New iPhones Have Entered Production According To Chinese Insider Moles
Posted by CharlesMoore on Tuesday Jul 17, 2012 Under iPhone 5 Predictions, iPhone 5 Rumordanbo at the Japanese language Apple-watcher blogsite Macotakara cites “reliable Chinese sources” telling him that production of the new iPhone has started the manufacture phase, with images of “iPhone 5 cases” being leaked at Alibalba.com. Production starting now would be consistent with stockpiling of inventory for a late September or October product launch.
danbo’s source also allows that “iPhone 5″ images that had been revealed in May via 9to5Mac were of a prototype for design testing, and that the actual production version of the new iPhone is different from the test device in several design details, including, according to this source, a back cover with a “naked aluminum surface and partially glass covered part,” and that a mysterious small hole that had been evident in between the LED flash and camera lens in the test mule shots, has now disappeared or been made “invisible.”
A partial aluminum back would make the iPhone more rugged and resistant to drop damage, with a retained glass insert section key to maintaining good antenna range, with the antennas relocated inside the phone’s housing enclosure, and would also locate the rear-facing camera, flash, and a microphone for recording sound in video clips.
The alleged production machine has a new 16:9 display — somewhat longer but not wider than the iPhone 4S’s 3.5-inch panel, and is still on track for a fall launch according to rumors cited Monday by HardMac’s Lionel, who also notes that one question remaining unresolved is what CPU (or more accurately SOC – System On Chip) will be used in the new Apple phone. Lionel observes that while the current trend in smartphones is to go with quad-core silicon, in his estimation Apple would be wiser to stick with dual core SOCs for the iPhone in order to help keep power consumption low in the interest of extending battery life, observing that even the latest iOS apps aren’t overburdening the iPhone 4S’s dual-core processor power.
I agree with that, and have been maintaining that the downsized but still powerful 32nm A5 SOC being used in the latest iterations of the $399 iPad 2 would be the logical chip for the new iPhone. There would seem to be little point in going with the A5X variant with its quad-core graphics engine that powers the third-generation iPad, since it uses bulkier, less power efficient 45nm technology, and the more powerful graphics are not needed to support the iPhone’s much smaller Retina display.
As for the latest purportedly leaked iPhone 5 photos, I don’t put a whole lot of stock in such shots, since they’re just too easily fabricated or cobbled up using digital imaging software. However a recent image reported on here by Michael Nace appears consistent with the current rumors cited by Macotakara and HardMac. I think the most plausible likelihood is of a new iPhone with a somewhat but not extravagantly larger display with HD aspect ratio, LTE, and upgraded cameras, but not a radical departure from the classic iPhone form factor which remains pretty tough to beat ergonomically and functionally, and with strong continuing emphasis on maintaining or even enhancing battery life.
I suspect that those who are hoping for a radical iPhone form factor redesign with a LiquidMetal housing, a curved glass display matching or exceeding the Samsung Galaxy S III’s 4.8-inch panel in dimensions, and sporting quad-core (A6?) SOC power, are likely to be disappointed.
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July 17th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
The last paragraph sounds ominous. If it is longer but not wider, and is not a radical departure from the classic iPhone form factor, then I think we’re looking at the 4SS we have been seeing in the leaked photos.
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July 17th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
I can’t wait until two months from now when the release of the new iphone is that much closer! I hope Apple blows us away. I’m not holding my breath on it, but I’m hoping. If they don’t, then I’ll likely get the Galaxy S3…or maybe something even better will be out in time for the holidays.
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July 17th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Sould like a lot people might opt to get the the cheaper 4S if the been waiting with the 3Gs or go to other 4 LTE
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July 17th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
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July 17th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@JB, I still have my 3GS, and I’ll go for the 5, just because of my insistence of getting the maximum available on a non-upgradeable device. As a member of the Apple ecosystem, it’s what I have to do. I just hope that Apple doesn’t rest on their laurels and know that they have me locked in. That is one nice thing about the Windows ecosystem… If I don’t like brand X, I can just put a video card from brand Y in there, and it’s up to them (and me) to make it work, which is the advantage of Apple’s ecosystem, where things just work.
For my Macs, I got the minimum memory and hard drives on them, and the maximum for the CPU/Screen size, just because I could upgrade the memory and the hard drive a lot cheaper than Apple does (I have an early 2008 with 6GB of RAM and a 2TB HD, originally 2GB/500 GB).
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July 17th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
@Mike D, as we learned a month ago, the seeds of disappointment are sown in expectations.
Man, that statement was a downer…
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July 17th, 2012 at 1:20 pm
I’ve been disappointed by Apple for about two years now. I keep waiting for them to redeem themselves.
