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wowman (82)Al Gore Spills Beans On iPhone 5 In October
Posted by Michael Nace on Wednesday Sep 21, 2011 Under iPhone 5 News, Verizon iPhone
One of Apple’s Board of Directors may have just spilled the beans on the iPhone 5′s release in October — and that Board is none other than Al Gore. Move over climate change, Big Al is now the new iPhone rumor monger.
Former Vice President, inventor of the Internet, eco-warrior, and Apple board member Al Gore apparently spotted the beans on an October release, coming just on the heels of a report today that Apple has slated a media event for October 4th. His offhand comments came at this years’ Discovery Invest Leadership Conference wherein he commented to Stuff Magazine “Not to mention the new iPhones coming out next month. That was a plug.”
Much has been made of Gore’s remark, not only because it corroborates the prevailing rumors of an October announcement and release of the iPhone 5, but also the ever growing sense that Apple might co-release two new iPhone models, a theory once thought to be implausible. As a member of Apple’s board, Mr. Gore would indeed have access to sensitive information such as the nature of the next iPhone’s release. It remains to be seen if Gore’s comment was a gaffe or part of Apple’s often cryptic pre-marketing efforts.
I’m just relieved Gore wasn’t this reckless with national policy secrets when he was Vice President.
Should this comment price to be true, it remains to be seen how Gore’s slip up could affect his role on Apple’s board.
By Michael Nace
September 21st, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Why did he say iPhones? Does he mean two models, or just that there will be millions of individual handsets to sell, or was it just a slip of tongue/figure of speech? I don’t wanna read too deep, just sounded kind of odd.
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September 21st, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Al Gore will be announcing the iPhone(s) on October 4th. I kid, but seriously.
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September 21st, 2011 at 3:32 pm
Did he possibly mean “iPhone’s” (as in ‘iPhone is coming’) or iPhones (plural)?
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September 21st, 2011 at 3:35 pm
If there is no iPhone 5 released next month I will ship my IP3G to Cupertino and have the courier leave it outside Apple’s offices so it can explode in the sun.
Maybe the reason SJ left was because there was nothing exciting to show at the WDDC in June and the company plan was to ‘refresh’ the IP4 in Autumn? Leave whilst you are on top.
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September 21st, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Sorry, I just re read the topic: Al Gore invented the Internet!!? I know he’s a politician but is he really claiming that?
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September 21st, 2011 at 3:52 pm
I thought Al Gore only used a tin can and a piece of string for a phone!
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:10 pm
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Apples-Next-Event-to-Be-Held-allthingsd-3552050978.html?x=0
First news article on yahoo. The 4th is most definitively the most promising date thus far… all other dates were obviously bogus due to IOS5 not being released until fall anyways. No way they were going to release the 4s/5 without the new OS
Great blog btw, been reading it since January keep it up. And lets hope this one pans out to be true. My 3g has been on its last leg for months. doesnt hold charge, screen is shattered, earpiece doesnt work, speakerphone works half the time, the gps doesnt work, sometimes takes 30min+ to turn on. it’s embarrassing
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Great to have you here, Chewbacca, and thanks for the compliment and link. Yeah, this is the first completely mainstreamed iPhone 5 announcement rumor that has a specific date attached to it. It’s everywhere. That’s a good sign.
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Vernicularis: Al Gore took political credit for fostering the technology resources that led to the development of the internet. March 9th, 1999 (a day that will live in Al Gore infamy) : “I’ve traveled to every part of this country during the last six years. During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet. I took the initiative in moving forward a whole range of initiatives that have proven to be important to our country’s economic growth and environmental protection, improvements in our educational system.” It’s from this interview.
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:35 pm
This is great news. Atleast we have some what of a date range. Im still kinda anoyed though that Apple made us wait this long. But better later then never. I also found it interesting that he said iPhones but I don’t think we should read to far into it. Great job with the blog Michael keep it up.
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:43 pm
Thanks, Eileen. But Big Al Gore makes it easy to blog on a day like this.
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September 21st, 2011 at 4:49 pm
Al Gore is on Apple’s board? That may explain the delay. Probably the result of one of his green initiatives. LOL
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:07 pm
He also invented the internet…
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Let’s hope he’s “super cereal” this time.
But South Park references aside, this is a very chunky piece of news (almost as chunky as the man himself—seriously, he’s put on a few).
I see this as a quasi-official confirmation that we will, indeed, have a new iPhone in a month’s time, but I am extremely skeptical as to what he means with “new iPhones,” especially since he didn’t specify, as in “new iPhone MODELS.” This PROBABLY (70% likelihood) means that there will, indeed, be two iPhone models, as several rumors have suggested, but then again I’m a “hope for the best, expect the worst” kind of guy, so I’m mentally preparing myself for Tim Cook to announce an iPhone 4S and no more than an iPhone 4S.
