Are you wondering what’s in store for Apple’s next-gen iPhone? We have rounded up all the latest rumors and speculation on the alleged “iPhone 4G / HD”
Steve jobs can’t just seem to relax with all that Apple has been going through. With the allegedly world-changing iPad released, Apple astrologers with eyes gazing skyward have caught focus on Apple’s next world-changing product launch: The iPhone 4G / HD. Though still hazy, details that make a starting mount of sense have stated to pile up.
We’ll find out soon enough (June 22nd) to be exact, but in the meantime, here’s the word on the street:
The “iPhone HD"
It is said that the device we have so longed referred to as the “iPhone 4G” will actually be the “iPhone HD.” As far as naming conventiones go, this would make a lot of sense and eliminate confusion. Why you may ask? Although the “iPhone 4G” would suggest that it’s the fourth generation of the phone, some could also take it to mean that it supports 4G wireless Internet, which may or may not be the case. Apple used “iPhone 3G” for its second-generation product, so clearly the convention has more to do with Internet access than generations.
Speedy A4 Processor
Everyone knows from the lost prototype phones that the new iPhone will have an A4 processor; much like the A4 system-on-a-chip that powers iPad. Considering that Apple developed this chip itself (basing it heavily on ARM’s Cortex A9 design), it would be expected for it to appear on multiple devices. The 1 GHz processor and onboard graphics should offer a considerable boost in horsepower from the 600 MHz Cortex A8 processor currently driving the iPhone 3GS.
960 x 640 Display
Handsets such as the Motorola Droid and HTC HD2 have dwarfed the iPhone’s 320 x 480 pixel screen for months now, so Apple will need to make a big leap forward. John Gruber claims it will take one big step on each axis, essentially quadrupling the number of pixels to 960 x 640, which was confirmed by the leaked prototypes.
More pixels always make an intuitive leap for a next-gen phone, but the specific 2x factor here could be strategic as well. By keeping the same proportions as the past iPhones. Apple eases compatibility issues between generations: just turn one pixel on any current iPhone app into four pixels and you have a version that should look identical, without any wacky scaling.
Multitasking
That’s right, the next-generation iPhone should correct the number one criticism about the phone that even the iPad has not. It will run more than one app at a time. Apple traditionally ties every iPone OS update to the launch of a new device, so a fourth-generation iPhone is almost synonymous with iPhone OS 4.0. Multitasking is amongst the many features included in the next software upgrade for the OS.
Might Be Available on Verizon
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is working on a CDMA version of the iPhone that should go into production this September. Unfortunately, we still have no idea whether this and the “upgraded iPhone” are the same device. It could be that Apple will announce the slick new iPhone 4G / HD for AT&T this summer, then drop a CDMA iPhone 3GS on Verizon this fall. Because Verizon plans to roll out the first pieces of its 4G LTE network by the end of 2010 and AT&T has been lagging behind on 4G, the tables could also turn the other way. Apple could release a mild refresh of the iPhone for AT&T this summer, and offer a Verizon a souped-up new 4G version later on.
Front Facing Camera
At first you might say, “Great… Another Camera”, but the concept is much beyond that point; video conferencing. A front-facing camera will allow you to view the screen at the same time you shoot yourself with it, not only opening boundless opportunities for MySpace photoes, but for Skype-style video conferencing on the go.
If you want to take the next logical implied step, a front-facing camera is also a checkmark in support of 4G, since the intense bandwidth used by two-way video communication probably wouldn’t fly too well over typical 3G connections.
Announcement Coming June 22!
Apple announced the finalized dates for the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) where more information will probably be released. The new hardware should be available by June 22nd so mark your calendars and be ready.
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