IGN reports that Apple is shooting to up sales for the holiday season by avoiding the 12 month lapse in hardware updates, and is looking to releasing iPhone 6, a whole new (see also: overhauled) hand-held for June 2012.
According to IGN's insider, who they've credited with substantiated facts in the past, especially regarding Apple's iPad technology, the iPhone 5 isn't expected to improve upon much of what's already in the iPhone 4; a new processor perhaps and that's about it. The October release date would also usurp the other Apple trend: the release of a new iPod, which has yet to be mentioned at all. One can maybe draw the conclusion that the iPhone 5's rumored October release could be designed to fill in the gap where a new iPod should be.
Another thought: could the iPhone 5 be the rare White iPhone 4? Rumors continue to swirl that the legendary, rare, Siberian Tiger of iPhones is waiting in the wings. Would Apple be so shrewd to release what is essentially an iPhone 4 with a white case as the iPhone 5?
As for consumers, the news that Apple is delaying the anticipated update is both welcoming and distressing. For those who recently purchased an iPhone 4, you get a few extra months before feeling like you've purchased outdated technology. For those who've been holding on to their iPhone 3GSs (like me) because you wanted to upgrade to the newest version of the iPhone, the news is frustrating.
On a personal level, I've been due for an phone upgrade from my provider for a few months, with everyone in the business telling me to wait til June, when Apple (historically) would be releasing the latest hand held device. Now I'm being told to wait til October, when I can't wait to off-load my slow, glitchy 3GS.
Don't get me wrong, the 3GS was the balls in it's time (nearly two years ago) but as with all things tech-related, the shelf life of any gadget is roughly a year. Liken technology to driving your car; you need to do upkeep to keep running a smooth vehicle. You need to upgrade to stay current with available technology.
The other thing one has to consider is if the iPhone 5 is released in October, and the rumors are true about a complete revamped iPhone 6 coming out a few months later in 2012, who is going to want to upgrade to the 5? It seems like a place holder, a "tide-me-over" that anyone will be inevitably locked into for a year.
So what's a consumer who's ready for an upgrade do? Do you say "fuck it" and just get the iPhone 4 now, with the anticipation of the iPhone 6 being released just when you're due for another upgrade, or do you wait til October (if the rumors are true) and upgrade to the 5, knowing you'll be locked into what will essentially be outdated technology in a few months, or do you just ride out with your 3GS for another year, and deal with the frustration you're already experiencing?
Either way, Apple's holding all the cards.
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