Hallmark of Apple’s late co-founder Steve Jobs’ keynote presentations is his hidden one more thing reveal that adds to the appeal of Apple’s products. This year, that one more thing could be motion tracking technology after the fact that the new fingerprint scanner is now a widely anticipated feature that’s been thoroughly leaked and hyped.
Apple’s next generation iPhone 5S flagship could come with a significant speed boost and a new feature that tracks motion, according to Fox News‘ Clayton Morris, who claims that the A7 processor, designed by Apple based on architecture from ARM Holdings, would offer up to 31 percent faster speeds. Additionally, Morris says that motion tracking would utilize a separate processor on top of the A7 CPU.
While it’s been rumored that the A7 CPU would deliver faster speeds to Apple’s iOS 7 operating system that will debut alongside the flagship smartphone, Morris’ figures seem to be bullish. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had previously reported that the architecture would be responsible for about a 20 percent increase in efficiency, and also postulated that Apple could deliver 64-bit support on the latest iPhone hardware.
It’s unclear what benchmarking metrics Morris’ source(s) used to arrive at his 31 percent estimate.
The motion tracking utility would be new for the iPhone 5S. This information comes on top of the much anticipated fingerprint scanner that’s been rumored for the smartphone. It’s also unclear how motion tracking would be used on the iPhone.
In a separate tweet, the Fox reporter wrote, “I’ve also heard there’s a separate chip devoted to motion tracking. Should be an interesting camera upgrade.”
Rivals like Samsung have been using the camera to track motion to add to the user experience, and it’s unclear if Apple will be implementing similar features. Samsung uses the camera to track eye motion so users can scrolls through a long webpage with the movement of their eyes. The camera can also track your eyes to not dim your display when you’re actively using the phone and can shut off the display when you’re not looking at the screen to conserve battery life. Similarly, videos could be stopped automatically when you look away.
Samsung also has an infrared sensor on the front display as well to track hand motion as well, a new feature that was introduced on the Galaxy S4 flagship earlier this year.
According to Apple Insider, Apple had already filed a number of patents for gaze detection that ties to the camera, so likely these features would be offloaded to the separate motion tracking processor to not only lighten the load on the main CPU, but also to conserve battery life. This is similar to Motorola’s implementation of the dual-core X8 processor on the Moto X with a low-powered CPU for handling the always-on voice commands.
The iPhone 5S is likely to be introduced alongside a more budget iPhone 5C at a special Apple media event that’s believed to be taking place on September 10. Until Apple announces the iPhone and its features, it’s unclear how accurate Morris’ report is.
Morris is confident about his intelligence, however, refuting allegations that these rumors could be take. On Twitter, the reporter told nay-sayers, “Well I’ve been dead on before and I trust my sources. So “fake” not likely.”
So far, we have heard rumors that Apple’s next generation flagship iPhone 5S would be coming in the traditional black and white with silver trim colors alongside a new champagne gold color, possibly targeted at the Chinese market. Now, it looks like there may be a fourth color option for the smartphone. A new leak shows a nano SIM tray that’s believed to be for the iPhone 5S in a gunmetal titanium hue, suggesting that Apple may be broadening its color options for the flagship smartphone model.
In addition to the iPhone 5S, there are also rumors of a mid-range iPhone 5C that’s speculated to arrive in multiple colors. Whereas the iPhone 5S will retain the premium metal and glass construction of the current iPhone 5, the iPhone 5C will switch to a unibody plastic construction to keep costs low. The iPhone 5C will also be coming in more bright, lively hues, according to leaked images, like green and yellow.
As such, besides the champagne gold color for the iPhone 5S, the flagship line will have more subdued color with black, white, and now a gunmetal offering, if this intelligence is accurate.
The source for the latest nano SIM tray, according to Phone Arena, is the same source as the leak for the gold iPhone so this may be a credible leak.
Apple is expected to hold a media event on September 10 to introduce its latest iPhone offerings alongside iOS 7. The iPad debut may not happen until later this fall.
Additionally, Apple is also rumored to be debuting a 128 GB capacity for the iPhone for the the first time this year.