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:26 pm
SpasticPat: … and climate change? Ouch!
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Kudos to the first commenter to write a mock memo of Steve Jobs informing Apple’s Worldwide Loyalty Team about how to handle Al Gore.
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:36 pm
It comes down to One of two things; did apple delay because of the Verizon deal or not (slapping a5 and 8 Meg camera are not worthy of 3 month delay), and would they delay it just because iOS 5 wasnt ready?
If those answers are no, then we’ ll be seeing a new design…
Though I’m not expecting that…
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Call it a slip up, but he might’ve saved Apple from a lot people getting the Galaxy S2.
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:44 pm
Michael, throw in an iPhone 5, 4S, or 4GS and you’ve got yourself a deal!
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Do you think Verizon will get the iPhone 5/4S/4SG/mystery at the same time as other providers?
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September 21st, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Heck yes
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Other than Al Gore putting an “s” on the end of iPhone, I never really knew where the 2 models of iPhone theory originated from…does anyone know?
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:06 pm
I find it interesting that this slip-up comes on 9/21, which seems to have been one of those key dates that have been bandied about (a la the back to school promo, store opening dates, etc.). Just saying, Apple AND Al Gore are veteran Masters when it comes to communicating to the public. They don’t make mistakes like that.
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Whats Al Gore doing talking to Stuff Mag, jeez?
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Al Gore never claimed to have invented the internet. He spoke about fostering the technology and the initiatives that led to the intenet, but the radio-right has conflated that into what people parrot today.
He also didn’t invent global warming. That was also a team effort.
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:45 pm
dammit al gore! when will you stop! (the links iphone 5 related)
http://dating.failblog.org/2011/09/20/dating-fails-the-right-kind-of-person-apparently/
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September 21st, 2011 at 6:53 pm
John Berggren: regarding Al Gore, “you don’t have to get snippy about it.”
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September 21st, 2011 at 7:09 pm
So what will happen to this blog once the iPhone 5 is released?
Was the iPhone 4 release kept this quiet?
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September 21st, 2011 at 7:16 pm
@Bob: No the iPhone 4 release was not this secret. In fact an iPhone 4 model was left at a bar and everyone got to see pictures of the new device way before apple officialy announced it. With the iPhone 5 apple has kept things very very tight. I’m sure it’s easier to get into area 51 than it is to see a real iPhone 5.
As far as Al Gore possibly saying there will be 2 new iPhones, I really hope this is true. It would really suck for Tim Cook’s first product release to just be an iPhone 4S.
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September 21st, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Bob: the iPhone 4 had massive buzz, but it didn’t come until right before the WWDC 201. The iPhone 5, however, has had a steady crescendo of buzz starting from just a month after the iPhone 4′s release. The iPhone 6 may or may not go that way, depending on what the iPhone 5 turns out to be.
For this blog, I think that we will continue to post on it with iPhone-related pieces, but it probably won’t be quite as busy as it has been. We’ll be switching gears over to the new, shiny, iPhone 6 News Blog for a new round of rumordom.
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September 21st, 2011 at 7:23 pm
@ Lethal……But can Apple stop a lot of people from getting a Galaxy S2. I guess we will find out on the 4th.
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September 21st, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Michael, do you have an opinion on why he said iPhone”s”? I am not saying (nor do I really believe) it is a rumor or lends credence to a dual model release, but it seems an unfortunate slip of the tongue, during a really heated time for the phone. Of course, the guy’s got a history of that…
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September 21st, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Devin, I should preface this by saying that I am having a bit of fun at Mr. Gore’s expense.
Even though he is on the Board of Directors and would have access to high-level information it’s so difficult to know this guy’s mind. Like John B said, Big Al probably didn’t mean that he “invented the internet.” But he did say it! LOL! It’s not like he was mis-quoted. He said, “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.” I mean, he did say that he created the internet — even if he didn’t mean it that way.
Given this track-record — as you noted — who knows? the fact that he concluded the comment by saying, “And that’s a plug,” it sounded to me like he was trying to be funny (not his strong suit) and trying to impress the journalist (also not his strong suit — was the journalist an attractive woman, I wonder?).
Also, I would be fascinated to find out what role Mr. Gore actually plays on Apple’s board? Is he an active member, or just fodder to cater to environmentalists? I don’t have the answer to this question.
