Well, the
iPhone 5 didn't make its appearance in 2011 and doesn't look like it is going to be released any time in the coming weeks either.
The skinny on the iPhone 5 release date
Without doubt, the most anticipated even in the tech world this year is the release of the iPhone 5, Apple's next generation smart phone. Even since the iPhone 4 was launched in the summer of the year 2010, people have been anticipating the iPhone 5 release date.
But, 16 months after the summer of 2010, Apple released the iPhone 4S, a upgraded version of the iPhone 4. Though the iPhone 4S had some exciting new specs such as Siri, the virtual assistant and a super fast dual core processor, there were millions of iPhone loyalists who skipped or passed on the purchase of the iPhone 4S, simply because they wanted more elaborate changes.
If that public opinion is anything to go by, it means that Apple is going to release something special when they launch the iPhone 5. Among the new specs that are expected, a larger screen is one of the most anticipated features in the iPhone 5. Another much anticipated feature is 4G LTE support.
But, it is the 4G LTE support that might have actually delayed the release of the iPhone 5. Many tech experts say that the iPhone 4S was actually not really an intended product. It is rumored that Apple were actually all set to release the iPhone 5, with Siri, a dual core processor and 4G LTE support. But, due to a last minute gaffe, they were just not able to get a 4G LTE chip that would fit onto the iPhone's circuit board. The reason was because 4G LTE chips are still very large and bulky.
Because the 4G LTE chips could not be included in the iPhone 5 that is now rebranded as the iPhone 4S, Apple had to ditch the iPhone 5 release and go with a iPhone 4S, to keep their fan base pleased. If Apple had released the iPhone 5 without 4G LTE support, it would have been a commercial blunder for them as many would have bought Android phones instead of an iPhone that looked exactly the same as the iPhone 4.
But, the iPhone 4S worked out well for Apple. Though they weren't expecting iPhone 4 owners to upgrade to the iPhone 4S, they did tap into a huge market that is still taking to smart phones. Even though smart phone sales is growing at a phenomenal rate, there are still millions of people who still use ordinary cell phones.
When the iPhone 5 is eventually released, the iPhone 5 will appeal to both new smart phone buyers as well as iPhone 4 owners who are looking to upgrade from their iPhone.
Our guess is that the iPhone 5 release date will be somewhere in the fall season of 2012. Many think that it will be released in the summer although we have our doubts. For a summer release date, the iPad 3 will have to be released as early as February 2012. But, based on the rumors and news that we have seen on the iPad 3, it looks like Apple is still fixing some glitches with the iPad 3 production.
So, you might just have to wait until the 2012 holiday season to get your hands on a revamped and exciting new iPhone 5.
Older updates on the iPhone 5 release date
What Jobs' death will do to Apple products from here on will be something that only time can tell. I think all Apple fans around the world will be with us when we say "Rest in Peace Mr. Jobs, You have had an amazing life".
Last year's updates
There is a lot of buzz about the iPhone 5 release date. The iPhone 5 anticipation has already gathered steam in the market even before Apple has even confirmed that they are indeed coming out with an iPhone 5.
But, the exaggerated hype about the iPhone 5 release date is nothing new for Apple which has seen its loyal customers stand overnight to be the first to buy their products.
Rumors seemed to suggest that the impending iPhone release date was sometime in June 2011. Obviously, that has not materialize. More recent rumors have suggested that a June delivery date is quite impossible and that the iPhone 5 will hit the stores only in September of 2011. However, Apple is not a company that announces release dates of its new products on a very advanced basis. So, we will have to assume the July iPhone 5 release date is not true.
Sony recently confirmed that they are making cameras for the new iPhone and we can only presume that they are making it for the iPhone 5. If that is anything to go by, we may well see a delay in the anticipated iPhone 5 release date as Sony’s factories in Japan were affected by the recent tsunamis and earthquakes.
Other reasons that further put a could over the iPhone 5 release date is the health of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. Mr. Jobs’ health has deteriorated in the recent months. We hope that he will recover soon as it would be strange to watch an Apple product being launched by someone other than Steve Jobs himself.
In conclusion, it is quite safe to say that the jury is still out on the iPhone 5 release date. It could be later this year or it could be well into 2012. Who really knows? :)