Could this be the miniaturized Sony Honamithat may be introduced as the Xperia Z1 Mini? A new blurry cam photo suggests that what we’re seeing pictured next to BlackBerry’s Q10smartphone may in fact be a smaller version of the powerful Honami smartphone that could be introduced sometime in the future.
The Z1 Mini, or Honami Mini, has captured a lot of attention on the Internet since it was initially leaked as Sony doesn’t seem to be making compromises when it comes to the device’s powerful performance, despite the phone having a smaller footprint. Whereas the HTC One Miniand the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini both compromise on non-essential specs, the Honami Mini is rumored to be keeping all the power that’s been the center of the hype surrounding the larger-sized Honami smartphone.
The image was posted on XDA-Developers, the original poster had hinted that the phone may be introduced onSeptember 4th in Berlin prior to the start of the IFA trade show. This is also the same venue that the original Honami is expected to debut at, so Sony may be unveiling both phones on the same date.
Included with the Honami mini or the Xperia Z1 Mini would be features like a powerful quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, a 20.7-megapixel rear-facing camera with a larger sensor size traditionally found on point-and-shoot cameras and not on standard smartphones, and even a sleek design that accommodates features like dustproofing and waterproofing that were first introduced on the original Xperia Z earlier this year.
So what’s changed between the Xperia Z1 Honami and the Xperia Z1 Mini?
Not much. Besides a smaller screen with slightly less resolution and a smaller battery, a natural effect of downsizing the smartphone’s overall size, the Z1 Mini will be a powerful device that will be a better fit for users who do not want a bigger phone. The display will be a 4.3-inch 720p HD resolution screen, down from the 5-inch 1080p resolution full HD display. The battery is slightly smaller as well, but the smaller screen with less pixels to push may still give the Mini a good battery life.
Both devices will have 2 GB of RAM for powerful multitasking.
The best time to trade in an iPhone for theiPhone 5S is this week, before prices start to drop 15-20% in the run up to Apple’s announcement and the iPhone 5S release date, and you don’t need to go without your iPhone either.
Most iPhone trade in deals include an option to keep your old iPhone for 7 to 30 days, but Gazelle is going farther with a trade in lock in that will help users who won’t be able to buy on the rumored September 20th iPhone 5S release date.
Normally Gazelle offers a 30-day price lock, but it is going farther this year to let users lock in an iPhone trade in for up to 50 days, as long as the trade is locked in by September 10th.
The iPhone trade in prices will drop soon.
Multiple leaks point to an iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C announcement on September 10th, which explains the cutoff for the trade in. With this new deal, Gazelle users have up until October 15th to send in their old iPhone.
NextWorth, a competing trade in company just expanded iPhone trade in times up to 30 days for the iPhone 5S release, and shared data that shows the iPhone trade in values will decline dramaticallyin the next two weeks, which makes a great time to lock in the iPhone trade in prices offered.
Gazelle, NextWorth and other trade in companies pay for shipping and some will offer to send a box to simplify the shipping process.
Both of these options offer users time to buy an iPhone 5S and get switched over before sending in their old iPhone. Gazelle’s new 50 day trade in price lock could be a major help to users as leaks point to production issues that could make the iPhone 5S tough to find on release day. These rumors suggest Apple will have iPhone 5S supply under control in October.
Gazelle offers the following iPhone trade in prices, which are often high enough to cover the on contract purchase of a new iPhone, or significantly reduce the out of pocket cost for upgrading early.
iPhone 5 – up to $350
iPhone 4S – up to $235
iPhone 4 - up to $140
Trade in prices change daily and vary based on carrier, condition and storage size.
The iPhone 5S release date is rumored for September 20th in the U.S. which allows shoppers an extra 25 days after the release to buy an iPhone 5S and get switched to the new phone before they need to send in their old iPhone.
Rumors point to an iPhone 5S with a similar design and screen as the iPhone 5, but with a faster processor, a fingerprint reader and possibly new color options.
Seems Sony wasn’t done after posting pictures of the upcoming Sony Xperia i1’s slim profilelast week. Today, the company has returned to Twitter again, this time with a clear photo of the device’s rear-facing camera.
Sony added the picture to its #bestofSony hashtag today. Although the device’s entire body can’t be seen, if Sony hasn’t tampered with the aspect ratio of photo too much, the Honami i1’s rear-facing camera sensor is huge. The photo accompanies a message asking users if Sony has “captured [user's] attention yet…?”
