GS3 Gets The July Release Date That iPhone 5 Enthusiasts Dreamed Of
Posted by Michael Nace on Tuesday Jul 3, 2012 Under iPhone 5 Opinion
Despite being embroiled in a patent litigation gambit by Apple, Samsung’s highly anticipated Galaxy S 3 is set to be released on July 6th via AT&T in the U.S.. July 6th would have been a nice release date for the iPhone 5.
If you read the news today regarding the ongoing Apple-Samsung patent litigation, it certainly doesn’t look good for Samsung. Just scanning over 9to5Mac, I see that a judge has rejected Samsung’s request to have an injunction removed on their Galaxy Tab 10.1, thanks to the aggressive court room maneuvers from Cupertino lawyers (and a $2.6 million bond). In a separate article by Jake Smith, it is reported that Google and Samsung are going to work together more closely to counter Apple’s aggressive litigation efforts to keep Samsung’s mobile products out of the U.S. marketplace.
And yet, in spite of all this adversity, the Samsung Galaxy S 3 is set to debut in AT&T stores on July 6th, in spite of Cupertino’s efforts to ban the GS3 from the U.S., with Sprint already offering the device, and Verizon to follow suit next week.
Boy, doesn’t July 6th seem like a good date for the iPhone 5 to have been released?
You’ll recall that, back in 2010, this was just around the time that the landmark iPhone 4 was officially released. On June 24th, 2010, the release of the iPhone 4 marked a complete overhaul of the 3GS and the start of a new generation of mobile computing — with the refreshed 4S continuing the lifecycle of the iPhone 4 well beyond what tech pundits and enthusiasts ever expected.
For as much as the iPhone 4 and 4S still remain the flagship smartphone design for Apple and its best-selling mobile design, the device is now seen as outmoded — particularly now that the GS3 has fully arrived on the scene.
According to IBT, the GS3 was actually set to be released in the last week of June, but because of incredibly high demand, its official in-store release date had to be pushed back. Apple enthusiasts are balking at the notion that the GS3 will even come close to taking on the iPhone 5 in terms of bulk sales, but there is no doubt that Samsung has managed to capitalize on the long wait for the iPhone 5 and disenchantment among hard core tech enthusiasts who have kept the GS3 in consideration since the disappointment of the iPhone 4S release in 2011.
Consumers will have to simply grin and bear it as the GS3 will take center state in the top-tier smartphone market for at least the next few months. While there have been rumors of an August iPhone 5 release date, you’ll recall similar rumors abounded in 20112 — for for an August release, then a September one. But with the passing of the WWDC event in June, most continue to believe that Apple will seek to reprise its iPhone event in early October.
In the meantime, how many GS3s will Samsung sell? How many iPhone users will decide to try the GS3 now as opposed to waiting for the phantom iPhone 5? To the average consumer, that wouldn’t seem like an important question. But if Samsung continues to edge their way toward the top of the smartphone market, Apple could someday see the loss of their dominating presence in the tech marketplace.
One gets the sense that there is a comfortable haughtiness that pervades Cupertino these days — that they can release the iPhone 5 and any other device whenever they damn well please. This may not be the case — the delays and extended release schedule for the iPhone 5 might actually be the result of other issues — but since Apple keeps all of us in the dark, we’re only left with impressions. And if this sentiment continues to grow, the GS3 could very soon become the most popular smartphone design on the market.
By Michael Nace
Michael Nace is the Publisher of the iPhone 5 News Blog and iPhone 6 News Blog. He has published articles about the iPhone since 2010.
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July 3rd, 2012 at 9:52 am
Tmobile has had the GS3 for a little while now. You are right Michael, Apple will pay for their “haughtiness”
I personally said I would not wait for them and I haven’t. I’m typing from my brand new HTC One S and I love it! I know I’m not the only one who will not be waiting on Apple and their insane two and a half year phone cycles. I hope they learn that just because they are Apple doesn’t mean people will blindly buy their products. They better start giving their customers a little more respect.
July 3rd, 2012 at 9:56 am
Placed my order 2 weeks ago. Don’t know if Apple is intentionally/strategically planning new product introduction dates or as you said Michael, they have real delays outside of their QC process. But having to guess in the void of any feedback, my default is it’s arrogance on their part.
I feel if they adopt a true partnership with their loyal customer base, espcially the business community, fewer people like me would jump ship.
It’s like being in a traffic jam with a endless line of red taillights in front of you. That wait is unbearable without knowing how long the backup is,and at some point you hop off to use a side road just to keep moving, and it’s more tolerable when you actually see the end in sight. We all need feedback and benchmarks.
