What Can We Expect From The New iPhone?
Let’s face it. Every new iPhone rumor generates a lot of buzz. Specialized blogs and websites keep a close eye on every move that Apple makes and they always strive to be one step ahead. With the help of Chinese bloggers who have connections with Apple’s suppliers, we are often able to get a good look at some parts weeks before they are presented as a complete product.
However, just two years ago things were a lot different. We haven’t had much information about new iProducts or new iPhone. Apple had managed to keep its secrets, and it was this mysterious behavior that many people, including me, found just fascinating. You could say that Apple was, and to a certain point still is, a religion for many. That would put the iPhone announcement event somewhere on par with Christmas. I’m not kidding.
So, with the recent rumors, things are slowly starting to heat up. Wall Street Journal is constantly reporting on a cheaper iPhone, while others are saying that Apple is just going to do the 5S model with some minor hardware upgrades. There is no doubt that something big is coming – after all this is a make it or brake it year for this company as many are already saying that they’ve lost their edge. Whether or not they still have it, we’ll have to find out when the time comes. Until then, here are some things we can expect:
iOS 7
There is no doubt that the new operating system is coming later this year. Question is to what level will it resemble the previous versions. It’s been seven years since the company introduced the original iOS and we could all agree that by now it has become a bit stale. Scott Forstall, the person behind it, has been fired last year due to some internal issues, but mostly because of the maps problem. Oh, and the terrible skeuomorphic design.
His successor Johy Ive, who’s been Head of Design at Apple for some time now, has a monumental task in front of him. He was appointed Head of Industrial Design when Forstall was fired, and many are looking towards him to fix the whole mess and impelemt something new in the iOS 7. Although we can’t say for sure what the new system will bring to the table, we can be certain that it will go through some radical changes.
Cheaper iPhone?
Ever since the iPhone 4S, people have talked about a cheaper version of the world’s most recognizable smartphone. If you’re taking it on contract, it comes at about 200 US dollars, but that’s nothing comparing to 800 dollars if you are buying an unlocked one. When all this sums up, there is no doubt that the iPhone is a premium product and that the company wants you to know that when paying for it.
However, many people want to enjoy all the benefits of an Apple device for a bit less, but that’s just not how the company does business. Making a specific, cheaper iPhone is highly unlikely as this business model is not suitable for the company behind it. Sure, 200 dollars is a lot but let me remind of what kind of product you are buying – yeah, a premium one. Not to mention that the company is also focused on its legacy program which brings a lot of revenue. Cheaper iPhone already exists – it’s the last year’s model.
iPhone 6?
I’m pretty sure that we won’t see the iPhone 6, but rather an improved version – iPhone 5S. Since the iPhone 3GS, Apple has followed this path of improved version of the phone, adding the S behind the number. This is the business model that the company has chosen and we will see it for at least a few more years. Designing a brand new iPhone every year is something that Apple just does not do, nor is willing to.
The truth is, iOS is still very popular. iPhone is a premium device and its one of the most beloved smartphones of today. People are constantly trying to compare it to Android phones, but it not possible. Whereas Samsung or HTC release several Android phones throughout, Apple releases only one. And that one single-handedly beats it’s competition.
Yes, Apple is doing its own thing, but it’s also flexing under the consumer pressure which can only be good. Yes, things have been hectic ever since Jobs died and Cook took over, but no, iPhone is not doomed. In fact, its future is looking rather bright if you ask me.
