14 DAY TRIAL // Wireless operator Vodafone has listed, then removed references to an Apple iPhone 5 in 32GB and 16GB capacities on its web site, on a marketing page for its £50 signal booster, Vodafone Sure Signal.
It is unclear whether or not the listings were a mistake. However, if accurate, the now-removed iPhone 5 references should indicate there will be no increase in storage capacity for Apple’s next-generation of smartphones.
The references to Apple’s new iPhone also suggested it would arrive in both Black and White versions, unlike the iPhone 4 which saw only the Black version released at the handset’s debut last summer.
The White iPhone 4 only arrived this year, with Apple spending a great deal of time seeking the right paint for the ivory smartphone.
The Vodafone UK site now lists the following Apple devices as compatible with their signal booster, the Vodafone Sure Signal:
iPhone 4 16GB White, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4 16GB Black, iPhone 3GS 8GB, iPhone 4 32GB White, iPhone 3GS 16GB White, iPhone 3GS 32GB Black, iPhone 4 32GB Black, iPhone 3GS 32GB White, iPhone 3GS 16GB Black
The now-erased iPhone 5 listings are evidenced in a screenshot captured over the weekend by AppleInsider.
With the secrecy veil imposed by Apple for all unreleased products, it may just be that Cupertino contacted the Vodafone UK with instructions to remove the iPhone 5 references.
It is also possible that the operator merely got its facts wrong, though it doesn’t appear to be a mixup given that all possible configurations had been listed.
Moreover, the Compatible Phones list for Apple devices still mentions the iPhone 4 and even the older iPhone 3GS.
Apple’s highly anticipated press event this fall will have the final say in this as it is expected to feature not only iCloud and iOS 5, but also an iPhone 5 announcement.