In summary, I can deal with dealys, I can’t deal with delays not knowing the wait.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:18 am
Yeah, I am leaning heavily towards a GSIII as well, waiting on Verizon to make it available next week.
Samsung definitely made a great move. Everyone has to hold off till the end of the year for Windows Phone 8 and iPhone 5. So, you upgrade now, or wait 3+ months for something else that might not even be as good as the GSIII.
Awesome strategy, kudos to Samsung.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:39 am
If Apple really wanted to stick it to Samsung, they’d release a little iPhone 5 launch invitation on either July 5th or 6th. Set the date for like the 16th of July and then release the phone two weeks later. Samsungs ATT and Verizon sales would take a hit from anyone on the fence between their old iPhone and new GSIII
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:51 am
“August iPhone 5 release date, you’ll recall similar rumors abounded in 20112″
It sure seems like it…
@DonNMass… to add to your analogy, and you’re sitting with an empty 64 oz soda cup you drank in the traffic jam. There is a reason for mile markers. They at least let you know you’re moving.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:54 am
I wish Samsung would sacrifice a couple couple of bells and whistles on the interior so they could use higher qualiy casing materials. The galaxy s 3 is an incredible device but still felt a bit cheap to me with all the plastic.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:55 am
Apple thinks they can release a device at any time they want, and still get the whole world rushing to buy it. Its not like that anymore. The competition is very keen now and we apple enthusiasts can’t wait any longer for a product we have no idea what it would look like. Keep on being tight-lipped about your products, and Samsung would surely take over the entire market.
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:56 am
^^^^^^^^^ugh….Michael we need that edit button to come back…..:)
July 3rd, 2012 at 10:57 am
Has anyone else but me noticed that people who own or threaten to buy and Android phone are always reading and commenting on IPhone Blogs? You can bet that people who own or are planning to purchase an iPhone are not constantly hanging on every word posted on Android Blogs, because we simply don’t care anything about their product.
July 3rd, 2012 at 11:17 am
@ Scott – For me, totally not true.
This was fun back when the anticipation of a new exciting product from Apple was justified; we all wanted one.
Too many expections have not been met in 2 plus years, (I’ve been wating since the fall of 2010, and still only a rumored, best guess end in sight. Even the staunchest Apple supporter, even ones that follow this blog, have a saturation/frustration point, or a just a shear need to upgrade. This was fun when the payoff occured and we started planning and discussing the next iPhone.
I didn’t want the GS3. I weighed the GS3 with waiting an unknown length of time for a phone with totally unkown features and form factors. and I determined my time and money better spent now on the GS3, and if I don’t like it switch back in 18 months,and besides the iPhone will may only have been on the market 6 months by the time by next contract ends!!!!
July 3rd, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@DonNMass… There is absolutely 0 doubt in my mind that there will be a new iPhone by September/October. They are just doing a better job at keeping things under wraps now. Jumping ships to a different brand of phone is going to make for a LONG 2 year contract. I’d hang tight for a little longer so you will be sure to get what you want so you won’t have buyers remorse in 3 months.
July 3rd, 2012 at 1:07 pm
I got the iPhone 4 back in september 2010 in grey market which costed me
1500USD back then . Used it till last year wwdc and got the sgs2 as apple didn’t launch the ip5 . The device was amazing but once I got the news off an October announcement for any iPhone I was hoping the ip5 to launch but failed again and I got the galaxy note . This years announcement failed again and would now I have the.sgs3 . I am a hard core apple fan but I believe that the sgs3 would be the standard in the business to compare the best smart phone out there today . And I believe millions off people have already moved to Samsung because off the delay apple has made to launch an iPhone 5 or the new iPhone what ever they name it as . Those million people are actually a loss off millions off apple customers .
July 3rd, 2012 at 1:14 pm
@Scott…or if the new iphone looks like the rumored pics (a taller version of the current iphone) you will be wishing you wouldn’t have waited and would have bought another phone now. I don’t like the look of the 4/4S and if the new one is the same but just taller, I will absolutely hate it. Apple should start looking online for some of the concept designs for ideas of prototypes. If a taller version of the current model is the best they can come up with after 2 years then Apple has seriously lost their mojo (at least when it comes to the phone).
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:03 pm
What all of you fail to see is this:
Everyone wants the iPhone 5 SO bad that they can’t take it anymore and have to switch to the SG3. It’s like you all were in love, and then your heart were broken, so you go to a new girl to make it better, but the truth is that the new girl is never good enough because you still cannot get the first girl off your mind.
That’s what everyone is doing. It’s just a backup.
