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No iPhone 5, No Problem: iPhone Owners Will Wait For Fall Release Date

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While some Apple watchers held hope for an iPhone 5 release date announcement at the WWDC 2012 keynote, Apple chose to tell the world about new MacBook Pro models and amazing iOS 6 features.

Our best guess is that Apple will ship the new iPhone sometime in October.

A fall iPhone 5 release mirrors last year’s iPhone 4S announcement which abandoned the Summer WWDC announcement and release cycle for a the fall.

The lack of a summer iPhone 5 release date isn’t a shock, even if it disappoints iPhone owners waiting to upgrade from the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 3GS, to get the best features Apple has to offer.

https://www.gottabemobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/App-on-taller-iPhone-5-4-inch-display.jpg

The average smartphone user doesn’t care about the specs of the latest Android smartphone, certainly not enough to abandon an OS they know over waiting four months.

Geeks care about specs, complaining about the lack of a 4G LTE iPhone and a dual core processor, but geeks are the minority. Even then, I’m willing to wager there are plenty of geeks who won’t mind waiting four months either. Especially with the prospect of a faster iPhone 5 with 4G LTE connectivity.

The iPhone isn’t about specs, it’s about a user experience that is difficult for Android to duplicate and compete with thanks to developer support, third-party accessories and partners who develop cool gadgets that work with iPhone first, and focus on Android later.

The longer you use a mobile OS, the more you’re invested in it. Not only is there a learning curve to switch to a new operating system, there’s a financial burden after the phone purchase.

Many iPhone owners have hundreds of dollars worth of apps, music, movies and accessories for the iPhone. I spent over $250 in the iPhone app store in 2011, and even casual users can spend $100 in apps over the course of a year.

It’s possible to move iTunes purchased music to an Android device, but the average user won’t bother converting and breaking the DRM on iTunes movie purchases, and forget about iBooks.

The success of the iPad also helps lock users into a wait for the iPhone 5. Many iPhone apps also work on the iPad with a single purchase. Android tablets are improving, especially with the well designed Toshiba Excite 13, but the Android tablet app experience doesn’t yet offer this same attraction.

Apple also enjoys some protection thanks to America’s addition to cell phone contracts. Anyone who bought the iPhone 4S is still locked down until Fall 2013. Users who own an iPhone 3GS may have passed on the iPhone 4S, and aren’t likely to give up after waiting this long out of contract.

The users least likely to wait for the iPhone 5 release in October are AT&T iPhone 4 owners who will come out of contract in late June.

iPhone 5 Release Date Rumors

The latest iPhone 5 rumors point to a release in October, though some analysts still believe Apple could announce and launch the iPhone 5 in September. The iPhone 5, as many are widely calling the next iPhone, is actually the sixth iPhone, and will most likely deliver a new design and new features to iPhone users.

The video above uses leaked iPhone 5 parts, schematics and rumors to show what the iPhone 5 might look like.

The iPhone 5 might be the first iPhone to use a larger display. Since the introduction of the iPhone in 2007, Apple has only offered a 3.5-inch screen. While Apple has updated the display with Retina Display resolution, the size remains the same. This hasn’t hurt Apple much, but consumers are warming to larger screens, like the Samsung Galaxy Note, Galaxy S III, HTC One X and HTC EVO 4G LTE.

Read: Why I Bought the Samsung Galaxy Note

Apple showed off many iOS 6 features at WWDC, many of which only work on the iPhone 4S, but Apple hasn’t shared ever y iOS 6 feature yet. Last year at WWDC Apple did not announce Siri, waiting for the fall. We expect to see one new iOS 6 feature exclusive the new iPhone revealed during the iPhone 5 announcement this fall.

59 Comments

59 Comments

  1. PL

    06/11/2012 at 9:21 pm

    NO IPHONE, HUGE PROBLEMS!

    I am going to get an samsung galaxy s3. My contract end in July!

    • hayden

      06/11/2012 at 9:23 pm

      im with you, i was gonna get it in july when my contract ran up… speechless

    • cam

      06/11/2012 at 9:25 pm

      That’s what I’m saying. I just pre ordered mine today!

