Evolution Of The iPhone

Evolution Of The iPhone

As Apple gear up for their September 12 press release, which will almost certainly reveal the new iPhone, we thought we would reflect on the evolution of the iPhone.

This animated history of the iPhone created by CNET, starts right from the beginning and gives some context in relation to the evolving technology used in the development of the iPhones.

 

iPhone 4S

Of course, the video missed the iPhone 4S (which many thought would be the iPhone 5). The iPhone 4S was released October 4 2011 and though it brought with it a much better user experience with the introduction of Siri, a new camera and faster processing speeds, many were disappointed with the lack of radical change in design. Despite this, the iPhone 4S sold more than 4 million iPhones in the first three days following the release.

 

iPhone 5

So, will history repeat itself or will Apple bring out something that really sets the iPhone 5 apart from its predecessors?

While rumours have been plentiful, concrete conjectures are few and far in between. However, if the rumours become fact we could see a fairly different design for the iPhone 5.

Even though many of the rumours will be laid to rest in Apple’s press event tomorrow, here is what is expected.

Rumours

Credit: iResQ

Larger Screen

While the iPhone has a history of keeping with the 3.5 inch display, the new iPhone could be sporting a larger, 4 inch display. The main reason could be to placate its fans experiencing some Galaxy S3 envy. In terms of screen resolution, Gizmodo predicts that the new iPhone will have 1136×640 pixels resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio (same as HDTVs and most video content).

Smaller Dock Connector

Credit: iLab Factory

This rumour has been a constant, particularly with photos emerging of the iPhone frame with a smaller dock connector. While this allows for more to be packed into the iPhone, it does concern those who own apple products already that they may not  be able to use their existing accessories with the new iPhone.

The other downside to this, is the possibility that Apple may be the sole maker of dock connector adapters, as iLounge reports that Apple have not offered developers parts or specs for the next-generation Dock Connector.

Furthermore, according to iLounge’s sources, the Dock Connector Adapters will sell for about $10 each or three for $29, with Apple-branded new USB cables selling for $19 each.

Credit: iResQ

Slimmer:

Once again coming from supposed ‘leaked photos’, it seems as though the new iPhone will be thinner than its predecessor. This may be due to the use of in-cell multitouch technology for the screen, which integrates touch into the thin-film transistor LCD manufacturing process, thereby forgoing the need for additional sensors and glass. As a result, this would reduce the weight and thickness of the phone (via CNet).

At present, today’s iPhone uses technology referred to as “on-cell,” where the touch sensors lay on top of the color filters, occupying a separate layer that adds a fractional amount of thickness to the design (just under 0.5 mm in the current iPhone).

It won’t have a Near Field Communication Chip

NFC chips essentially allow phones to communicate with other devices by getting up close. While many speculated that this would be included in the new iPhone, Anand Lal Shimpi from Anandtech has shot the rumour down after a thorough technical analysis.

It will support 4G LTE

According to Korea Times (via Patently Apple), the new iPhone will indeed have LTE technology, following confirmation from Korean carrier SK Telecom that they have already arranged for it to be sold to customers in South Korea. However, though 4G LTE has been confirmed, whether or not it will support Australia’s 1800MHz 4G network remains to be seen.