An enlarged rear-facing camera sensor on the device aligns with the leaks and rumors that have swirled around it since earlier this year. According to most reports, the Xperia i1 has a 20 rear-facing megapixel camera, whose sensor is 2/3 inch in diameter. A sensor that size could allow the Xperia i1 to capture photos with even greater detail than some of today’s bestselling smartphones, like the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4.
Another teaser photo of the Sony Xperia i1.
In the picture, the rear-facing camera is flanked by a small camera flash LED and the letter ‘G’. As none of Sony’s recent smartphones featured any sort of letting on their rear, it’s likely that the G is somehow related to how Sony plans to market the enhanced camera technology that is included in the Xperia i1. If that is the case, it wouldn’t be too different from how HTC markets the HTC One’s UltraPixel camera. It too uses an enlarged sensor and pixels to deliver crisp photos.
The Xperia i1 could include a 5-inch high-definition display and 16GB of internal storage.
Reportedly, Sony will also use its September event to announce a new line of lens-cameras, smartphone accessories that come equipped with professional-grade camera lens and connectivity. Pictures of the first two devices in the new line, the DSC-QX10 and he DSC-QX100, leaked earlier this month.
Sony’s IFA 2013 Press Event begins at 4PM Berlin Time on September 4th.
While the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the talk of the town, another device has managed to plant itself in the rumor mill as Samsung Galaxy S5 rumors have sprouted up just a few days before Samsung unveils the Galaxy Note 3 and it looks like the Galaxy S5 might be stealing a rumored Galaxy Note 3 feature.
On September 4th, Samsung is going to be debuting the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, its Galaxy Note 2 successor that is rumored to be coming to shelves in September. The device is thought to have a number of upgrades over the Galaxy Note 2 including a larger high-definition screen, improved quad-core processor, Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and a 13MP camera.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 camera may not have OIS.
The13 MP camera that has been rumored to have Optical Image Stabilization, also known as OIS, a feature that will be landing with at least one mainstream device this year in the form of the LG G2. The technology makes for better quality photo and video and it’s something that flagship devices should be getting in the months to come.
However, according to a report from South Korea’s Electronic Times News, it will be the Samsung Galaxy S5 that comes with OIS on board instead of the Galaxy Note 3.
The report claims that the Galaxy S5 will be coming with a new 16MP camera sensor which is currently in development and that the sensor will be backed by OIS technology. The sensor is said to be entering testing at the end of the year ahead of a launch in March. This seems to point to a Samsung Galaxy S5 launch date in March, unsurprising given that the Galaxy S4 also launched in March.
It appears that Samsung planned on putting the technology inside the Galaxy Note 3 but that supply issues got in the way of that, forcing the company to get rid of the feature. This is unconfirmed of course but at this point, consumers should no longer expect OIS on board the Galaxy Note 3 that arrives on September 4th in Berlin, Germany.
It could be that the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the first Galaxy to come with OIS.
The stage is all but set for the Galaxy Note 3′s arrival and even without OIS, the device is shaping up to be one of the most attractive devices of 2013. Rumors point to big time hardware features but they also suggest that Samsung will be making some upgrades to the device’s S Pen stylus, one of the unique features found on Samsung’s Galaxy Note series.
The S Pen figures to play a huge role in the success of the Galaxy Note 3 as the device competes against big time devices like the HTC One Max and iPhone 5S.
New details have emerged about the Nokia Sirius, a tablet from Nokia that’s rumored to be launching with Windows RT on board this fall.
Citing sources who are “familiar with Nokia’s plans,” The Vergeis reporting that when Nokia takes the stage for its event in late September it’ll be announcing the availability of a full-size tablet.
Reportedly, the Nokia Sirius will have a physical body style that follows the same design language as Nokia’s high-end line of Lumia Windows Phones. Whether that means the device will use the same polycarbonate plastic material remains unclear, however if the picture of a prototype that leaked this month and today’s report are accurate, that is likely.
Leaked Photos of the Nokia Sirius tablet.