    • Chria

      06/11/2012 at 11:35 pm

      Dont make that mistake Hayden you will kick yourself for it once the 5 does show up. Those fancy tech stats and screens dont mean much on a over saturated android phone market. So many apps work with this phone but not that one, and visa versa. Im a person who went with a droid 1 , 2 , thunderbolt, razr and after getting an ipad and my wife getting a 4s i have no doubt which phone os is better, which app store is better, stick with apple.

      • Rick

        06/12/2012 at 9:11 am

        Agreed. I tried the immataters. Once I got my 3gs, ( I now have a 4), I knew I would never go back. Nothing is as functional, attractive, and user friendly. And what people also forget, is the level of customer service you get at the apple store. Free service for all products= better company.

        • Ryan

          06/12/2012 at 9:28 am

          LOL – “immataters”???????? WOW. Unschooled much?

          • kabek

            06/15/2012 at 5:41 pm

            My Verizon contact is up in July, too…you don’t ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY HAVE to get a new phone then. Do something that most people don’t know how to do…delay your gratification and WAIT for the iPhone 5. You won’t be disappointed.

    • Justin Caldwell

      06/12/2012 at 5:37 pm

      I agree with you also. I’ve been with the iPhone since its first release and everyone since then, except for the 4s(not worth the upgrade just for Siri). Im not waiting any longer for the iPhone 5 so I’m jumping ship. I read an article saying its the summer for Samsung. So I’m going Samsung or the new Xperia. HUGE mistake apple. HUGE! I’m done waiting.

  2. Yeah Right

    06/11/2012 at 9:43 pm

    Wow, no comments. I guess people sure are excited about the new iphone alright.

    “The iPhone isn’t about specs, it’s about a user experience that is difficult for Android to duplicate and compete…” It’s the experience YOU are in love with. Not everyone shares that sentiment or thinks it is undeniably better. It is good for you to like your purchases and decisions, I am glad for you. Now I just wish you would swallow that pill you don’t want to called “other people don’t have to think or like what I do” pill.

  3. Jason

    06/11/2012 at 9:43 pm

    “The average smartphone user doesn’t care about the specs of the latest Android smartphone, certainly not enough to abandon an OS they know over waiting four months.”

    Of course, the “average” smartphone user already has an android phone.

    AND – at least amongst people I know, many iPhone users are getting sick of seeing their Android using friends getting bigger screens and better cameras, while they’re stuck in the 3.5″ is big enough Apple world, so they’re moving to Android for CHOICE.

    • Dave

      06/11/2012 at 11:53 pm

      Better cameras? Lol

      • Ryan

        06/12/2012 at 12:20 am

        Yes LOL get LOL your LOL head LOL out LOL of LOL the LOL sand LOL.

    • Rick

      06/12/2012 at 9:08 am

      I wish Andriod really was better, so all my Andriod friends could be using the awesome apps that I currently have on my phone. Too bad.

      • Jason

        06/12/2012 at 9:16 am

        It’s not about “better”. Neither the iPhone nor any android phone are categorically “better”.

        It’s simple. there are features and limitations that the iPhone has that some prefer. There are features and limitations that the various android phones have, that some prefer.

        Not everyone wants slurp down the exact flavour of cool-aid you do. AND THAT’s OK.

        What is sickening is the smug superiority that you and this author attach to your particular technology preference. Get. Over. Yourself.

        • Ryan

          06/12/2012 at 9:24 am

          Amen brother preach it!

  4. DSal

    06/11/2012 at 11:11 pm

    I am still pleased with my iPhone 4 and I am patient enough to wait for an iPhone 5. iPhone is the standard for all smart phones whether you like it or not. I could never purchase one of the many large screened droid phones out there. In my opinion, it’s like taking a step backwards. I’ll keep my usual routine: purchase the iPhone 5 and then sell my 32gb 4 for $250. Did the same when converting from 3 to 4. Nice to invest in a phone that stands alone in the market and hold its value (especially in foreign markets).

