14 DAY TRIAL // There is a fair chance Apple will hold a special event during the September timeframe to introduce not only the fifth-generation iPhone, but also iOS 5 and iCloud. One report in particular even touts the exact date for the iPhone 5 announcement, but does so by citing tech web sites’ predictions.
In what is a clearly unsubstantiated rumor, the International Business Times daringly claims the iPhone 5 will be released on September 7, pre-loaded with iOS 5.
Only when readers move past the headline do they learn that the IBT is drawing its information from ‘tech web sites’ who’ve gone ahead to predict the exact launch date.
Should we expect the paper to follow-up with a new headline if this tech site says we believe the iPhone 5 is launching September 6 - a Tuesday? Hopefully not.
Citing no sources whatsoever, the report continues with the blunt allegation that “the iPhone 5 will come pre-loaded with the iOS 5, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system.”
iPhone 5 + iOS 5 is almost a given, but readers should note there hasn’t been any confirmation of this sort.
There’s more. The report adds that iPhone fans will “seethe with anger” if the next-gen device doesn’t match the competitions' range of Android-based phones.
The bold speculation continues over at IB Times, with their staff reporter noting that Apple is likely finding itself in a difficult situation having to “contend” with talks that most of the functionality expected in the iPhone 5 is already present on competitors’ devices.
Whether or not that’s true, so far competition is still playing catch with the iPhone and iPad.
All you have to do is look at the bigger picture (not some unique ability like taking pictures using a physical button, which, by the way, is coming in iOS 5).
And if that doesn’t cut it for you, there’s always the pie charts from various Wall Street analysts who will gladly tell you how Apple’s iPhone business is stacking up.