought was not an example because I didn't realise it was incompatible. Apologies for that.

Sorry if I came across as a bit brash. I've read too many posts recently saying that the 5 will suck merely because the changes are minor, without posters really thinking logically about it. I say much the same when iPhone users slate Android on other forums - it's about being objective, as you have said.

The last part of my post was aimed at Vertigo, by the way :)

Understood, no offence taken. :)
 
I've never once wished for a larger screen on my iPhone nor have I ever had any problem reading anything on it. The only real use I can see for a large screen is if you watch a lot of video or do a lot of web browsing, neither of which apply to me. I want a phone which is relatively small and pocketable, not a miniature tablet!

You've got the wrong end of the stick regarding the size and design.

A wide screen iPhone would solve the terrible landscape experience whilst maintaining the familiar portrait operation of the existing phone.
Any design should only add a ~5mm to the length and the ~120g weight and sub 8mm thickness will make it much more pocketable than the current design, that's a big improvement for everyday use. :)
 
I'd like them to innovate as they tell me they prefer to own that rather than putting it into the hands of the users so would like them to surprise me like they have in the past.

I want a phone that doesn't need a case to work effectively, as my iPhone 4 does. I would like a device that is maybe half the weight so I can pop it in a suit pocket without it pulling. I would like an edgeless screen with no wasted real estate and I would like more customisation of the OS so I can change what appears on my home screen. I'd like something that works with my Zeppelin (both small and big) works with my Monitor Audio iDock and doesnt need me to invest in more connectors to make it work with them. I'd like a memory card slot so I can add my own memory with any content I might chose and I would like double the batter life.

These are just some things.

Most of those don't sound like very innovative features to me; that'd just be copying what someone else has already done.

But only gives you additional space in one dimension, which seems a bit daft. It feels like they didn't want to make it any wider as that would compromise the design too much but wanted to make it bigger so it would compete more in terms of specs.

Sadly, that's the world we live in where ignorant people demand nothing more than specs, specs, specs. That's how we ended up with high end Android phones with mega specs that still don't offer the sort of experience the iPhone does. We don't want to Apple to end up being dragged into the same silly specs/price race and end up compromising their product the way that other manufacturers do.
 
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Most of those don't sound like very innovative features to me; that'd just be copying what someone else has already done.

You quote me but didn't respond to what I said...

I said I want Apple to innovate, i.e over to them and then listed stuff I would like as well. My stuff wasn't supposed to be innovative.
 
Sadly, that's the world we live in where ignorant people demand nothing more than specs, specs, specs. That's how we ended up with high end Android phones with mega specs that still don't offer the sort of experience the iPhone does. We don't want to Apple to end up being dragged into the same silly specs/price race and end up compromising their product the way that other manufacturers do.

But I think most of the specs only really appeal to a very small amount of people, the other specs are imo very important. The things normal people will talk about are the screen (size, res), and camera most of the time are very important to the overall experience. I think the push for all high end android phones to have 720p screen is a great thing, and now we have things like the One X that has the best screen out there (apart from those who like amoleds).

I also think as of late android has really be improving in terms of the overall experience, and I hope apple look to improve it too. Right now I'm feeling that apple are very comfortable with their position, iOS6 really didn't push anything forward, a few changes here and there. While Jelly bean is overall a better package I believe, and WP8 is looking to be very good too. I just feel like apply if they don't take things very seriously like they did just a few years ago they will find themselves falling behind everyone else.

I really hope there is still a lot of secrets left in iOS6 that have be saved for the iPhone 5 release as I think its not cutting it. I think the hardware is amazing, and its just simply yet elegant, only thing close Ive seen is the 800. Would personally be happier with software changes and keep to similar hardware with better battery life.
 
16 sep wil be just iMac renew

iphone conf will be in mid october

what we can expect

1. large screen maybe 4 inch with gorilla glass2

2. ram 1 gb sure

3. price same in uk for sim free as i dont love contracts

4. battery 1700 mha maxs

5.cpu gpu we already have A5 32 nm version in ipad 2.4

a5x is too power hungry so i dont think we will get that baby

new gpu from imigination arent ready yet so we will get same a5 found in iPad 2.4 32nm version

but there is some rumors iphone will have A15 cortex 2 core which is more faster than A5 4 cores

so

any way i have galaxsy s3 and 4s i love them both but 4s is just too small and s3 is too big

would like 4.3 on iPhone
 
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