14 DAY TRIAL // Apple may finally be dropping the “S” naming for its incremental (biannual) iPhone upgrades, according to a leaked document from Vodafone UK.
The Cupertino giant is expected to launch a family of iPhones this year, including a cheaper model and an upgraded version of the current iPhone.
If Apple sides with tradition, the next-generation iPhone will be called iPhone 5S. However, if it listens to the pundits (as well as to common sense), the next major revision to the iPhone should deserve its own number.
Apple needs to convince customers that its new iPhone will not be a spec bump, but a completely fresh model. And Vodafone UK may confirm this theory.
A leaked document from the British carrier lists a “4G iPhone 6” in its database. Allegedly taken by a Vodafone employee, the image could well be a fake.
There are some things worth taking into consideration if Apple indeed decides to drop the 5S moniker and go straight to iPhone 6.
For one thing, Apple will most likely need a fresh design. No matter how many under-the-hood changes are to be found in the next iPhone, the company simply can’t brand it “iPhone 6” and use the iPhone 5 chassis. At least not with all this tension floating around (regarding its failing stock).
Another indication that we could be acquainted with the iPhone 6 this year is iOS 7. The new mobile software is said to have undergone a major redesign as well. Apple will show us a demo at WWDC.
To complement the all-new iOS 7, an awesome new iPhone would be most appropriate.
But don’t expect the handset to launch anytime too soon. While WWDC does promise to yield some exciting announcements from Tim Cook & Co., the hardware announcements are most likely reserved for fall.
Tim Cook said this much in a statement at the company’s earnings call in March.
“Our teams are hard at work on some amazing new hardware and services we can’t wait introduce this fall and throughout 2014,” said Apple’s CEO.
“I don’t want to be more specific, but I’m just saying we’ve got some really great stuff coming in the fall and all across 2014,” he added.