When your girlfriend breaks up with you and you are hurt, after a few days you start flirting with other girls to make it feel better.
Samsung is just a backup, and when the iPhone 5 comes out everyone is Still going to be upset about it because they care for it SO much.
And anyone who doesn’t like this truth is just in denial. EVERY man is in denial after a heart break. “No I don’t love her anymore” yeah BULL lmao. It’s the same situation with Apple.
The truth hurts, and guess what, if you disagree it’s still just denial.
In fact I beleive there are about 20 guys who follow this site and are SG3 fans, so thats 20 dislikes of denial right there. All they have to do Is read this and denial will kick in for an instant dislike.
You heard the truth from me first guys, I’m here all year
-GetSwole
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Guys, I still contentedly using my 1st Gen Iphone and planning on the 5 when it arrives. I have several Samsung products and will continue to buy some things from them. However, if you have ever had ANY issues with an Apple product you have probably learned that they stand behind their products like no other brand. I always prefer to buy quality so this is one person who won’t be switching to the (seemingly outstanding in its own right) Samsung. I’ll stay with the COMPANY that keeps getting it right.
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:28 pm
I’ve said it numerous times before, and i’ll say it again
HTC ONE X>>>Samsung SIII
That being said, I HIGHLY doubt as many people as you folks state here are rushing out to buy this device. It’s too big for most people. Granted there are people who love phones, but trust me when I tell you, the iPhone has always been more of a fashion item than a heavy hitter in terms of specs.
There are Apple retail stores, they have a great warranty, and their customer service is overall superior to almost anything on any market nowadays. Sure the S3 might have some cool stuff, but like I said overall, it’s too big for MOST people.
I can completely agree with the frustration many of us feel, but remember, Apple did the same thing from the 3G to the 3GS. It’s called refreshes, and it is what Apple seems to be doing from now on. Car companies do it all the time, and none of you complain.
The iPhone 5 should be worth the wait, and even if it isn’t, most of you will buy it anyway because, even though it may not be brimming over the edge with specs, the overall ecosystem, simply put, works. That’s why you’re on this blog. Otherwise you’d be on android central talking about how superior the S3 is to the “phantom” iPhone 5.
/Rant
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:46 pm
So I’ve added an “edit comments” plug-in — we’ll see if it works. The old one was ok, but all the documentation was in Russian.
July 3rd, 2012 at 2:56 pm
@Michael Nace
Are you telling us that you have defected?
July 3rd, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Vern: Me, defect? I live in the Apple ecosystem! lol No, this is just some “tough love.” But I do have to say: the more I think about it, the more I do believe that Apple will decline over the next decade without Steve Jobs. Watch this video: http://youtu.be/4SDowINMjfo
Guys — Steve Jobs’ job was going around Apple every day and meeting with all of the teams and departments. He was directly involved in everything. EVERYTHING. I’m sorry, but Tim Cook is not going to be able to replicate that long term. This is why I do believe that Jobs set up a plan for product development for after his death. At this point, Jobs is still managing from the grave. But his effect will diminish in the long term, and when it does, Apple will not be Apple, just like Disney is no longer Disney.
The only good news is that they’ve got Walt Disney frozen somewhere. Maybe one day he’ll come back and fix Disney. That’s my fantasy.
(How many times a month do I write that on this blog? Like, 20?)
July 3rd, 2012 at 3:09 pm
@Blvck which MMO do/did you play?
/rant is MMORPG language /lol
July 3rd, 2012 at 3:16 pm
I agree with @Mike D regarding the shape of the IP4 and the ‘leaked’ pictures and videos of the new iPhone. The stretched form factor just doesn’t sit right with me but if it turns out to be true then I’ll have a hard decision to make.
Don’t you find it strange that all these leaks came out over the few weeks just prior to the WWDC and since then we have had virtually nothing? Seems to me that Apple intentionally put these out to see where leaks, if any would come from and now they know they can act on those who leaked it. Remember Tim Cook’s statement about tightening up on security?
Regarding the SG3, there is no doubt that it is a nice phone but for me too large and the plastic feel of it just seems like it better belongs inside a Christmas cracker.
July 3rd, 2012 at 3:48 pm
@GetSwole, It’s a nice analogy but your comparing a love for a person versus “love” for a phone. I think you are overlooking the fact that people have “loved” the iphone because it has been sleek, superior specs, easy to use, and great quality. While it still holds some of those characteristics, people are getting tired of many other things as stated above. Sometimes people fall out of love because they have found someone (something) better that is better suited to them. The iPhone isn’t exactly the best in all categories as it used to be and people are tired of waiting for the “what if”. They are moving on from empty promises (“The week we’ve all been waiting for”) and finding something that gives them what they want without any of the games.