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July 17th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
@DudeAbides it depends on what you consider a major overhaul. He also said that the back will be partially aluminum and that the antennas may be relocated to inside the shell. I think that the 4/4S design is iconic and that Apple would be making a good decision keeping basically the same shape form factor and almost the same dimensions with a slightly taller screen. At least you would be able to tell them apart where as now, I have to ask people if they have a 4 or a 4S. The goods on the inside is what matters most to me. Not to say I wouldn’t be disappointed of the next iPhone came out looking almost identical to the previous one, because I would be.
On another note, I agree with Charles in that Apple might be better off sticking with the dual-core SOC and trying to improve the battery life, because the phone will be plenty fast either way.
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July 17th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
It’s looking more of a dead cert now that a new phone is on its way this Autumn. There are rumours that the in-cell touch screens have gone into mass production and Nano SIM cards are being stockpiled by European carriers.
I’m not sure how long after production starts we get to see a product on the shelves but I was under the impression it was around 2 months. Maybe we are in for an earlier announcement unless Apple wants to avoid delays over demand like with the new Retina Macbook?
Time to blow the dust off the bubbly in the cooler me thinks.
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July 17th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
@xtonyx, what I’m looking for is a larger screen, because funtionally it makes for a better smart phone experience, and a much sleeker look. I think the 4S is starting to look dated next to some of the newer phones coming out. But if you look at other recent Apple upgrades recently, like the Macbook Pro, I guess asking for a redesign is probably expecting too much. Here is a design that I really liked:
http://pkbazar.com/iphone-5-here-is-the-display-from-4-1/iphone5-979/
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July 17th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
This one was nice too:
http://www.cultofmac.com/164240/introducing-the-liquid-metal-iphone-5-concept-gallery/
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
iOS 6 Beta 3 has been seeded and reports are coming in for all the changes made. Sounds like the OS is getting more stable and the final features are being fine tuned.
The Internet is alive with stories tonight. A bit quiet here though!
If the leaked parts we have been seeing right back from before the WWDC turn out to be real and we get another IP4 then taking Tim Cook’s comments about clamping down on security in mind, I think he should be fired! There have never been so many leaks.
This is why I think it is a ruse.
NN
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
BTW
The projected sales for the new iPhone in 2013 are 170 million!
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
@ Roy…..What I was trying to say was. Some people might reconsider getting the next IPhone for the following reasons and just get a 4S if what is rumored in pic is the next IPhone end up being what it is, Or get other brand of phone with 4G in it.
Take a look at the 4S
I know the battery life really stinks at least for myself at work I am lucky to get thru day have more than 50% of the battery left at the end of day.
But in the way of the next IPhone what I was suggesting was some people might look at from this stand point.
The 4S as I understand it will have full benefits of the IOS 6.
The 4S may not have the latest hardware… if all the major upgrade there is going to be in the new IPhone is to have an A6 chip, 4G LTE, NFC, and a 19 pin connector, maybe a 4” screen and IOS 6 some people might rethink it and ask is the IPhone worth it and move on to other 4G phones or just get the 4S and wait till next year.
After all please correct me if I am wrong but has not this phone been in design for over a year now?
At least in the US people on the Verizon network will have to pay full price if they still have the unlimited data and now AT&T are about the make there change to the data plan they have. In my feeling the prior comment posted and thought on people coming off contract went out the window.
On Verizon Network at this point in time you cannot get subsidized phone until 20 months in to your contract term ….. Oh but wait if you do a get subsidized phone you will have to give up your unlimited data if you still have it. I am sure AT&T will do sometime very simulator within the next week or so.
Don’t get me wrong I am and have been waiting for the IPhone 5 myself as well for a long time. I just really hope it is worth the wait.
@ Jeff I get what you are saying, I wanted to wait and get the IPhone 5 as my first one but when my Blackberry died and Verizon decided to change their Data plan I took advantage of last subsidized upgrade to get a 4S so I would not lose my unlimited Data that I have right now, and get a newer phone till the next one come out and I can decide what I am going to do at that point.
I wish I could have waited but unless the next IPhone is “ The Phone You Been Waiting Over A Year Now “ and just turn out to be just a remake in some way of the 4S with a few more hardware bells on it I will probably wait and get the IPhone 6 or 7 LOL…
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
…and finally, although this will await moderation.
Check out this cool video of motion control software…
http://9to5mac.com/2012/07/17/former-iad-vp-at-apple-picked-up-as-ceo-of-leap-motion/
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July 17th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
…and just before I fall asleep…
Typically when a new iPhone device has been launched the previous version gets around a $100 price reduction. Assuming the screen of the new iPhone is going to be 4 inches and this represents just under a 15% increase in size do you think Apple will have to reduce the IP4s by a further 15% to compensate for those who want the lower priced model?
Mt favourite beer is Old Tom and I have had nearly two of them now (8.5%) so the end is near… I promise.