The Nokia Sirius tablet will push the specifications for what 10.1-inch tablets running Windows RT a bit forward. According to these reports, the 10.1-inch display will have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels that “has been improved for outdoor readability to a high amount of bright output.” That sounds very similar to the brightness technique that Nokia employs on the Nokia Lumia 920.
The device will also feature a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage, a microSD card slot, microHDMI and microUSB connectivity. Users could also expect built-in support for LTE data networks, pictures of the device with logos for both Verizon and its 4G LTE network, confirmed that fact.
While there isn’t any consensus on exact pricing, the report was careful to note that the Nokia Sirius would be “priced similar to Apple’s iPad,” and that Nokia wasn’t seeking to undercut Apple’s pricing structure by offering devices at artificially low prices.
Just as it has with its Windows Phones, the Nokia Sirius tablet could be backed by a line of exclusive first-party accessories, including an attachable keyboard that has a built-in battery for powering the tablet. There is no word on if the tablet will include support for the wireless charging accessories that Nokia has included in most of its devices recently.
If reports are accurate, the Nokia Sirius could be announced at an event that Nokia has scheduled for September 26th. That’s the same date that Nokia is planning to announce the Nokia Bandit, a high-end Windows Phone that’ll have a 6-inch display and run Windows Phone 8 GDR 3.
The Nexus 7 LTE release date in Japan looks like it is set for September joining Italy as the two countries with known Nexus 7 LTE release dates. The Nexus 7 LTE release date in the U.S. remains unknown.
While Google continues to list the Nexus 7 LTE as coming soon in the United States, its exact release date remains unknown. At the Nexus 7 launch, the company said that it would be arriving in the coming weeks but since late July, the company has stayed silent about a possible date for the AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon compatible LTE model. That doesn’t mean that we haven’t seen release dates emerge for other nation’s though.
Several weeks ago, Asus Italy confirmed the Nexus 7 LTE release date for September, saying that it would be arriving at some point next month. Today, it appears that the Nexus 7 LTE has been confirmed for Japan for September, though, a specific date remains out of reach. The device looks like it will work with three of the top carriers in Japan including DoCoMo and Softbank.
The Nexus 7 2 is only available in Wi-Fi at the moment.
The Nexus 7 Wi-Fi will be hitting Japan on August 28th, just about a month after the device landed in the United States. The United States is still missing its Nexus 7 LTE release date despite having had the Nexus 7 Wi-Fi on shelves since July. It’s unclear when Google plans to announce availability though the U.S. is likely to get it either before or around the same time as these other countries.
In the United States, the Nexus 7 will come in one 32GB model that costs $350. The device will work with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon giving users a choice between three of the nation’s five largest carriers.
Just a short time ago, Google issued a fix for the new Nexus 7 that included remedies for the GPS and touchscreen issues that have been plaguing some users of the new tablet since launch. The fix should help to make the device even more attractive than it once was.
Google’s Nexus 7-inch Nexus 7 is currently battling the iPad mini and Kindle Fire HD and will soon be joined by a new Kindle Fire HD 2 and an iPad mini 2 which are both rumored to be arriving in the next few months.
The iPad mini 2 launch date may be more than a month away but that hasn’t stopped alleged photos from leaking out, showing off the back housing of what very well could be Apple’s new iPad mini.
Rumors suggest that the iPad mini 2 launch date will take place after the iPhone 5S launch, the latter of which is slated for September 10th. No specific date has emerged yet for the iPad mini 2 launch though both October and 2014 have both been rumored as possibilities. At least one iPad mini 2 model is expected to have a Retina Display, something that the current iPad mini does not have.
We’ve seen rumors of iPad mini 2 production hint at a November release date, same as last year’s iPad mini, but nothing has been set in stone quite yet leaving consumers with plenty of questions.
This could be the back housing of the iPad mini 2.
It appears that one of those questions may have been answered as the resourceful Sonny Dickson has shown off what he is claiming to be the back shell of the iPad mini 2. The shell shows off a silver finish with an Apple logo dead in the center of the design. It shows off a spot for a rear camera sensor, something that was included on the iPad mini, and we see holes for the volume rocker and the orientation lock.
The iPad mini 2 is rumored to have a Retina Display on board.
