iOS 5.1 Could Be The Key To A June iPhone 5 Release
Posted by Michael Nace on Friday Apr 13, 2012 Under iOS 5 News, iPhone 5 Opinion
iOS 5.1 is purported to contain 4G LTE code, suggesting that the iPhone 5 could be announced in June, even if iOS 6 is still in beta production. But would Apple launch the iPhone 5 without iOS 6?
A few weeks back, CNET blogger Joe Aimonetti put together an interesting blog post, laying out a discovery made by iDownload Blog tipster Krishna Sagar that code within iOS 5.1 that would allow for 4G LTE connectivity. Aimonetti explains that “Using iFile on a jailbroken iPhone 4 (running iOS 5.1, of course) Sagar was able to find code strings indicating 4G connectivity actions during phone calls, including code that ends a 4G call when FaceTime is activated.” He hedges any absolute claims of the iPhone 5 will be 4G, saying that the discovery of this new code “doesn’t necessarily mean the next iPhone will be 4G LTE-ready,” but he does note that it appears the software side of “4G connectivity is already inserted into iOS and, if the hardware allows, can be implemented.” In other words, all we need at this point is the hardware.
The angle of this particular story is that Apple is indeed working on a 4G LTE iPhone 5 — a story line that is all but assumed at this point, thanks to the 4G connectivity of the iPad 3. For this reason, some may have passed over this iOS 5.1 4G code revelation as a mere retread of what we already know. What I find interesting about it, however, is that, if the current form of iOS 5.1 would enable a 4G LTE iPhone 5, could this mean that Apple will launch the iPhone 5 with iOS 5.1 (or maybe an iOS 5.2), giving them the opportunity to debut iOS 6 beta at the WWDC and releasing it in full sometime in the fall? Clearly, Apple could do this if iOS 5.1 contains all of the functionality needed to equip the iPhone 5 with 4G.
But would Apple release a new iPhone with a mere refresh of the current iOS?
Apple enthusiasts are always looking for discernible patterns in their products’ release schedules, in spite of the fact that Cupertino seems to go out of its way to explode expectations. One thing has been fairly consistent, however: the new iPhone has religiously debuted with an alpha version of a new iOS. Even last year, when the WWDC came around, revealing only the testing version of iOS 5, we didn’t get an iPhone 5 to go with it; it wasn’t until the fall, when iOS 5 was ready to roll that we got the 4S hardware to go with it. Using this model, we’d need to see iOS 6 beta introduced very soon in order for it to have a chance at debuting at the WWDC in June along with the iPhone 5.
If Apple were to run and ship the iPhone 5 with iOS 5.1 or 5.2 instead, it would most certainly break with tradition. It appears that the current operating system — or perhaps one more refresh of it — could handle the job of ushering in Apple’s first 4G smartphone, but would Apple really go this route?
The answer, in my opinion, depends heavily on marketing, not technology. Last year’s iOS 5 and iPhone 4S emphasized software innovations, not major hardware advancements. While there were some hardware upgrades, such as the camera sensor and A5 processor, Apple made iOS 5, iCloud, and Siri the centerpieces of its marketing campaign for the 4S. And it should come as no surprise: Apple has been very clear that they often seek to innovate on the software side of things first.
Whereas the iPhone 4S’s marketing strategy had to be predicated on software enhancements — since it didn’t get the form factor or larger screen upgrade that many were hoping for — the iPhone 5 is slated to be a big hardware overhaul. By all accounts, we are going to see a new form factor and a larger screen, along with a new processor, an even better camera sensor than what we’ve got on the 4S, and who knows what else.
If these features are going to be the major selling points for the iPhone 5, could Cupertino skate by with iOS 5.1? It isn’t an easy question to answer, since as recently as the iPad 3′s launch, we saw Apple utilizing all of the new apps and software updates to really highlight the new iPad’s Retina display. With that in mind, one can imagine that they will want to do the same with the iPhone 5, rolling out a ton of new software enhancements that will inevitably come with iOS 6.
But let’s not forget: shipping the iPhone 5 with iOS 5.1 or 5.2 and not the brand-new iOS 6 will not be a deal-breaker for the average user. While geekdom will wring its hands over a move like that, the vast majority of people who will come to own an iPhone 5 won’t even bat an eyelash; if it looks cool, they’ll buy it.
What we can take out of this, however, is that, even without iOS 6 ready to go at the WWDC, it appears that Apple may indeed have the software means to still release the iPhone 5 in June.
By Michael Nace
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April 13th, 2012 at 10:41 am
Let’s not forget that if the iPhone 5 (new iPhone) is released with 5.2 there is nothing to stop us upgrading to IOS6 when it is released as presumably the phone will support it.
I don’t put a lot of emphasis on software releases as they are easier and less expensive than replacing the hardware and can usually retro fit older devices.
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April 13th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I just want an iPhone and have been holding out since April of last year. When the 4S came out I was tempted and for good reason, it’s a great phone. But I knew there’s an LTE capable iPhone on the way, and know the wait will be worth it. I don’t care if iOS 6 comes with the iPhone or not. Apple proved last year that they can break tradition and still dominate so I have no problem believing they can release a new iPhone without the new iOS at the same time.