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July 17th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
@xtonyx Thats what im all about too. I still think the iphone 4/4s design looks better and more pro than any other device out there im not really hung up on what it looks liken the only thing i feel is a must have is the bigger screen, and i dont even really want a huge screen like 4.8-5″ i think the 4″ screen would be good and still fit great in the hand. The real upgrades should most def be on the inside. If it performs well and has features such as LTE,a better CPU,and on top of maps and everything els IOS 6 is bringing that is what the doctor ordered. I would like some cool new design changes in the body but i dont think they need to go too far off the charts with it.
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July 17th, 2012 at 5:11 pm
in belgium there is no LTE so it’s not a priority for me… GS III has been out for a while, in my eyes they have no choice but to match it
A bigger screen is also not a priority for me. I rather have a better battery
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July 17th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
@Vernicularis
“BTW
The projected sales for the new iPhone in 2013 are 170 million!”
At first i laughed because i thought you were joking since 170M is SOOOO much!
But then I googled it and you were right!
THATS INSANE! lmao Apple is truly amazing with how much potential they have for reaching those numbers (with ease).
This has taught me a lesson… there is no joking about Apple’s sales, because anything’s possible with Apple ; )
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July 17th, 2012 at 5:27 pm
By the way, the iPhone represents 50% of Apple’s revenue,
so if anyone thinks the iPhone 5 is gonna fail….
hahaha, keep on thinking that buddy ; )
whatever helps you sleep at night ; )
third paragraph from the bottom. Starts out as a quote.
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/17/piper-jaffray-80-million-iphone-5s-sales-are-already-in-the-bag/
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July 17th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Wow…The more I wait and the more I read, the more I think a Galaxy S3 is in my future. I had an early 3GS that’s getting REALLY old now. I refused to upgrade to both the 4 and 4S…I really don’t want a 4SS which is what I think this thing will be. My old tired eyes are crying for something just a little bit bigger than an iphone 3 stretched to 16×9. The mobile web has changed dramatically over the past 3-4 years. I hope Apple is smart enough to keep up with it. I’d hate to see iPhone become the new Blackberry.
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July 17th, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Mole molè molè moooole mooooooooole
Mole
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July 17th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
If they make the next iPhone much thinner than the iPhone 4, that’s a design overhaul in my opinion. Just look at the Retina MacBook Pro, same design but thinner and it looks completely different. I also hope they do something awesome to the screen like bumping it into 1280×720 or go all the way to 1920×1080. I know it’s kind of far off but it would be awesome. If the iPhone (insert numeration or whatever here) ends up not being to my liking, I may consider the next Galaxy Note which I hear will be awesome.
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July 17th, 2012 at 10:08 pm
@Vernicularis, good post. LOL. Here’s to Old Tom!
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July 18th, 2012 at 8:35 am
Folks stop being a patsy to Apple – the waiting, the lies, the supply and demand debacles. Every year, all the time, manipulation, over hype, and then the BIG LET DOWN in the end. Give it up…!!!
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July 18th, 2012 at 8:40 am
I have both the 4S and the SIII (wife has 4S) the 4S is smaller and harder to see, it is in the SIII’s rear view mirror as far as technology is concerned, can’t change out the battery is huge in a smartphone. I will NEVER buy a phone for use by me that will not allow for a battery change. The SIII is far superior to the 4S and I suspect that the I5 will not be anymore advanced than the SIII when and if it ever comes out.
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July 18th, 2012 at 9:43 am
(nothing nice to say so…..)
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July 18th, 2012 at 10:26 am
There are several sources now that have said that Foxconn is hiring a bunch of workers at their plants. This seems to fall right in line with the timing according to the rumors of a fall release.
Now cases are popping up for the 4S Stretch. Now I’m really starting to doubt that the 4S Stretch is the phone that will be released. Remember the rumored iPhone 5 last year and all the cases that showed up before it was even announced? We never saw that iPhone and all those cases went to waste. Well, if history repeats itself, based on last year’s pattern, we will get something different from the 4S Stretch
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July 18th, 2012 at 10:27 am
That last paragraph sounds very disappointing to me. Sounds like we could be seeing yet another iteration of the 3rd generation iPhone hit the shelves, and I for one am not a fan of the 3rd gen’s brick shape. Sad news
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July 18th, 2012 at 10:27 am
It’s amazing isn’t it?
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July 18th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Since the launch of the SIII there are more and more posts comparing the SIII with the iPhone 4/4S. Ofcourse the SIII is better then the 4/4S. Its like comparing Lamborghini Reventon 2011 with 2012. It’s obvious the 2012 model will have more power and will be better. Let’s just sit back and see with Apple gives us. After all this all are just rumours. Once iPhone 5 is out i’ll compare the SIII and iPhone 5 and see what fits me best. Suggest you would do that to. I don’t care about how wepl the company is i care what i got from the company for my own profit
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July 19th, 2012 at 9:05 am
@Essence and GetSwole, Oh, I do care about the sales, and I am smiling at your news story…
@Vernicularis, it is. it truly is.
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