    • kushibo

      06/27/2012 at 10:59 am

      Where/How do you sell your phone? When I upgraded from 3G to 4, I held on to my 3G “just in case something happens” (like it getting stolen, lost, or dropped in a toilet) but I might sell my still pristine-looking 4 if I can get at least $150 for it.

      • SHAWN

        07/27/2012 at 2:23 pm

        I just sold my iphone 4 16g for $180.00 and it was for parts only. now back on my 3g until iphone 5 comes out.

  5. DSal

    06/11/2012 at 11:16 pm

    Easy to get fooled by huge, big-screened plastic phones people.

    • Rick

      06/12/2012 at 9:07 am

      Agreed. An iphone is a beautiful tool made from glass and metal. The samsung phones are junk.

      • Ryan

        06/12/2012 at 9:25 am

        Yes, I’m sure your right. Which is why Samsung phones don’t smudge as easily and don’t shatter when you drop them.

  6. David

    06/11/2012 at 11:21 pm

    I’m not over impressed with the iPhone series. I just recent went from a LG Optimus One to the Unlocked GSM Galaxy Nexus and love it. I won’t be making any switch to a new OS.

  7. Mike

    06/11/2012 at 11:38 pm

    Geeks are stupid. They just want double or quadruple processor for the sake…even if they don’t know any shit of why they need it or even if it already a phone is fast enough. I despise nerds and geeks who feel somehow they are of different breed. They aren’t. They have the same f*ng organs an abilities. They just have such a big ego to not accept they are the same.

    • Jason

      06/12/2012 at 3:58 am

      Wow… tell us what you really think?

      Have you considered that just because you can’t imagine what a “geek” might do with a more powerful phone or tabletor computer, might be a reflection on the limitations of your knowledge or imagination and might.

      Just consider it for a second, cause chances are, you don’t know everything. So who really has the big ego here?

      • Ryan

        06/12/2012 at 9:26 am

        I know I know I know!!! Um…Jason?

        • Jason

          06/12/2012 at 9:38 am

          Indeed, I do… and I happen to be a geek – but we shouldn’t generalise about all geeks, just based on me. :P

          • Ryan

            06/12/2012 at 11:53 am

            LOL dude I’m so sorry…I meant to say “Mike”, sincerely! Sorry man! :-)

  8. Ausnote

    06/11/2012 at 11:48 pm

    only isheep would wait. The average users already own an android os.
    Check the world market share for apple 7% is not the average user. This writer need to get his head out of the sand

  9. Ryan

    06/12/2012 at 12:19 am

    LOL WHAT A RIDICULOUS ARTICLE!!!!! I myself have had a 3G, a 3GS, a 4, and now use a 4S and am planning on switching to the SGS3. Open your eyes, blind fanboy!!!

  10. Rick

    06/12/2012 at 9:04 am

    Maybe some of the rift-raft iphone users will switch over to android now, so we can spot them more easily. I’m going to stay classy, and stick with the iphone.

    • Jason

      06/12/2012 at 9:17 am

      NO TRUE SCOTSMAN!…

      I don’t think anyone was having a go at people liking the iPhone, you’re welcome to it. You just need to understand that some people don’t like the iPhone, and that’s ok.

      Denigrating people based on their technology preference differing from yours is a strange kind of bigotry to get into. Grow up.

      • Ryan

        06/12/2012 at 9:26 am

        AMEN BROTHER!!! PREACH IT!

  11. Ryan

    06/12/2012 at 9:14 am

    Lol “immataters”???????? WOW. Unschooled much?

  12. Glenn

    06/12/2012 at 9:25 am

    Android/Samsung Executives: If we can’t beat Apple–lets just flood the market with a bunch of cheap Android smartphones and then force suckers (I mean customers) to upgrade every 6 months if they want the latest and great OS features on their phones.

  13. bsquarednc

    06/12/2012 at 12:53 pm

    iPhone owners will wait because they’re sheep….such a joke!

    • Anthony

      06/14/2012 at 7:20 am

      If that was true, then I would have been one of those fools who had bought a 4S after buying the iPhone 4 a year earlier. I’ll wait not because I’m a sheep of any kind but it’s been two plus years since I got the 4 so with that in mind I may as well wait for the 5 which will be another few months. At least think before you make a sweeping generalaztion bsquarenc.