The back housing doesn’t suggest any major design differences from the iPad mini 2 and that lines up with what we’ve heard already about Apple’s upcoming tablet. The device is expected to retain the same size display, though it is expected to have Retina quality resolution with a higher pixel-per-inch count. It’s also thought to have a more powerful processor to support the higher resolution display.
Apple is also expected to debut another big name tablet later this year in the form of the iPad 5, a device that is said to be borrowing the design of the iPad mini and could be announced alongside the new iPad mini 2 later on this year.
The iPad mini 2 could feature an upgraded camera sensor.
Release dates for the two devices are unknown but they are likely to be out sometime before or during the holiday shopping season.
Ahead of the iPhone 5S release date we’re getting an up close and personal glimpse at one of the device’s features as high-quality photos of the gold iPhone 5S have emerge ahead of the device’s rumored September 10th launch.
For weeks now, iPhone 5S rumors have waged on, suggesting an iPhone 5 replacement that keeps a similar design but tacks on some improvements of its own. One of those features is said to be a gold hue, a gold iPhone 5S that will be joining the black and white models when the device hits shelves later on this year.
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This is the gold iPhone 5S.
We’ve seen the gold iPhone 5S leak out before but these new photos from Sonny Dickson show off the gold-colored iPhone 5S in great detail ahead of Apple’s rumored September launch. The photos once again reveal the gold iPhone 5S to be more champagne colored with the gold color being light rather than dark.
The photos also seem to confirm Apple’s plans to mix white with gold. The device is rumored to have a white front plate as opposed to a gold front plate. From the photos, we can see that the phone isn’t likely going to be entirely cased in gold and should be a mix. It’s still not clear if this will be exclusive to the iPhone 5S or if it will be coming to the iPhone 5 as well. But given Apple’s need for selling points on an iPhone that could be seen as incremental, it’s possible that it will be an exclusive.
The gold color is expected to join a number of different upgrades on Apple’s iPhone 5 successor. The iPhone 5S is rumored to have an improved camera that should include a new dual-LED flash. The new oval flash can be see on the back of the gold iPhone 5S.
The new color is thought to be one of the iPhone’s new features.
It’s also expected to feature a new processor, possibly the Apple A7, which should present users with better performance over the iPhone 5, and there are now rumors that it could have a chip for motion tracking, something that could be used in conjunction with the device’s camera.
A new gunmetal color for the iPhone 5S has also emerged though those rumors are far more flimsy than the gold iPhone 5S which at this point is all but confirmed.
While still rumored, the gold iPhone 5S is all but confirmed.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 5S could be released on September 20th, alongside the cheaper plastic iPhone 5C, with that date likely applying to select countries around the world.
Separate rumors have suggested an iPhone 5S release date in China in late November. China typically gets the iPhone after the initial run of countries so it appears that the iPhone 5S release could mirror the ones before it.
The HTC One X+ and HTC One X Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and Sense 5 roll outs continue with users in the United Kingdom reportedly receiving the software updates today, just a few weeks after the update initially touched down.
Users of both the HTC One X+ and HTC One X in the UK are reporting that they are the beneficiaries of both Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and the new Sense 5. The updates bring software that replaces the old versions of Android and Sense which were Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Sense 4+ respectively.
Both updates bring a host of new features to the devices including the lock screen widgets and Quick Settings feature found in Android 4.2 and of course HTC BlinkFeed and the UI tweaks that come with the new Sense 5.
The HTC One X Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update continues to roll out.
The United Kingdom is the latest region to see the Sense 5 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean updates touch down though it won’t be the last. Owners of the HTC One X+ and HTC One X on AT&T are still waiting their updates and given AT&T’s timeline with the HTC One X Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update, it could be awhile before those two updates roll out.
Typically, newer devices get their updates first which means that the HTC One X+ should see its Android 4.2 and Sense 5 update arrive earlier than the HTC One X’s updates.
HTC USA confirmed recently that it will be skipping Android 4.2 Jelly Bean for the HTC One in the U.S. and that it plans on getting out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean across SKUs by the end of September. The company also confirmed that it will be doing this for the Droid DNA. The Droid DNA is Verizon’s version of the HTC Butterfly, a device that recently got upgraded to Sense 5 and Android 4.2. It appears that the Droid DNA’s Android 4.3 update will bring Sense 5 instead.
