As we are nearing the date of new iPhone unveiling, the rumor mills have started working overtime. THe latest rumors are about the
thinness of the new phone, possible LTE connectivity and NFC functionality. However, lately a new debate has started whether Apple would be unveiling one phone or two phones?
Basically, there are three different schools of thought. Some analysts are speculating that Apple may launch a beefed up iPhone 5, but at the very same time would unveil iPhone 4S as an entry level phone. Other analysts are of the view that there would be no iPhone 5 and Apple would just unveil iPhone 4S with minor changes. Yet another school of thought debunks the whole iPhone 4S theory and insists that there would be only one phone, iPhone 5 with drastic changes.
Anyhow, the latest rumors have come from research firm Jefferies, which belongs to iPhone 5 school. The company analyst Peter Misek has claimed that Apple would launch iPhone 5, while continuing with the sale of iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. Misek has further claimed that iPhone 5 will have larger screen along with more powerful processor. The new phone will also have better camera while its girth will be further reduced.
But the one thing that would remain same is the blockbuster sales performance of the phone. Apple already holds the top position of being the biggest smartphone makers. Despite having only one phone in its repository, the Cupertino company also is among the top 5 mobile phone makers in the world. And the introduction of iPhone 5 will only help it in further consolidating its numero uno position. According to Jefferies analyst, iPhone 5 would help Apple in selling 26 million units over the first quarter of its launch.
Apple is also likely to increase its carriers and the move will further help the company in increasing the sales volume of its uber popular phone. In the US, Apple is expected to launch its new phone on all 4 major carriers, while it would also increase its reach in China. It is being speculated that Apple is in talks with China Mobile for carrier collaboration. It looks like Apple is also ready to make some changes in the phone to make it compatible with China Mobile, which uses TD-LTE technology. While China Telecom has previous alluded to the "positive response from Apple', the Cupertino company is keeping its mouth tightly shut.
The only thing that can cause bumps in otherwise smooth road to fame for iPhone 5 is related to the parts supplier. Many industry specialists are speculating that the new iPhone may face supply chain bottlenecks due to capacity shortage on the OEM's part. But still Jefferies expect the company to sell more than 100 million units in 2012. While many analysts were speculating that Apple may release iPad e along with iPhone 5, Jefferies think that the company may wait till the first quarter of 2012 for launching next generation iPad. LTE compatible phone is also likely to hit the market some time in 2012.
Its already becoming difficult to keep track of all the rumors related to upcoming iDevices and Jefferies report has further muddied the situation. Earlier, Apple was expected to release the phone in September, but the launch was delayed. Now, let's keep our fingers crossed for the October unveiling. The new phone performance is also important as it will demonstrate the capabilities of its newly appointed CEO, Tim Cook. The new phone is likely to be unveiled on October 4.