    • Sophie

      06/30/2012 at 12:39 am

      Honestly!? I like apple because IMHO they are better products. They last longer, have a classier feel and work better.
      I’m not a joke BTW.
      And, have you ever noticed Android is named after food?
      Now that’s a joke!

  14. Matt

    06/12/2012 at 4:07 pm

    Ive always been an iphone fan, but I am getting a little bit sick of the restrictedness of the iphones and the waiting for releases. The iphone 4s was a joke it was outdated the day it came out. I am thinking of switching at least Samsung lets you know what they are coming out with so you as a customer can make an informed decision. It’s not like they need to worry either because it will be 2 years before apple can copy and put it on a shelf.

  15. sam

    06/12/2012 at 4:55 pm

    Personally I’m an iPhone fan, although atm the moment im using a Galaxy ace because I’m travelling and it was cheap; I still believe as far as user experience goes, android cant beat ios despite the whole “how closed ios is and vise versa” argument. I personally dont reap the benefits of such an open os, and I’m quite happy to be able to go to an iphone and it works exactly how i want it to. What im trying to say is people buy phones for different reasons, whether its; usability, features or as a status symbol. I cant tell you how much i want to tell you why i think android is a crappy os and why i still prefer the iphone 4s even over the s3 (ive used them both dont worry).

  16. Brad

    06/12/2012 at 8:02 pm

    The best part of the iPhone is its ease of use. My 3 yr old can use his iPod, my iPhone, and my wifes iPad because iOS is simple, and intuitive. If having that means it’s not as easy for you to hack to make it work like you think it should I’m fine with that. I don’t knock people wanting something different. Go for a Samsung or something else if that’s what you want maybe that’ll make the line shorter for me when the iPhone 5 rolls out ;) I really don’t understand why some of you guys feel the need to shit in someone’s else’s Cheerios for sharing their opinion. As for me “If I wanted your opinion, I’d give it to you.”

    • Jason

      06/13/2012 at 5:28 am

      I’m so sick of reading this: “iOS is easy, cause my [child/wife/elderly relative] can use it”.

      What exactly are people trying to suggest when they say that? That Android must NOT be intuitive or user friendly because iOS (allegedly) is? That only tech-geeks are capable of using Android devices BECAUSE they’re “too customizable”?

      I mean, is my 3yr old is smarter than your 3yr old because he can use my HTC DesireHD and Asus Transformer Prime (which by your implication is not so “simple, and intuitive”)?

      Or just maybe is Android pretty “simple, and intuitive” too, and you just have a preference based on anything else? – brand loyalty? (it’s no crime); maybe you used iOS first and don’t want “the hassle” of learning something new?; Maybe your friends all use iOS and you want to be part of the crowd; Maybe you had a bad experience with a particular Android device and wrote off the lot of them unfairly;

      Can’t we just accept that I find Android easy and you find iOS easy, and not have to make these statements practically dripping with superiority-complex undertones?

      • Joe S.

        06/28/2012 at 5:38 pm

        LOL, I never get tired of reading that headline, well to be fair I knew a lady in her late 40’s who had samsung galaxy (which I think sucks!!!!! worst phone ever along with the galaxy tablet not highly impressed) she later got a motorola x2 because her husband had the original motorola x and loved it but as soon as we went to the apple store and told her about the iphone she wanted one. Why????? because she felt it was simple!!!! Noting wrong with that. I also showed her the macbooks and she fell in love too lol but one pet peeve and week point of the macbook is the poor ventilation/cooling system. I can’t true express how much I hate it and I’m very dissapointed with apple’s poor design… my brother’s sony vios and mom’s samsung has better ventilation/cooling systems lol. but yeah back to topic, I really thing to each is there own although I don’t think I would ever purchase a iphone any time soon and this is coming from a guy who had several apple products for the past 9-10 yrs. Once I got bit by the android bug It’s hard for me to go back lol…. but one thing I like is I know you’re going to hat it but the minor “customizable” freedom(HDMI, flash support, expandable storage,ect) and “specs” although I got give the edge to the iphone for its crisp display and nice camera for 5mp. but yeah I thin it neat how you can buy a lapdock for some premium andriod based phones us use it as a mini computer… Now as far aa ipad vs andriod tablets I would rather take the ipad instead of the galaxy tablet but the motorola tablet is nice…….. Wouldn’t mind owning both devices lol so I could keep usage minimal on my macbook and give it a lil break her and there lol