It’s unclear if this will apply to the AT&T HTC One X+ and One X. It remains a possibility given the circumstances surrounding the HTC One and Droid DNA but rumors have suggested Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and nothing more.
Apple is reportedly training employees for a new iPhone trade-in program which would allow shoppers to bring an old iPhone into an Apple store and trade it in for credit towards a new iPhone, a service which could be in place by the rumored iPhone 5S release date of September 20th.
Trading in an old iPhone is an easy way to pay for a new iPhone, or most of the cost of a new iPhone thanks to the fact that iPhones hold their value well. Many online iPhone trade-in companies let users trade an iPhone for cash, PayPal or Amazon credit and Best Buy runs numerous promotions offering a free iPhone 5 with trade-in of an old iPhone. Carriers like Verizon and others are also in the trade-in business offering discounts on new phones.
In June we first heard that Apple could partner with BrightStar to offer iPhone trade-ins at Apple Stores, and multiple sources claim the iPhone trade-in program could launch as soon as Next month.
Apple may start an iPhone trade-in program in time for the iPhone 5S.
9to5Mac and MacRumors cite sources familiar with the matter, claiming Apple could kick off the iPhone trade-in program in September.
MacRumors claims stores will soon begin training employees and materials explaining the program are headed to retail stores soon.
9to5Mac also claims formal training for the Apple iPhone trade-in program will start this week, adding that Apple Stores in Texas tested the program internally complete with boxes for Apple Stores to ship the used iPhone devices.
Neither publication offers a specific start date for Apple’s iPhone trade-in program, but if Apple is planning a launch in September odds are good it will come in time for the rumored iPhone 5S release date of September 20th.
An iPhone 5S launch event on September 10th is all but confirmed by Apple event invites, which may arrive on September 4th as rival Samsung introduces the Galaxy Note 3. Apple could use this big event to formally announce the iPhone trade-in program.
The best time to lock in an iPhone trade-in value is right now, as prices will drop 15-20% between now and the launch and iPhone 5S release date. Online trade-in services let users keep their old phone for up to 50 days, while Apple would likely require users to hand it in at the time of purchase. With this in mind, Apple would be smart to announce the program and trade-in price details before the iPhone 5S release date.
Multiple rumors point to an iPhone 5S release date of September 20th, which is when we also would expect an iPhone 5C to arrive as well. This timing makes sense based on Apple’s previous launches.
New pictures of the LG G Pad, a new competitor to the iPad mini and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line of devices, has surfaced online ahead of its expected launch at IFA 2013.
Details, including an alleged family photo of the G Pad standing next to the LG G2, LG’s latest flagship device, surfaced on Korean tech blogMovePlayer earlier today. In the picture, the G Pad can clearly be seen towering over the LG G2 thanks to its enormous display. If the accompanying information is an accurate indication, users can expect the device to have a display that measures 8.3-inches.
That puts the LG G Pad as a device that is too big to be considered a miniature tablet or phablet, but too small to put considered a direct competitor to the iPad in terms of display size. That mirrors the logic that LG hinted at it in the tablet teaser video that also surfaced on YouTube today
A leaked photo of the LG G Pad next to the LG G2.
During that video, LG reps quiz everyday users on the street about what they are looking for in a useful tablet. At least one user cites portability as his biggest concern when using tablets.
While the picture doesn’t showcase both sides of the device, the right edge of the device is clear of any buttons, possibly indicating that LG will add the volume buttons to the rear of the G Pad just like it did with the LG G2. During its public unveiling of the G2, LG maintained that by moving these buttons to the back, it made their devices both easier to use and thinner than other devices on the market.
Specifications included with the photos detail a device that’s fairly modern as far as tablets go. The 8.3-inch FHD display will have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While the report didn’t include any details about the device’s other internal systems, a report earlier today from Techkiddy indicated that the device could feature a modest Snapdragon 600 processor and 4G LTE compatibility. For reference, the HTC One also uses a Snapdragon 600 processor.
With just a few weeks left before Apple’siPhone 5S launch date, consumers are searching for answers in regards to the iPhone 5S’ biggest questions. And while many of those questions have been answered, thanks to the numerous leaks that have occurred in recent weeks, there are still plenty of iPhone 5S mysteries ahead of the device’s launch date.
