New reports concerning Apple's much-anticipated iPhone 5 suggest that the new version of the smart phone will be almost identical to the existing iPhone 4.
According to MacRumours, Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reckons the fifth iteration of the Jesus-phone will feature the same size screen as the iPhone 4, a very similar camera module (suggesting that the phone won't be any thinner) and a glass front and back just like the current model.
That report more or less kicks all the biggest iPhone 5 rumours into touch. We'd heard whispers of an edge-to-edge display and a slimmer, rounded design.
So if it's exactly the same, what's the difference? Well, Kuo reckons the next iPhone will pack 512MB of RAM, running on the A5 chip housed in the iPad 2.
A step-up in processing power would be akin to the step between the iPhone 3G and the iPhone 3GS. Could the next iPhone be the iPhone 4S?
The claims of a minor revision are backed up by a snippet of info leaked by Vodafone UK and spotted by Apple Insider -- text on the product page for Vodafone's Sure Signal device suggests that the iPhone 5 will be available in 16 and 32GB versions, and in black or white. Just like the iPhone 4.
Kuo says Apple is set to send its final iPhone 5 designs to its production bases, squaring the new device for a mid-October launch.
To be honest we expected the iPhone 5 to have been revealed by now -- our best guess put the unveiling on 7 September, a date that calendar enthusiasts will notice has long since past. We'll be a little down in the dumps if we've been kept waiting for a phone that's basically the same.
On a less emotional level, Apple needs the next iPhone to be a winner if it's to fend off competition from the likes of Samsung, who's Android-powered Galaxy S2 is a seriously compelling mobile.
What do you reckon the next iPhone will look like? Let us know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 7
Add your comment
anonymous 12 September, 2011 16:02
UK apple staff evening lock in next week for announcement!
anonymous 12 September, 2011 16:54
I just finished working for a UK carrier in marketing at our HQ. We had not heard ONE word on a new iPhone from Apple, even during meetings with Apple they stayed tight lipped. Our contractual agreement with Apple states that we are contractually due 6 weeks notice on a new handset for testing, EU compliance as well as a number of other things such as marketing planning etc. As of yet, there has been no information. With the iPhone 4, I had seen it prior to the announcement as well as the specs.
One thing for sure, the 3GS is being phased out on 31st December - we had notice of this.
I reported into a director with close ties (and visits) Cupertino on a regular basis. She has had no information either.
We are one of the biggest carriers in Europe.
Sam.
anonymous 12 September, 2011 17:55
I have got fed up of waiting for the iphone 5 to be honest ! i've just got rid of my iphone 4 and picked up the HTC sensation and i'm very happy with my decision.
It's a brilliant phone great build quality and so powerful and fast if i'm honest i don't think the iphone 5 will be any better than the sensation or the galaxy s2.
anonymous 12 September, 2011 20:50
Did Steve know there was trouble ahead ? Maybe a fall out over schedules and designs for the iPhone 5 ?
Surely apple being in such a position of strength in terms of Market position and capital wealth can afford to keep trumping the competition.
Would have liked to have seen a new design including better camera and larger screen. Slippery slope territory if you ask me
Philpot 12 September, 2011 22:11
My younger sister has just bought an HTC Incredible S which frankly makes my iPhone 4 look and feel really rather dated. A refresh might keep Apple ticking over for now but in a year's time it'd leave them selling a very dated device.
zlzlzl2 13 September, 2011 01:07
Come on, are they running out ideas on design? If they continue to think one design can sell for 2 years, then I think Samsung is going to knock the crown off Apple.
anonymous 13 September, 2011 10:28
The 4S will be just one of their phones.
I am betting on as many as three new phones from apple to take the market.