July 3rd, 2012 at 3:57 pm
I am not hard core Apple but I would like the iPhone5. The problem is that my 3GS is starting to have issues and I don’t want to waste money buying a phone that will be obsolete and/or improved in a few months. Plus, I want a bigger screen. So what do we do if our phone dies? I am out of a contract now and if I re-up with a new phone I won’t be able to afford the iPhone5 when it comes out. This is a lose-lose situation that is making the Samsung phone look better. Why won’t Apple just tell us when it comes out? Just seems like a stupid game to me.
July 3rd, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I still feel it’s possible we may see at least an iPhone 5 announcement some time in July, with release happening in the fall for the significant back-to-school and Christmas markets. Apple may let Samsung have their moment in the spotlight before they take the wind out of their sails. Just an announcement would likely have the effect of decreasing the migration of iPhone users to a trickle, as that would provide something definite in terms of when the devout can get their hands on the new iPhone.
Considering that the capabilities and features of the next iPhone have already been preordained by Steve, it’s possible it may have some earth shaking new features.
July 3rd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I’m currently an android user (Samsung Fascinate – Galaxy S)I love the interface, but what I dislike about certain carriers and manufactures is that they hold out on you for updates. I was involved in what is now called “froyogate” last year begging Samsung and Verizon to release Froyo to my phone almost every other phone out there had at least Froyo or Gingerbread except this phone. It took them forever to finally release it that is part of the reason why I am thinking about leaving that is because of the updates – when Apple releases an update with very rare exception of really older units it almost covers everything and everyone gets the update none of this waiting until they decide when your phone can have the update even at all. I know that sounds petty but it is enough of a reason for me to consider other options – that is unless it looks like the new Iphone will be delayed until next year. That is really my reason for leaving the droid behind
July 3rd, 2012 at 4:53 pm
@GetSwole, I was making the comment directly to you so that the forum could see what I was referring to…no need to get your feathers ruffled or feel intimidated. Obviously you feel the need to get defensive because your comments don’t usually hold water.
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:10 pm
@Mike D, my comments don’t hold water? Hahaha…irony at its finest.
(Sorry Michael if this response is too personal but it needs to be said)
If you haven’t noticed, i purposely give you a way out… A reason to NOT respond to me, simply because you annoy me along with a butt load of other users, and they actually step out and tell you how annoying it is. They did it a few articles ago and everyone liked the comments. I don’t want to be associated with you what so ever. I want your name to never be associated with mine, and so far every time I say something, you complain about it. It’s like it’s in your nature, and it’s not. All I am is a commenter okay, so stop following me around like a lost puppy. If you disagree with my comments then dislike them and address the community about your opinion, not me.
I want you to completely stop talking to me. I’ve never met a more annoying user, nor have I met one that follows me around either.
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:20 pm
@Ken, Steve Jobs is dead. Have they still been working on his vision for an additional 9 months post-posthumously? While I appreciate his vision, the company he built is doing well, akin to the Space Shuttle, in 1986 continued upward after the explosion. His vision is eroding, and that founder’s vision is needed, since he went through the trials and tribulations of the start-up, but those that come afterward are worried about “not losing” rather than winning. For you football fans, think of the “prevent defense.”
The company needs that innovator’s vision, rather than one that rests on their laurels.
@Blvck, did you make the Gem TD in Warcraft III? If so, I love that and still play it!
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Also, weren’t they working on the iPhone 5 before last October, when the 4S came out?
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:25 pm
@ Jeff haha yeah I can see how some might think its an apples and oranges comparison to which is rounder, but I still believe 110% that people have grown to love the longly awaited iPhone 5 so much, that they got heartbroken waiting for it, so now they need the SG3 to make it better and hold them over until it comes.
It’s very controversial but that’s my opinion on it
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Andrew, I had the same issues with my GS1. It made me really mad at Samsung waiting for the android updates at the time. It was annoyed enough to go with the 4s when it became available with Sprint, especially with the bonus of it being a world phone. (I finally got to toss my old Nokia travel phone)
IOS works without issues, it is the biggest selling point for Apple. It’s restrictive, there are some apps I’ve had to jailbreak to get, but it’s just a minor annoyance that I rant about from time to time. I’ll stick around with the IP5 unless Apple greatly disappoints. That’s not likely to happen, but for now, it’s just a waiting game till October.
happy summer everyone.
July 3rd, 2012 at 5:44 pm
C’mon apple… don’t fail me now.