The new iPhone has been one of the most heavily rumored devices of 2013. Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen a host of leaks, rumors and speculation emerge in regards to Apple’s new iPhone. Rumors suggest that the device will not be an iPhone 6 and that it will instead be a ‘S’ model iPhone, one that retains the design of the previous model while tacking on an assortment of upgrades in both hardware and software.
Apple’s new iPhone is heavily rumored to be making its debut on September 10th at an iPhone event that will likely take place at a venue in Northern California. Apple still hasn’t sent out invites for the event but well-placed sources agree that September 10th will be the day that the company shows off the iPhone 5S.
In the build up to the iPhone 5S launch, we’ve seen many of its features all but confirmed. We know that the device will more than likely be coming with a 4-inch Retina Display. We know that there is very little chance for a redesign as part leaks and speculation insist upon the same design as the iPhone 5S. We’re fairly certain that the device will come with an upgraded camera sensor with a new flash. And we also now know that the device is more than likely going to be called the iPhone 5S, thanks to an Apple source code leak.
Needless to say, we think we know quite a bit about the iPhone 5S, even before Apple’s announcement.
There are, however, iPhone 5S mysteries that linger, things that still haven’t been cleared up ahead of its launch event. Some of the mysteries likely won’t be cleared up until September 10th arrives.
Here, we take a look at what’s left in regards to the iPhone 5S and try and make sense of some of its missing parts.
U.S. Release Date
So far, we’ve seen two credible dates emerge as iPhone 5S release dates. September 20th has been rumored for both Greece and Japan, and if true, should mean that the United States will get the iPhone 5S on September 20th as well. The U.S. is always part of the initial batch of countries to get the iPhone so if September 20th is spot on, it should apply to the U.S. release.
We’ve also heard that the iPhone 5S will be hitting China far later than September 20th with November 28th rumored as the Chinese iPhone 5S release date. This makes a whole lot of sense given that China is trying to ramp up its LTE connectivity ahead of the iPhone 5S launch and given that the country is generally a few months behind the rest of the pack when it comes to iPhone release dates.
In fact, November 28th would be an improvement for China as the iPhone 5 did not land until December. The iPhone 5 first arrived on September 21st.
Do not expect the U.S. to get it in November or October. If the September 10th launch date is accurate, the iPhone 5S should land in the United States on September 20th.
Unique Feature(s)
Because the iPhone 5S is an ‘S’ iPhone, it will likely keep many of the features found on the iPhone 5 including its design and display size. It also should mean improvements in several key areas including camera, processor, and software.
In particular, the iPhone 5S software should differ from the iOS 7 that is found on the iPhone 5. With the iPhone 4S we saw the addition of Siri, the personal assistant that never came to the iPhone 4. With the iPhone 5S, we’ve heard quite a bit about what could be on board, but we still haven’t seen the iPhone 5S’ unique feature or features nailed down.
The iPhone 5S’ unique features still are mysterious, despite rumors.
Rumors have pointed to 120fps video and slow motion video capture being possibilities. We also briefly heard about offline dictation. Recent rumors suggest that the iPhone 5S could come with a chip for motion sensing, something that could certainly be tied into the camera. We’ve also seen a heavy dose of iPhone 5S fingerprint reader rumors. Problem is, all of these things remain a bit mysterious as we have yet to see them in action or seen anything all but confirm them for arrival.
Despite that, it’s clear that the iPhone 5S should have some major differences that help Apple sell it over the iPhone 5 and the various Android competitors on the market. It’s just not clear how powerful these unique features might be.
Apple did a great job of keeping Siri away from prying eyes so expect these features to keep a bit of mystery as we approach the iPhone 5S launch.
Carriers
We still haven’t heard anything in regards to iPhone 5S carriers. And while this remains a mystery at this point, it’s a mystery that can easily be solved with a look back at Apple’s history.
AT&T, Sprint and Verizon are givens thanks to their extended support for the iPhone. Consumers on those carriers needn’t worry about missing out on the new model. T-Mobile and U.S. Cellular should also have the iPhone 5S at launch thanks to T-Mobile’s adoption of the iPhone 5 and U.S. Cellular announcing earlier this year that it was going to be carrying an iPhone in 2013.
