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What No iPhone 5 at WWDC Means

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Steve Job’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC)  2011 keynote has come and gone. Just as many suspected, Apple did not announce a next-generation iPhone, bucking a trend that had lasted for three years. The wait for the iPhone 5 begins anew.

WWDC - iPhone 5

So, now that we know that Apple won’t have an iPhone in stores this summer, what does this mean for the iPhone 5 and those that were thinking about buying one to replace an older phone? Here are a few answers to that question.

A Release This Fall With iOS 5

We had speculated that Apple wouldn’t announce new software without new hardware to run it. However, that theory has been put to rest as Apple showcased iOS 5 in great detail but didn’t offer up anything in regards to new hardware that would run it. That means that it’s possible that Apple might instead launch iOS 5 with its next-generation iPhone, which may be dubbed the iPhone 5.

iOS 5

Remember, iOS 5 won’t be coming out until sometime this fall and that’s right when all of the rumors have the iPhone 5 hitting shelves. There is also the possibility that Apple might wait until next year but a year without a new iPhone would be strange. Right?

…Or Maybe Not

The iPhone 4 is selling well and Apple is clearly in no rush to replace it so maybe, just maybe, they might stretch the iPhone 4 into 2012. Remember, they just put the white iPhone 4 out and Verizon also just got the iPhone 4 a few months ago.

iPhone 5 Might Be A Major Upgrade

If the iPhone 5 was merely a refresh of the iPhone 4, meaning it had bumped up specifications, why didn’t Apple just announce it at WWDC? There are a number of reasons but one of them is the possibility that Apple is still trying to figure out what it wants to release. We’ve heard about prototypes and we’ve heard from a credible source that it could possibly be a much different than the iPhone 4.

iPhone 5 Prototype

The iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS are nearly identical. With the challenges Apple’s had with the iPhone 4’s antenna design, it’s entirely possible that the iPhone 5 will have an all-new look and feel.

The iPhone 4 is still the planet’s most popular smartphone but it does have its flaws and we all know that Apple is constantly trying to perfect its hardware.

4G on The iPhone 5 Is Still A Possibility

On that same notion, there is now a stronger possibility that Apple might be shooting to release an LTE version of the iPhone. With more and more Android devices adopting 4G LTE speeds, Verizon’s network rapidly expanding and AT&Ts 4G LTE network arriving this summer, it’s pretty obvious that the LTE space is something that Apple needs to get into.

Verizon’s 4G LTE network is significantly faster than its 3G network and AT&T’s 3G network. The above video demonstrates Verizon’s 4G LTE speeds on an HTC Thunderbolt. The below video shows how slow AT&T”s 3G network is when using an iPhone 4.

iPhone 3GS Owners Will Look Elsewhere

In two days, the iPhone 3GS will mark its second anniversary. And while that’s fine and dandy, it also means that all of those that adopted the device two years ago will see their contracts up and will now be on the hunt for a new device. Apple didn’t help its cause by not announcing a new iPhone and many iPhone 3GS owners will start exploring Android, Windows Phone 7 and 4G LTE.

HTC ThunderBolt

The HTC ThunderBolt Is A Distinct Possibility

Apple is going to have to do something to keep users in its fold and while iOS 5 is a nice start, it’s going to need a major hardware release to keep traction.

Windows Phone 7 and Android should see more than a few people jump to their ships. Android offers 4G LTE and Android 2.3 Gingerbread and the promise of the exciting Android 3.4 Ice Cream Sandwich later this year while Windows Phone 7 is going to be bringing a huge update – called Windows Phone 7.1 Mango – to devices later this year.

People Will Finally Head Back to BlackBerry

Just kidding. iOS 5 is going to include a feature called iMessage that essentially is Apple’s version of RIM’s BlackBerry Messenger Software, software that is one of the main attractions of BlackBerry devices. RIM has also fallen so far behind in hardware that it won’t be releasing a dual-core smartphone at any point this year. Even worse, the phones that RIM will  be releasing this year likely won’t be out at around the time the iPhone 5 might make an appearance.

32 Comments

32 Comments

  1. GAR1410

    06/06/2011 at 11:41 pm

    COME ON APPLE…..I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR NEW PHONE I HAVE A 3GS AND THE IPHONE 4 WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT SO I DIDNT BUY IT THO I HAD PLANNED TO THE SCREEN WAS TO SMALL AND JUST WAS NOT FEELING IT ….WANTED WHITE ONE THEN IT WAS OUT TO LONG OF AWAIT LOST INTEREST AND NOW WAITING FOR YOUR NEWI PHONE 5.   NEED NEWS ….ENOUGH OF A MYSTERY !!!! WHATS UP!!!!!!

    • Anonymous

      06/07/2011 at 2:47 am

      Man, I had no idea the 3GS couldn’t type in small letters. Poor you.

