Apple is planning on introducing some new charging tech for the iPhone 6 in 2012, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.
We'd hazard that this could mean inductive charging, which is a technology that charges gadgets without the need for disgusting, old-fashioned wires. Seriously, wires. Gross.
We're seeing more and more technology that uses inductive charging, which sends power from a charging station to a device using inductive coupling. A recent Rolls Royce concept electric car used it, and -- somewhat less glamorously -- it is how electric toothbrushes recoup lost charge.
The disadvantage of this kind of charging is that it's rather inefficient, so Apple will have to reconcile that with the earth's ice caps and whales if it decides to use inductive tech in the iPhone 6.
The report also suggests that the iPhone 6 will be a radical leap forward for the range, akin to the transition from the iPhone 3GS to the iPhone 4. We've heard whispers of an edge-to-edge display, and that the sixth iteration could pack NFC tech, which could let you pay for stuff using your phone. Natty.
The iPhone 5 meanwhile is tipped to for a September release, but might not be a massive change in terms of hardware. The most exciting new features will likely come with the new iOS 5 software, which shamelessly rips off takes inspiration from Google's Android OS, including a notification window that slides down from the top of the screen.
We'd urge Apple not to dally too much with the new features -- the excellent Samsung Galaxy S 2 proves that other manufacturers are now keeping pace with the iPhone.
What would you like to see in the next iPhone? Would you be gutted if the iPhone 5 is a boring minor update? Let us know in the comments.
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Comments 14
Add your comment
Anonymous 7 July, 2011 15:51
Don't care
Pokeh 7 July, 2011 16:24
I might emit a fart in 30 minutes time but i don't know for certain. Maybe we should wait for some concrete details first?
But seriously, the "IPHONE X MIGHT HAVE Y FEATURE" articles are getting boring now. Report real news, plzkthnx.
Jason Jenkins 7 July, 2011 16:35
Stop reading it and we'll stop writing it
anonymous 7 July, 2011 17:32
Jason Jenkins 7 July, 2011 16:35
Stop reading it and we'll stop writing it
lol you no that
Anonymous 7 July, 2011 18:18
who cares about this iphone,
Anonymous 7 July, 2011 19:56
I will hold out until iPhone 7 when I can successfully make a phone call.
Anonymous 8 July, 2011 00:53
This is getting so silly! How can you possibly begin SPECULATING because that's all it is meaningless and I suspect groundless speculation. I could write several articles guessing what might be in the next 5 Iphones. How about the Ipad 4 what's that going to have in it? None of the features you have said it might have are very exciting anyway. Boring CNET zzzZZZzzz. Jason what a childish attitude you would suit The News Of the World with journalistic values like that.
andydandy 8 July, 2011 07:10
Well it made I laugh.
Must get a life soon though
anonymous 8 July, 2011 10:17
"you would suit The News Of the World with journalistic values like that"
Nice sense of perspective you've got there
Dean Shepherd 9 July, 2011 20:36
pfft screw the iPhone 6...what bout the iPhone sammich! or the iPhone microwave? those are the only two im interested in....wait...I can has sammich already!! wooo...*legs it to the kitchen*
Anonymous 10 July, 2011 22:02
I'm gonna wait till iPhone 34 it's due October 2045
Anonymous 11 July, 2011 14:45
Perhaps the next iphone feature could automatically filter out unconstructive criticism in comments boxes on the web. It would certainly make the internet a happier place.
Anonymous 14 July, 2011 21:39
iPhone must get bigger and the iPad smaller cause i can use a bigger phone with internet functions and i can be more at ease with an internet pad thats smaller
Anonymous 22 July, 2011 10:49
iphone 5 better have some nifty new features or they WILL lose customers to android whos 3gs contracts just ended.