Apple updates their handset every year, each time bringing speed, features, functionality, and power to the hands of their customer’s. This year is no different. Welcome the iPhone 5 to a friend near you.
Since the original launch in 2007, Apple has faced increasingly stiffer competition with their phone. 2012 is certainly no different. The iPhone 4S was in pretty dire need of an update, mostly due to it’s old, in comparison to the latest devices, method of cellular connectivity: 4G HSPA+/HSDPA.
4G LTE: Please understand that when I say 4G, I mean 4G, not LTE. You may call it 3.5G, but AT&T calls it 4G. It’s faster than conventional 3G found on the iPhone 4, but it doesn’t hold a candle to 4G LTE found on nearly every smartphone available today. This year Apple is bringing the iPhone front and center, and back into the game at full force with LTE. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, a network technology that will hopefully be around for more than a year or two like the previous several generations of connectivity. According to my recent tests between an HTC One X and my iPhone 4S (both on cellular, not WiFi), the One X’s LTE quadrupled my iPhone 4S’ 4G connection’s speed test. The 4G LTE found in the iPhone 5 is definitely one of the most exiting things about the new iPhone for me, and I can’t wait to play with it on Friday.
New Case: Apple seems to update the iPhone’s case every two years or so. The first iPhone was unique, however. The 3G and 3GS shared the same case, as well as the iPhone 4 and 4S. 2012 brings the iPhone 5, and a new case to go along with it. It’s about 20% lighter, and thinner than the previous device. Not only is has it gone on a diet, it’s grown up a little bit. A half an inch to be specific. That half inch is found diagonally on the display, making a 4 inch screen over the previous 5 generation’s 3.5 inch displays. The new resolution is 1136×640 at 326PPI. Apple still calls this the Retina Display. White and black options are still available, this time with aluminum in the center of the back on the white iPhone. The black has a slate finish on the rear, and the metal around the perimeter of the device. Along with LTE, I am looking forward to seeing how Apple has improved the iPhone’s case, and why they call it the highest quality product they have ever made.
A6 Processor: I have written an article about the performance in the new system-on-a-chip processor, and how it stacks up to the current competition. To summarize that article, we’re working with about 250% the power of the iPhone 4S. We now have a non-underclocked 1.02GHz ARMv7 A6 dual-core processor with 1GB of RAM built in. This replaces the 4S’ 1GHz (800MHz) A5 dual core with 512MB of RAM. Coupled with iOS6, this should make the device feel more Ferrari-esque and less like an aftermarket turbo-charged late-80′s Mustang.
Lightening Connector: I don’t think anybody is too excited about this one. Apple has chosen to ditch their nearly 10 year-old 30-pin connector a brand new reversible 8-pin connector for charing and syncing. Sounds like a good idea until you remember this means that none of your old accessories will worth without the $29 adapter that Apple will start shipping in October. However, after some time passes and this becomes the new standard, it will be nicer to have a smaller cable that can be inserted either way. By the way, Lightening cables are $10 cheaper than the previous 30-pin connector from Apple.
iOS6: Here’s some food for thought. Update your iPhone 4 or 4S to iOS6, and you have all the features and functionality of the iPhone 5, minus of course the hardware differences. iOS6 includes a new Siri that can do sports, restaurants (reservations!), launch apps, and give movie advice and information. iOS6 also includes a new version of Maps, which can now give very accurate turn-by-turn directions. Available on Wednesday the 19th, iOS6 will enhance all of our devices and make them even more smoothly with our Macs and other iOS devices. The upgrade will be free, and can be downloaded directly from iOS 5 devices via Settings>General>Software Update. If you’re only looking for what iOS6 brings, save yourself some cash and just download the latest software!
Like any other upgrade, there are always people that say that Apple didn’t do anything. As per the last five generations of the iPhone, this just isn’t true. Watch the keynote. Each new iPhone makes the previous feel like an overweight, undereducated, stepchild. Maybe not on day 1, but go use an iPhone today, while the 4S is still the latest iPhone on the market. I don’t think you’ll like how she feels, it’s been over 2 years.
For those of you expecting an iPhone 5 in the upcoming days, or for those of you with one now, please leave your favorite new feature about the device down below! Is it something we didn’t mention? Perhaps the new Ear-Pods or front-facing iSight camera? Leave us a comment.
Watch the below video for a full recap of Apple’s event, and all their new toys on September 12th. I think we’re all enjoy what you cooked up, Tim @ Apple.
