14 DAY TRIAL // It’s almost a given that Apple will discontinue the iPhone 3GS when the iPhone 5 arrives, but nothing is confirmed for now. After all, the phone is still supported under iOS 6, albeit just barely.
According to sources speaking to The Telegraph, “the new update will mean that the 8GB version of the iPhone 4 will be the entry-level iPhone, probably given away free on £20 per month contracts, as the 3GS is currently.”
The iPhone 3GS was introduced by Apple in summer 2009, during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference.
The phone’s main advancements were some under-the-hood updates that allowed it to surf the web faster and play resource-demanding media.
Citing sources close to retailers, the UK publication said that an 8GB version of the iPhone 4S could be introduced, leaving the iPhone 4 as the free-purchase with a two-year carrier contract.
The sources also said that Apple would introduce the iPhone 5 in three storage capacities. Basically, this indicates that Apple is staying in line with tradition. Nothing new here.
The paper also said that the next-gen iPhone would, indeed, feature a smaller nano-SIM card.
The same source previously revealed that Apple was planning to release an updated version of AirPlay internally dubbed “AirPlay Direct.” The new wireless standard is said to be based on Bluetooth 4.0, enabling easier networking that doesn’t require Wi-Fi.
Apple is set to unveil its next-generation iPhone next week, during a special event hosted on Wednesday, September 12.
The handset is slated to arrive with a bigger screen, a unibody chassis, relocated ports and connectors, upgraded camera modules, and a smaller dock connector. The speaker grills are also redesigned, according to recent hardware leaks.