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September 21st, 2011 at 8:26 pm
why do blogs keep calling certain phones “iphone killers”. we know nothing about the iphone five. who knows maybe the iphone 5 will have an A12 processor and is 3 times more powerful than a ps3. has 10 gbs of ram and shoots lasers for a password defenses system. and cooks bacon
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September 21st, 2011 at 8:32 pm
For those of you who ask why he said, “iPhones,” well there might not more than one. He could have easily meant, “the new iPhone’s coming out next month.” Meaning that the new iphone is coming out next month.
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September 21st, 2011 at 8:38 pm
The logic behind having a simultaneous release of two handsets (4S and 5 for arguments sake) is truly very simple. If rumors about Sprint getting the iPhone with this iteration turn out to be true it becomes even more clear. Apple would have to produce 12 versions of the iPhone4 to account for the three carriers, two storage capacities and two colors. Anyone who follows Apple knows that there are always 2 handsets available…however, with Apple expanding their carrier stable (Sprint – US, China Mobile – China) the cost ineffectiveness of producing carrier specific versions would negatively impact quarterly profits. With China being Apple’s primary target this go round, the production of a ‘world phone’ is the rumor most likely to be true. In order to cut production costs they would have to redesign the iPhone4 and incorporate Qualcomm’s mixed mode chipset. I would imagine to further cut costs and make the iPhone4 (4S, 4GS) it’s low end phone, it would have to incorporate the A5 processor and 8MP camera that would be included in the iPhone5, but most likely would reduce the capacity size and carry only one size (most likely 8GB) while maintaining a 3.5″ screen. This of course is solely my opinion. I have to agree with most who comment, this is by far the best source for iPhone5 info while providing some critical thinking when presenting these rumors. Keep up the good work!!!
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September 21st, 2011 at 9:16 pm
I’m betting the carriers are having a love/hate relationship at the thought of a dual mode chipset. Anyone could come to them, but anyone could leave if they wanted to. ATT was happy to have a locked GSM phone, because people had to just stick it out and wait for the next iPhone. Now that Apple offers unlocked (and may have dual mode) phones, it will fall on service reliability and customer service. If as many people get the 5 as some anaylsts are projecting, ATT may start to worry. Reliability has been spotty, and customer service isn’t too good. On the flip side, I was with Sprint for 10 years before I got the iPhone, and I almost never had a dropped call (unless the other person had ATT). Sprint will also have cheaper rates Couple that with Sprint’s superior customer service, Sprint looks to be an even bigger winner when the new iPhone(s) come out. This will be quite interesting to follow over the next year.
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September 21st, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Although I’m frustrated at having to wait this long for the iPhone 5, delaying the announcement and release until October probably makes business sense for Apple. Their fiscal quarter ends 9/30. An earlier announcement would have likely depressed September sales. (Many consumers are oblivious to blogs and websites such as this, and have no idea about the impending release of iPhone 5.)
This way Apple beats their quarterly estimate, and their stock goes even higher than it is. Doubt they have any concern about revenues next quarter since they will be able to sell as many iPhone 5′s as they can make for at least the first few months.
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September 21st, 2011 at 11:52 pm
I have always wondered if he meant multiple iPhone models, or “the iPhone is”. It’s amazing how punctuation can change a sentence.
Let’s eat Grandpa. vs. Let’s eat, Grandpa. <- In this case, it can change a persons fate.
I hope everyone is having a great night! Love the blog Michael!
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September 22nd, 2011 at 7:03 am
As for infamous Al Gore’s quote; “…I took the initiative in creating…” and say “…I took the initiative and created…” is actually big and in this case makes the key difference (read: Al Gore never said he created the Internet).
Again, we kinda like to see things, well… the way WE wanna see them and consider that normal or objective.
As for his “iphones” quotation, he probably did’t mean anything or just wanted to create more buzz.
In my opinion it doesn’t really matter weather they come out with iPhone 5 or 4s since the only difference is in name. Except for the screen size, hardware is already pretty much “confirmed”. I doubt they will release 2 models at once since it would create to much confusion. They will probably go with 4s and “reinvent” the phone a year or so later with 5. In the meantime the old 4 will be there to create good an affordable entrance in the iOS wold.
Either way – fans disappointed or not, in the long run, their device will be a big success once again
Not to mention that in that case we will vist this site for another year
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September 22nd, 2011 at 9:04 am
Please people learn a little grammar…”iPhones (means MANY phones.). IPhone’s (means something that belongs to it, like a home button or back cover.”
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September 22nd, 2011 at 9:56 am
Scott, it can also mean “phone is” as in “My phone’s very slow”.
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September 22nd, 2011 at 10:54 am
… and iPhones’ means multiple iPhones’ possessive, which was wonderfully illustrated just now!
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January 5th, 2012 at 5:35 am
Great post. Keep me updated with your progress!
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