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iPhone 6

Apple to livestream Sep 9 iPhone announcement

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Every major Apple event is a thrilling adventure for technology enthusiasts. Will the announcement be a simple evolution or will we see the start of a revolutionary new product category?

Apple has finally confirmed that they will livestream the event on their website (link) for everyone (with the appropriate config) to watch.

Everyone agrees that this will be the unveiling of the iPhone 6 and possibly the iWatch, iHat, ipatch (whatever format their new wearable takes). Everyone's favorite (mostly) accurate analyst, Ming Chi Kuo, also believes we may see an updates iPad Air (but I think this last one is much less likely).

“Live streaming video requires Safari 5.1.10 or later on OS X v10.6.8 or later; Safari on iOS 6.0 or later. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 6.2 or later.”

Interestingly no reference to Windows users being able to watch the stream... Is this a simple error or a jab at Windows users?

 

KGI says the unannounced 5.5" iPhone is delayed

technologyEdward Kiledjian

Ming-Chi Kuo, the famous KGI Security analyst, is now claiming that Apple's iPhone 6 5.5" model will be delayed because of constraints with some key components. He claims that current supply chain contacts say it will be pushed post October (possibly into 2015).

He claims the issue may lie in the drop test durability of the new sapphire display. His "unnamed sources" claim that when the larger iPhone 6 is finally released, fewer than 20 million units will be available.

The 4.7" iPhone 6 is expected to have the same issues but he believes solving it on a smaller display size device is much easier. he also highlights the fact that there have been more leaks of the 4.7" iphone 6 than the larger 5.5" one.

The truth is that Apple hasn't announced anything yet and I don't think it is fair to say an unannounced product is delayed. It can't be delayed until Apple officially provides a release date which is missed. So take all of this with a grain of salt.

If you need a new iPhone then get whatever they release in Sept-Oct but remember that most generation 1 releases have issues that are worked out post-release. I prefer to stick with the "s" iteration of the iPhone's to ensure most kinks are worked.

iPhone 5s production begins March 2013

technologyEdward Kiledjian

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)  created a lively debate within the Apple community when it published an article claiming that Apple was reducing its component orders because of weaker than expected sales. The Apple proponents came out swinging while opponents cheered hoping it was the truth.

Now Peter Misek, a Jeffries analyst is making a claim that seems to be much more believable. He is reporting that Apple will begin production of the iPhone 5s in March for a June 2013 launch. This means Apple will start reducing parts orders for the existing iPhones in preparation of the production switch.

Mr. Misek believes the new device will maintain the same physical characteristics but will come in multiple colors, have improved battery life and may contain the much anticipated IGZO screen. There were some rumors that the next gen iPhone would bump screen size to 4.8” but this seems to have been put by the wayside. Many now believe a larger screen model may be made available with the iPhone 6.

The rumors of a cheaper iPhone just don’t want to die. The current iteration says the low cost device may sport a polycarbonate shell, come without LTE and have an iPhone 4s size screen. Apple has never been one to compete on low prices so I am not sure this rumor has legs to stand on but anything is possible.