  17. Jesse

    06/13/2012 at 5:08 am

    Good article, I still have my 3Gs and was one of those people who didn’t bother upgrading to 4 but, now free of my contract, am waiting anxiously for 5.
    But by the way, itunes hasn’t used DRM on their music since 2009.

  18. Anthony

    06/14/2012 at 6:59 am

    Thing is I don’t understand is at the WWC they came out and announced IOS 6 which is slated to come out in fall, maybe October. With that in mind what’s the big deal in announcing the iPhone 5 NOW and still have it released on schedule in fall, possibly late October? You chose to announce one thing but yet held back on the other which to me doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. At least if you did that, you have the whole summer until then to mull over getting the new iPhone. I’m sure the final product is already finished, so I don’t know what the big deal is.

    • Jason

      06/14/2012 at 2:02 pm

      Just thinking out loud here, so this is just off the top of my head:

      If you announce iOS6 now, knowing that it’ll go on say,the iPhone4 and 4S, then the existing line up of products looks better. It basically extends the shelf-life of the older phones a little bit longer.

      If you announce the iPhone 5 now, the existing line up or products becomes obsolete as people hang about on their phone purchases until the 5 comes out.

      It’s a smart business move – don’t hurt the sales of your existing products for the sake of a new product that many of your customers will still end up buying over the coming 2 years anyway.

  19. Gerry

    06/15/2012 at 11:58 am

    Looking for a little input. I don’t have a smart phone, never have. I think I’ve held out long enough and was debating grabbing the 4s right now or waiting until october for the iphone 5. My original plan was to wait until the 5 came out to buy the 64g 4s(that way it could double as my Ipod). What do you guys think. Should I wait another 4 months for the 5 or just get the 4s?

    • Jason

      06/15/2012 at 4:09 pm

      Based on Apples pattern with this product line the 5 should be a “major” upgrade, rather than an incremental enhancement of the previous version. If you’re set on. iPhones rather than one of the many alternatives, I would wait.

  20. kushibo

    06/27/2012 at 11:23 am

    “The users least likely to wait for the iPhone 5 release in October are AT&T iPhone 4 owners who will come out of contract in late June.”

    Not sure how true that is. AT&T told me I was eligible to upgrade to the 4S on the last day of November 2011. But mauve I had extra credits lying around on the computer (I’ve been a regular AT&T user since November 2006).

    I don’t know how typical an AT&T iPhone 4 user I am, but I upgraded from 3G to 4 on the day the AT&T stores started selling them in June 2010 and I am going to wait. I like the iPhone experience and have no intention of switching to an android device, so I’m waiting for an iPhone 5. I didn’t switch from the 3G to the 3Gs when it came out, and ditto with the 4S, but I’m looking forward to the 5.

    But truth be told, if apple never came out with another iPhone, I’d be happy with my iPhone 4, except that I’d eventually need to change the battery (they seem to have two years of regular use in them). With the retina display, it provides a much more enjoyable web surfing experience than the 3G, which I was eager to set aside when the 4 came along. I have an iPad 2 and still love going back to the iPhone 4. My girlfriend has the 4S (upgraded from the 3Gs), and I wish I had her camera and Siri, but if I had to I could make due. My iPhone 4 has taken some amazing pictures on its own.

    (My girlfriend’s experience shows me it’s easier to go from 3G to 4 and skip the 3Gs (or 4 to 5 and skip the 4S) than to go from 3Gs to 4S and skip the 4.)

