cropped up about the iPhone 5. The topics covered by these rumors range from its
hardware to its form factor and aesthetics to the software Apple will likely debut
alongside it.
iPhone 5 rumors about the hardware range from drastic changes to small improvements.
The camera resolution is expected to be bumped from four megapixels on the iPhone
3GS and iPhone 4 to eight megapixels, which has recently become the standard
resolution for high-end smartphone cameras. The iPhone 5 is also expected to include
the Apple A5 processor that debuted in the iPad 2. This would repeat the plan that
Apple used when introducing the Apple A4 in the original iPad and then using it in
the iPhone 4. The Apple A5 is a “system on a chip” that provides a dual-core CPU, a
GPU, and RAM in one compact unit. According to Apple, the A5 CPU is twice as
powerful as the A4′s CPU and the GPU is almost nine times as powerful as the A4′s.
The A5 contains 512 MB of DDR2 RAM running at 1066 MHz. The iPhone 5 is also rumored
to utilize 4G mobile connection speeds and output video at 1080p resolutions. These
possible iPhone 5 features would keep the iPhone line at the cutting edge of
smartphone hardware.
Though countless mockups can be found on the Internet, the iPhone 5 design is still
unknown. Supposedly it will switch to a metal backing similar to the original
iPhone. The back may be curved to match the newer iPad and iPod Touch designs. Many
sources state the likelihood of a 4-inch screen, the first to break from the
traditional 3.5-inch iPhone screens. It is not known what the resolution of the
screen will be; however, Apple has stated that they wish to keep resolutions
consistent to avoid creating a burden on developers who would have to spend time
designing interfaces for slightly different resolutions.
One of the biggest changes during the release of the iPhone 5 may not be to the
hardware but to the software. Apple has unveiled iOS 5, which features a new cloud
computing system called iCloud. This allows users to store media and sync it to all
their Apple devices and personal computers. It will also replace the MobileMe
program for syncing personal organization, email, and lifestyle data. Each user will
have five gigabytes of storage for free, and will be able to subscribe for more
storage on a monthly basis.
It is not yet known exactly when consumer will be able to buy iPhone 5 units. Though
initial rumors pegged it for a July 2011 release, it is now believed by multiple
sources close to Reuters that the iPhone 5 will enter the market no sooner than
September 2011. iPhone 5 news and features are eagerly awaited on the path up to its
release.
