It is time to put an end to apparently never ending iPhone rumors. Well, let's just say that we are going to end iPhone 5 rumors mill.
However, in the final installment, let's talk about how Apple is finally going to introduce just one phone and it may also just go ahead and axe iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle. Once we are done with these, we can start with iPhone 6 rumors.
Back to iPhone 5, analysts and industry pundits have finally conceded that Apple would be unveiling only one new phone, instead of two. Apple has already handed invitations for its 'let's talk' event, which is scheduled to be held next week. It is quite likely that Apple will come up with ne2 voice recognition technology for the fifth version of iOS. Though, Apple had this functionality from a long time, but this time over it is expected to give it a drastic makeover.
Industry pundits now also believe that Apple is not working on a low end iPhone. It was long rumored that Apple would be launching a low priced stripped down version of current iPhone. So, if you were waiting for a cheaper iPhone, then 2011 is not your year.
However, it is not only iPhone segment, which is going to see some action. It is also being speculated that a new white iPod Touch may be in the offering. This rumor had been doing rounds ever since the launch of white iPhone. According to 9to5Mac, Apple may not be making any substantial hardware changes in the personal media player. But it sure would receive a cosmetic makeover in a non-color. These are merely the conjunctures, but we would come to know about the truth on October 4, so it is not that long a wait now.
But it is not going to be all about new additions. The Cupertino company is apparently mulling saying ciao to a couple of its beloved devices. It looks like iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle will not be able to survive the onslaught of touch screen devices. Currently, these two are the only products in their segment not to have a touch screen, so it looks like that in a bid to streamline its offerings, the company may decide to withdraw these music players. TUAW has claimed that it has insider news about the demise of iPod Classic and iPod Shuffle. It also makes sense, as in the din of iPhone 5 rumors, we really never get to hear about the update iPods.
iPod Classic, released almost 10 years back, may have some nostalgic value, but over the years, iPhone has emerged as a powerful and more versatile option. If Apple does decide to kill of iPod Shuffle and Classic, then Nano would become the entry level media player with a starting price point of $149. iPod Shuffle was priced $49 upwards. In this case, it is also possible that the company may drop iPod Nano price, in order to make it more affordable. Apple had also been dropping vague hints about impending 'product transition', so probably bidding adieu to these two iPods is really on the cards.
Now, that we have less than a week left for 'let's talk' event, what are your speculations about the product announcements?