For some reason, I actually have a feeling it’ll be something Steve made that’ll change the game. I hope it’s a new design change, larger screen, 4g lte, etc. C’mon apple… don’t fail me now…
July 3rd, 2012 at 6:37 pm
See what I mean
July 3rd, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I did mention that it was dangerous enough already to cede market share to its rivals; not, one of them is going to be taking a big bit out of the Apple until the new iPhone arrives – I bet now Cupertino’s smugness has gone and will wake up to expedite the release date. You think?
July 3rd, 2012 at 6:47 pm
I meant “now,” not “not.”
July 3rd, 2012 at 6:50 pm
On my 2 short comments I’ve posted today, I’ve gotten more dislikes than just about anyone so far. People sure get their nose out of joint easily, on here, lately.
July 3rd, 2012 at 6:55 pm
@Scott, you are completely right. There are more Android fans on this website than iPhone fans. Simply look at how many people support the SG3 and “can’t wait” to switch to it. Unfortunately, this is an Android website that reports about the iPhone. And the reason for this is as I explained earlier, people were heartbroken by Apple not releasing the 5 at WWDC and now they are going to Samsung to make their hearts feel whole again. SG3 is just a backup though. Samsung is getting Apple’s seconds. Apple’s leftovers. One day this will be an iPhone fanboy website once again, but right now, it isn’t.
July 3rd, 2012 at 7:34 pm
Where is that “Edit” button?
July 3rd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
To rock Apple’s core even more: “I’ve been using Jelly Bean on a Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 7 for the last few days. And I can say Google Now is a lot more impressive than Siri. Google Now fills in all the gaps left by Siri, and does pretty much everything else a whole lot better. This is how search should work on mobile devices.”
Rhttp://www.businessinsider.com/google-now-better-than-siri-2012-7#ixzz1zbeEFThl
July 3rd, 2012 at 7:45 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/google-now-better-than-siri-2012-7#ixzz1zbeEFThl
July 3rd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
why? WHY? WHY?!
First off, there is no effective plug-in for letting users block other users, which is a shame, because I would definitely be all for adding that feature (and not for the $100 bucks).
Second, I refuse to take sides in this feud. I’m too exhausted to even read back at all of the comments to try and mete out justice. So don’t look for me to side between one person or another.
Third, I made a statement last week that I would blacklist users who made these comments into personal vendettas. Are you going to actually make me make good on that promise? Really?
Try and understand: I have a full-time job, and it isn’t this blog. I cannot afford to micro-manage the comments or pay someone to do so. I just have enough time to maintain the articles.
Mike D., GetSwole, and whomever else involved: any more personal attacks and I will put you on the blacklist, ok? I’m sorry, but there is no mechanism for me separating you two — you’ll just have to ignore one another. My recommendation is to just not comment on one another’s comments — either directly or indirectly.
Remember that this blog is supposed to be a fun place to talk tech — that’s all. PLEASE don’t make me be “that guy.”
July 3rd, 2012 at 7:55 pm
P.S. — I am going to now scrub out all of the offensive comments — because I CAN do that.
July 3rd, 2012 at 8:00 pm
i’ve reached my frustration point. I used to like to read all the rumors and such but after 2years i’m kinda sick of it. The arrogance of apple… can’t handle it anymore. They let ppl wait 2y+ and they keep us completely in the dark. Nothing is more frustrating as waiting for something until it shows up without any idications. Also you dont know what you are waiting for.
I don’t live in the apple ecosystem, i don’t have a mac, ipad ect (sorry but i actually like windows) so i can switch easily. I only like the iphone because of it’s ease to use and the quality of their products ( my products tend to malfunction if i don’t buy the best).
I like the iphone but i really really hope apple will pay for its arrogance. If they come up that is only equal to the GSIII, i’ll buy the GSIII. I feel like apple doesn’t want my business, they don’t appreciate my business.
Apple, what about trying to build up a relationship with your costumers instead of just taking their money. Give us something to look forward to… After 2,5y, that’s the least you can do
July 6th, 2012 at 8:35 am
Has anyone else pondered this thought……Maybe apple had to rethink their plans for the iPhone or at least tweak them a little bit because Samsung keeps taking their ideas/and or designs and pushing them to market before apple can. it seem plausible to me that this sort of thing can happen since samsung makes some of the components for apple products so they may be privy to blueprints(specs, features, etc….)so they run with those ideas and slip their products to the market first. i would like to see apple, just for giggles, not put out a new phone next year just so we can see what samsung does with their next phone as far as features, os, and design goes. i know that will not happen in a million years but it would be interesting to see how that plays out assuming what i mentioned earlier is actually what has been going on. you have to admit alot of samsung phones very similar to iphones.