    • Bryanthebomb

      07/03/2011 at 3:49 pm

      dude. shutup

  2. Alkarta

    06/06/2011 at 11:45 pm

    Yeh, Apple blew it. I’m totally disappointed. They showed us something they don’t have, and we don’t need right away. What we need is 4G, faster processor, larger screen, 64GB of storage. Then we can consider iCloud and all the other things that don’t exist yet. Remember, FaceTime still does not work over 3G.

    • T E

      06/07/2011 at 4:40 am

      I agree with being disappointed.  I’m on the 3g…got it for basically nothing after the S came out.  Can’t hold out much longer…and want a faster processor and larger screen..4g and 64gb internal storage don’t really excite me.

      Main reason for replying directly to your post is your comment on FaceTime.  There isn’t an OS/Phone out there that has a NATIVE video chat app that runs over 3g, is there?  It’s not hard, and it’s free, to download Tango, Qik or Yahoo! messenger and have 3g capable video chat.  Not to mention, it’s a carrier issue more than an apple issue.  It’s obviously capable of doing it (as those other apps mentioned do it).  And those not grandfathered into unlimited data plans probably don’t want to video chat over 3g much anyway.

      • Alex Wimpee

        07/25/2011 at 4:58 am

        They don’t have facetime over 3g because if they did the service providers would bill the crap out of you. It’s over wi-fi so you don’t have to pay extra for the ability to facetime. The companies always find a way to bill that stuff. :(

    • Guest

      06/07/2011 at 5:00 am

      Why would you want a larger screen then you dont want a phone you want a computer in your pocket.

      • VitaminD

        06/07/2011 at 10:19 am

        No, I’m betting he wants a phone with a larger screen. And besides – a smartphone _is_ a computer, or at least a natural progression of post PC technologies. Your comment is akin to saying: “If you want a safer car, you want a tank”

    • Guest

      06/07/2011 at 5:00 am

      Why would you want a larger screen then you dont want a phone you want a computer in your pocket.

  3. Iceman

    06/06/2011 at 11:55 pm

    i still have the iphone 3g! going strong tho

  4. Iceman

    06/06/2011 at 11:55 pm

    i still have the iphone 3g! going strong tho

  5. Tally Briggs

    06/06/2011 at 11:57 pm

    I still have the original iPhone, which is working great, and I love it. I’m not going to jump ship to an Android or BB… I would like to wait until the fall to see if there is some kind of hardware announcement regarding the release of iOS5. 

    • Anonymous

      06/07/2011 at 2:48 am

      the iPhone 1? Wow. Did it max out at iPhoneOS 2? Or iOS3?

  6. Tally Briggs

    06/06/2011 at 11:57 pm

    I still have the original iPhone, which is working great, and I love it. I’m not going to jump ship to an Android or BB… I would like to wait until the fall to see if there is some kind of hardware announcement regarding the release of iOS5. 

  7. Riddleraven

    06/07/2011 at 3:13 am

    I have a 3G and I’ve been really anxious to upgrade. And I like what I’m hearing. “Cutting the cord” with this iCloud service is just what I’ve wanted from the very beginning. I’m really hoping to be able to download podcasts straight to my phone, automatically the way it dowloads straight to iTunes. That’d be great. 

    • iPhone3G_User

      06/07/2011 at 6:02 am

      The only problem is that the iPhone 3G won’t support iOS5.  So you will miss out from all the goodies unless you wait to see if a new phone is announced in the fall or give in and get an iphone 4.

  8. Cyanogenmod6

    06/07/2011 at 3:41 am

    Wow, just adopted 3GS last november cuz iphone 4 was sold out… Now I’ll really regret my impatience if iPhone 5 comes 4g lte dual core 64 gb icloud enabled 8 megapixel FaceTime over 3G/4G unltd data plan capable (Lol) iOS 5 running cordless operation enabled 1 click camera opening seamless notification and twittering borderless powerpacked battery holding 4.3 in qhD touchscreen bearing monster!!!

  9. Pyankeeboy

    06/07/2011 at 3:53 am

    I have a 3gs been waiting for knew phone for awhile dont want to upgrade until it comes out with a knew thinking about going to a different brand then apple so hurry up!!

  10. April C

    06/07/2011 at 6:26 am

    It doesn’t make sense to not release a new phone, does it? Most customers aren’t gonna shell out the money to buy a new iPhone 5 at full retail price, before their 2 yr contracts are up. Most people with a 4 will be content with it untill summer 2012 for AT&T or early 2013 for Verizon. And, assuming there’s no new phone released with iOS 5, those of us still packing around 3G/3G S’s will either give in and buy iPhone 4 or switch to Android, reseting our 2 yr contracts. Either way, it leaves a slim customer pool for the iPhone 5 if it’s released at a random point. 

    • April C

      06/07/2011 at 6:29 am

      Unless, it’s introduced on T-mobile and Sprint… That solves the customer pool issue, but screws the rest of us over. 