U.S. Cellular will likely get the iPhone 5S.
U.S. Cellular did not specify which iPhone and given that it has yet to launch one, we should see the new iPhone land on the nation’s fifth largest carrier.
So yes, carriers are still a bit of a mystery thanks to a lack of rumors but at this point, there is no reason to think that the five major carriers will miss the iPhone 5S. We should also see it emerge on a number of smaller carriers as well though those will likely remain mysteries until launch day, just like the major service providers.
They’re easy to predict though. Cricket Wireless and C Spire should be two of the first small carriers to get the iPhone 5S and we should see them followed by several others down the line.
Battery Life
One of the biggest mysteries that remains in regard to the iPhone 5S is about its battery life and whether it will have a massive improvement over the iPhone 5.
If this is the iPhone 5S logic board, we could see a bigger battery.
There are some bits of information out there that suggest that it’s a possibility. The device is thought to be running an A7 chip from Apple which could enhance performance, including battery life. Part leaks have also pointed to a larger battery being possible. Those things remain inconclusive though thanks to Apple’s history with battery life.
Apple’s iPhone battery size hasn’t changed much year-after-year:
iPhone 4 - 1,420 mAh
iPhone 4S - 1,432 mAh
iPhone 5 - 1,434 mAh
Those hoping for an absolutely massive battery in the iPhone 5S should start tempering expectations. We also battery life on the iPhone 4S check in with battery life that was about the same as the iPhone 4 in some areas, but worse in others. This, according to Apple.
So while it’s possible that we’ll see a larger battery offer better battery life, it’s not confirmed, and it’s likely something that will stay unknown until Apple announces the iPhone 5S on stage.
Storage
With the iPad 4, Apple came out with a 128GB model for those that need storage beyond the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. And now, there are rumors that suggest that a 128GB model will be coming to the iPhone.
Problem is, this is something that we’ve heard rumored before in year’s past. And the rumors that we’ve been hearing about the 128GB iPhone 5S have come from an analyst and an inventory screen shot that shows a 128GB iPhone and not an iPhone 5S.
Given the iPad 128GB and these leaks, this year seems like a great candidate for a 128GB iPhone. However, the leaks are a bit flimsy making this is still far from confirmed. It’s also terribly difficult to predict.
We’ve seen Apple’s 16GB iPhone sell out quicker than the other models, likely due to price, so if Apple does come out with a 128GB, don’t be surprised if it bumps the base up to 32GB.
Colors
It’s clear that the iPhone 5S will be coming at least three colors with a gold champagne version of the device all but confirmed for arrival. However, there is now talk of a fourth iPhone 5S color.
The iPhone 5S will come in at least three colors.
Rumors suggest a gunmetal gray color could join the gold, black and white iPhone 5S models as a new leak seems to hint at a fourth color. Consumers should be skeptical about the new leak as it’s new and it’s something that hasn’t been rumored in the past. Perhaps Apple was able to keep it a secret for this long, perhaps it’s off base, it’s unclear.
So yes, the iPhone 5S will be coming in a new color, it’s just not clear if the gold iPhone 5S will be joined by something else. If the gray iPhone 5S is real, expect numerous leaks over the next few weeks.
Price
The iPhone 5 price should drop when the iPhone 5S arrives.
We haven’t seen anything emerge yet for the iPhone 5S price in the United States. So, the price remains a mystery. However, we fully expect the iPhone 5S to check in at $199.99 on-contract, just like the other models, even if Apple comes out with a 128GB iPhone 5S.
Apple has not shown a willingness to move from that price and we should see that price arrive across the board at every carrier but T-Mobile which should offer the device off-contract. Still, the price remains a mystery though we’ve seen pricing emerge ahead of launch in the past which means consumers could have an idea ahead of September 10th.
Also unclear is how the iPhone 5S’ price will fit in with the rest of Apple’s lineup. The iPhone 5C is rumored to be coming to replace the iPhone 5 or the iPhone 4S and if true, it could come with a cheap on-contract and off-contract price tag. Just how much cheaper than the iPhone 5S’ premium price tag is still not clear as it’s not clear if the iPhone 5C will even make it to the United States.
It’s unclear what benchmarking metrics Morris’ source(s) used to arrive at his 31 percent estimate.
