Apple's iPhone 5 event: Things to expect on Sept. 12
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E-mail eweek.com, September 5, 2012
The iPhone 5 is right around the corner. While Apple’s Sept. 12 event is specifically designed for the new smartphone, there are several other highlights to look for next week.
Apple announced on Sept. 4 that it’ll be holding a special iPhone 5 event in San Francisco on Sept. 12. The company hasn’t said what it has planned for the show, but the invitation clearly showed that the iPhone 5 will be taking center stage.
Of course, that isn’t much of a surprise. For months now, we’ve been hearing that Apple would be hosting an event to unveil its next-generation smartphone. And for the last several weeks, every rumor has said that the Sept. 12 event was in the works. Now that it’s official, the only thing to really look forward to is the event itself.
The event will be headlined by Apple’s next iPhone. But it’ll also be home to a host of other things, including statistics, software, and maybe even some underhanded comments designed to take Android down a peg or two.
Like everything else Apple does, its Sept. 12 event will be a show. And it’ll be a fun one to watch. The real question is what will Apple offer besides a look at the iPhone 5? Here’s a look at what else might happen.
1. That bigger display is coming
It’s a near-certainty that Apple will offer up a bigger display in the iPhone 5. Nearly every day, new manufacturing parts leak out showing what appears to be a 4-inch opening for an iPhone 5 screen. Other days, actual iPhone 5 mockups appear on the Web showing the same display size. Given that, it’s nearly impossible Apple won’t offer up a new display when its iPhone 5 is announced next week.
2. 4G LTE
At the same time, Apple needs to play catch up with competitors, like the Samsung Galaxy S III, that come with 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) service. The future of mobile connectivity relies on the ultra-high-speed networking, and to not offer that in the iPhone 5 would be a mistake.
3. More statistics than you care about
It wouldn’t be an Apple event if the company fails to offer up statistic after statistic on what makes its products to popular. From increased sales to app downloads to revenue developers generate, expect Apple to do everything it can to prove its products’ superiority.
4. More discussions on iOS 6
Apple’s iOS 6 will likely launch at the same time as the iPhone 5. Therefore, Apple will likely spend a chunk of its time during the press event discussing its next operating system. Part of that will be a recap, but don’t be surprised if Apple offers up something else it hasn’t yet divulged.
5. A lack of Tim Cook
Apple’s latest press events have left Tim Cook largely behind the curtain. In fact, the Apple CEO makes an appearance in the beginning, hands it off to other executives, and then recaps at the end. Don’t expect Tim Cook to spend too much time in the spotlight on Sept. 12.
6. A nice, new design
If Apple understands anything, it’s design. Realizing that, there’s a good chance the company will deliver a brand new design in the iPhone 5 that combines different dimensions with Gorilla Glass 2 and Liquidmetal for added protection. It’s about time Apple offers up a new iPhone design, and this time around, it’ll deliver it.
7. A taller iPhone 5
Following that, it’s important to give the iPhone 5’s dimensions its own billing in this roundup. In order for Apple to deliver a device with a larger display, it needs to make the iPhone a bit taller. Depending on how Apple pulls that off, that could cause some problems for those who throw the iPhone into a pocket or have a favorite case they’ve been using. A taller iPhone 5 is coming – and despite offering some advantages, it could turn out to be a pain.
8. Identical pricing
Apple in the past has stuck to the same pricing model with its iPhone. It’s a smart move. By not raising the price on the new iPhones, customers have proven more willing to plunk down $200 or so every year to get their hands on the latest and greatest smartphone. Apple, quite happy with its actual sales price of $600 to carriers, is more than happy to keep the subsidized pricing low.
9. A (lack of) iPad Mini talk
Apple’s iPad Mini is reportedly going to be unveiled at a special event in October. That device, which will come with a 7.85-inch display, is designed to take on the Amazon Kindle Fire and Google Nexus 7. However, so far, Apple hasn’t confirmed that it exists. And at next week’s event, don’t expect the company to even bring it up. For now, the iPad Mini is destined for October.
10. A shot over Samsung’s bow
Apple loves to take some shots at its competition. That’s why it’ll mention its victory over Samsung at last month’s landmark patent trial in San Jose. It’s also why it’ll make clear to those in attendance that it believes Samsung is not innovating and it is. Expect to find Samsung in Apple’s crosshairs at its Sept. 12 event.
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