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April 13th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
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April 13th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
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April 13th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
Michael,
I just came across this item on an Italian news website, but not quite sure what to make of it? You may have already reported on this, but thought I’d mention it anyway. The news items states:
“(AGI) Paris – Philippe Starck has revealed that he is working with Apple Computer on a “revolutionary” project that will be ready this Christmas. Speaking on France Info Radio, Starck would not reveal the nature of the project, “To tell the truth, we have a large project with Apple that will be ready in eight months.” Starck was not forthcoming with details and hid behind Apple’s “cult of secrecy.” The ony detail Starck, 63, would reveal was that the project “is revolutionary, to say the least. I went to see Steve Jobs in Palo Alto every Monday for seven years and I go there even since he’s died, to speak with his wife. We like talking about interesting things.” . .”
Any thoughts on what it might be?
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April 13th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I have no idea, Ken. Maybe Apple is coming out with an Iron Man suit?
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April 13th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Forget my comment about 14th line from the bottom I seem to have read it wrong. That or the words were rearranged
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April 13th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Is it Friday the 13th?
oh, and Michael, I’ll get you that picture, ok?
Have a good weekend!
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April 13th, 2012 at 7:22 pm
There’s a lot of hoop blah about 4G LTE. I don’t think that the break neck speed will be noticed that much by the average user. Espeically when the chips are down and you need it the most. Every day I make a commute in very heavy traffic in a densely populated and congested part of Houston. My phone barely works at all during that 30 minute drive. When I get home, I’ve got wifi connected and the difference between using wifi and using my data connection is neglegable. But I live in a sparsely populated area with a great data signal. My point being, regardless of the type of connection we have, we are still at the mercy of the physics that surrounds us at any given time. I could easily live without wifi at all, given the current speed of my iphone 4S’s sudo 4G connection. It’s pretty good. and I can’t see a true 4G connection helping me out during my commute because the airways are crammed with mega signals fighting for a place to be.
Just an observation. All that being said, I can’t wait for a true 4G speed just because I’m a geek. My biggest worry is that Siri will go away. I love her and use her a lot and I hope the newest phone and operating system will still include her. She’s a jewel.
Michael, you are the only blog that I consistantly read. I appreciate your insight, and you keeping us informed with such diligence and creativity.
Regards my man.
Ron Holland
From my iPhone
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April 13th, 2012 at 7:36 pm
I’m not at all excited about 4G, given the fact that the iPad doesn’t have 4G outside North America. I’m guessing the iP5 will follow the iPad.
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April 13th, 2012 at 9:53 pm
I just hope it comes sooner than later cause this wait is pretty intense. I have no smart-phone and have been putting up with the most cheapest go-phone a person can buy since January. WWDC “One more thing” is supposedly coming in two days and 2 months from today – Oh boy. I’m just really, really hoping it doesn’t come out this October. I personally can wait for the IOS 6 I just really want the next iPhone. Why get the iPhone 4s when the possibility lingers for the next one to show it’s sexy face right around the corner in a couple of months?
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April 14th, 2012 at 7:46 am
If, Apple follows suit, then, more than likely the next generation iPhone will be the same software in a new form factor, Apple is a fairly conservative company.
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April 14th, 2012 at 8:43 am
@Ken and Michael, Apple shot down the thought that they were working with Mr. Stark on something “revolutionary”. So Michael please don’t waste a post writing on it if that’s what you were planning. Thanks.
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April 14th, 2012 at 9:02 am
Thanks, Braden. Yeah — I really wasn’t, since there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot to write about.
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April 14th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
@Braden the project was Steve Jobs’ yacht he was building and designing with Mr.Starck before he died.
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April 14th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
@GetReal There doesn’t need to be a seperate portion of code to refer to the current 4G HSPA+ that AT&T uses, as it is the same technology they have used all along (GSM). AT&T went from HSPA to HSPA+, and the only difference is how they process the voice and data traffic, not how the iPhone interfaces with their network. With that said, I agree with Michael’s thoughts, I don’t think software will be that big of a selling point this time around.
@Ron Having 4G LTE capability isn’t just for data. My old college roommate owns a few AT&T stores and has been using a SG II Skyrocket since last year. Per what he said, it has been the best phone he has used so far. In buildings where he once got poor voice signal, he now has plenty. So apparently it will be a stronger signal, not only faster. A co-worker has a 4G LTE verizon phone and he said the same about his phone versus his older phone. Just a couple of thoughs.
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April 15th, 2012 at 1:17 am
Just so people know, GetReal is Not me. I figured since our names are so similar people might think that we are the same person and we are not. I want the WORLD to know that I am not GetReal commenting on here. I wonder where he got his name from though
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April 16th, 2012 at 11:41 pm
iphone 4s sales are off the charts for quarter 1…there is no way the iphone 5 is going to be here in june.
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May 6th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging glance easy. The total look of your website is fantastic, let alone the content!
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