    • Beefsmith

      06/08/2011 at 12:52 am

      Verizon is already on the apple iShip and have already announced that att and verizon will have identical release dates from here on out

  11. Bccannon

    06/07/2011 at 6:26 am

    We have 3-year contracts here in Canada, so I’m just due to replace my 3G with a new phone in August.  Since my phone was orphaned (no more upgrades) by Apple a few months ago, I’m not going to upgrade until the 5 comes out.  Period.  If my old phone cannot handle the upgrade, fair enough.  Upgrading to iOS 4 has allowed some of my apps to start working after a long delay on iOS 3, but at a price of some speed and a noticeably shorter battery life.  Still, if they orphan a phone after 2.5 years on the market, I don’t want to get stuck with a 4 that cannot be upgraded a year and a half from now.  

    So I will be patient.I love my phone and can’t wait to upgrade to what the new OS and (hopefully) the new phone will be able do.  If I knew there was to be no new phone for a year, I’d go iPhone 4 now but I won’t jump ship to Android (or any other) over this.  My girlfriend has a Windows phone, which is very good, but no overall improvement over the iPhone 4.  There are some advantages it has over the 4 and vice versa.  She has a 4.3″ screen, for example, but the 4 has a nicer one.  My old 3G still downloads stuff way faster than her brand new HTC HD7.  More importantly, I have over 100 apps on my 3G AND already know how to use it and them, so why would I switch?  Any other phone would have to be a 4 generation improvement to get me to do so.I think the last statement is the most relevant and the reason most people won’t be jumping back and forth from platform to platform.  ‘Nuff said.

  12. Onbeer2000

    06/07/2011 at 9:08 am

    I hope they bring out iPhone 5 soon, can’t wait any longer. Running 2G iPhone on 3.1.2 atm and it’s slow and fukin rubbish to be honest. It’s a struggle to try and not smash it on the ground in anger at least once a day.. Hurry up apple I need a new phone..!!!

  13. George

    06/07/2011 at 12:03 pm

    This has been the problem with Apple all along, the need to continue releasing new hardware. Their business model is flawed. FAIL incoming.

  14. Timer

    06/07/2011 at 2:15 pm

    My 3GS contract is up next month, and I had planned on skipping the 4 and going straight to the 5! Oh well, I’m over it. I guess I’ll just go with the white 4G. :-/

  15. Steven Blenkinsop

    06/07/2011 at 8:14 pm

    Awww… I got a 3G for my birthday a week before the 3GS was announced. I was hoping I could get on the front end of the release cycle for a change, but I guess I’ll have to be a year behind again. It wouldn’t be a problem if Apple didn’t obsolete their products so fast, or if they gave any idea beforehand of when their products would come out. Maybe I should check out what’s on the market before upgrading… but then again, it would mean losing compatibility with my iPad.

  16. Steven Blenkinsop

    06/07/2011 at 8:14 pm

    Awww… I got a 3G for my birthday a week before the 3GS was announced. I was hoping I could get on the front end of the release cycle for a change, but I guess I’ll have to be a year behind again. It wouldn’t be a problem if Apple didn’t obsolete their products so fast, or if they gave any idea beforehand of when their products would come out. Maybe I should check out what’s on the market before upgrading… but then again, it would mean losing compatibility with my iPad.

  17. bj

    07/04/2011 at 7:25 am

    my friends at work have android and i have a 3gs. There is nothing that they can’t do and i can. They have features connected with google. incase they loose their phone they can get thier contacts and photos and music on their next android they get. im hoping iphone comes with some feature like that or a better …

    • Alex

      09/07/2011 at 4:30 pm

      You know if you backup your phone in iTunes, you can get your photos and contacts back, however, the music you will have to sync again.

  18. Yo momma

    07/08/2011 at 4:39 am

    If u look at the apple above the wwdc it looks as if there is a n Easter egg saying 9 -6 meaning September 6 probably 2012

  19. SickOfDroid

    07/26/2011 at 7:04 pm

    I’ve never had an iPhone, & I was never interested in them until i played with an iPhone4 & realized that the touch screen was actually much more on-point than I had originally gave them credit for. I’ve had bad experiences with only-touch phones (Droid Eris) and old droids (Motorola Devour). So i’m dying for something new. The only thing I’ve liked at all with my Devour is that i can throw this phone across the room as hard as I can and it will still work being the brick that it is.
    My contract with Verizon is up in September so if the iPhone5 would come out then, that would be aweeesomee (: I’d like to give Apple a chance, but if the iPhone5 isn’t out or announced by September I’m going to have to go with the iPhone4. I can’t stand this retarded brick any longer than I have to!

    PLEASE RELEASE iPhone5 IN SEPTEMBER!

  20. HelenJ

    09/01/2011 at 1:17 pm

    I can’t see them releasing a new iphone either 5 or 4G until the next WWDC, unless they put another conference on in Autumn when the new operating system comes out? Would just seem strange for such a product to be released without all the presentations etc to go with it? My 3GS contract ran out in June and I’m on a 1 month rolling contract with it now, waiting for the next iphone. I won’t give in a get tied in to an 18 month or 24 month contract for the iphone 4 only for Apple to release the iphone 5 within the next year!

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