  21. Gary

    06/27/2012 at 8:39 pm

    I don’t know why some people are so outraged that they have to wait a few months for the next iPhone. Did anybody here really expect Apple to release a new phone so soon after releasing the 4S?

    And I don’t see why some people have to be so hostile just because somebody else prefers a different phone to you. That’s a bit pathetic. Pick the phone you want based on it’s strengths and how much you can put up with it’s short comings and let everybody else choose what they want. It’s their loss if they have a “crap” phone, not yours.

    Personally, I wouldn’t buy an Android phone. How many damn phones has Samsung released this year? The GS3 will be made obsolete in three months when Samsung release their next big thing. So I’ll wait for the iPhone and whoever wants to buy anything else can do so. It doesn’t affect me, I’ll have the phone I want.

    Though I can’t help but notice that whenever there’s a rant with one smartphone camp bashing the other, it’s usually Android users having an ill-informed, unprovoked pop at iPhone users, shooting their mouths off about anything they can think off (the word iSheep is guaranteed to appear about 50 times) and launching a personal attack against those who favour the iPhone. Sounds like insecurity issues to me.

  22. Ali r

    06/28/2012 at 12:16 pm

    When is the 5 going to come out ?

  23. Ali r

    06/28/2012 at 12:19 pm

    Can someone that has a ruff idea please tell me .
    cheers

  24. Ali r

    06/28/2012 at 12:20 pm

    please !!!!!!!!!

  25. Joe S.

    06/28/2012 at 5:10 pm

    Honestly I think both apple and android base phones are great. I’ve own own several apple products for about 10 yrs. I’ve own few ibook, g3/g4, imac, macbook, original ipod, ipod nano, and ipod touch. I can honestly say I’m not a fanboy of either products nor jump on the bandwagon because it’s uber cool!!!!! Too each is there own. I’ve been happy for the android system for the most part. Apple products tend to be more for simpletons and there’s noting wrong with that. I’m sure if the iphone had the same specs as lets say the razr maxx or even the samsung galaxy most of you iphone users/fans would be singing a different tune, bragging about the dual processors, bigger screen, more mp camara, ram and upgradable storage. I wasn’t really impressed with the first few gen iphone until the iphone4s. Poor accuracy touch screen typing, small screen, certain apps like torque wasn’t and still isn’t available for the apple os. In all I think both phones have there strong and weak points. I sure wish apple put more focus and emphasis on there macbook/laptops cooling and ventilation systems. If they don’t then as soon as successor of the Motorola lapdock 500 comes out (hopefully a android based OS laptop) I might switch!!!!!! obviously there both simaliar OS unix/linux so I’m sure adobe isn’t going to hesitate to make PS software for it. :)
    I still enjoy using my Ipod touch so I enjoy both worlds, android and applr OS. I’ve used both Iphone4 and android based phone (razr, bionic and even samsung) but I’m not really wow compare to the razr lol
    still to each is there own. I’m sure apple products are better suited for others
    END OF RANT LOL….

  26. Ron

    07/03/2012 at 9:14 am

    I have had 3 iPhones and 2 iPads through the recent years. Bought a Samsung Galaxy S3 and am not looking back! It’s FAST, gorgeous screen, slim, I have all the working apps I had on my iPhone AND AND AND I can drag-n-drop files to my expanded 64GB SD card and it just works! No more bloated iTunes and syncing. The camera on the Galaxy S3 is Amazing as well. My wife gave up her iPhone as well. Side by side the Galaxy S3 is simply a better phone and Android offers freedom to do things YOUR way.

  27. Nick

    07/04/2012 at 12:35 pm

    shutup

  28. bob

    07/04/2012 at 12:39 pm

    hi

  29. Fulki Meda

    08/01/2012 at 8:25 pm

    Ah! I take a little time off from the blogging universe and come back to find that you have become amazing?
    ! Wow, times have changed! Keep up the awesome work!

  30. Nick

    09/05/2012 at 11:39 am

    Hey I currety own an iPhone 4 with AT&T but was thinking about going to android. Now for my question, can I just simply walk into AT&T store and just buy an android phone and e good to go with my already existing data plan? How does the process of switching from iPhone to anroid work???

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