14 DAY TRIAL // The next-generation iPhone 5 will not be a major revamp of its predecessor (the current iPhone 4) according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo with Concord Securities who issued a note to clients today.
Kuo’s sources say the upcoming fifth-generation iPhone 5 features only “slight modifications” from its predecessor, but will feature a a Qualcomm baseband for both GSM and CDMA models, the A5 chip found inside Apple’s iPad 2, and an 8 megapixel camera.
Recent rumors have it that Apple is actually planning to implement a 12.6 megapixel camera from its partner, OmniVision, but details on these developments are scarce for now.
According to this unsupported chatter, the sensor would yield 1080p video at 60 frames per second, and a 4224x3000 resolution for stills.
Following checks with supply chain sources, Kuo reportedly learned that the new iPhone will go into trial production this August, while mass production is slated for September, in accordance with rumors of the phone being the first to break Apple’s annual refresh cycle.
Last year, Apple introduced a fourth-generation iPod touch sporting the key enhancements found inside the iPhone 4, including the Retina Display, the A4 chip, the front facing FaceTime camera, and others.
Citing constrained supplies caused by the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan last month, the analyst cautions that a fifth-generation iPod touch may not emerge alongside or soon after the iPhone 5 is launched.
Unlike other reports, however, Kuo’s note says to expect the iPhone 5 announcement at this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
Many believe that only iOS 5 will emerge at WWDC 2011, alongside the already confirmed launch of OS X 10.7 Lion.
While some of his forecasts may not materialize, Kuo’s track record has been a solid one.
The man correctly predicted some of Apple’s plans with the iPad 2, as well as those tied to the White iPhone 4.