Two next iPhone launch predictions in one day although they're reporting slightly different timelines: iMore's Rene Ritchie, citing unnamed sources, says that Apple is prepping an iPhone 5S for late summer, around August, while analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities claims that Apple's unveiling the flagship iPhone 5S in June ahead of a rollout in July. Both sources agree that just like any other "S" upgrade for the iPhone, the iPhone 5S would retain the design of its predecessor but will have a faster processor and improved optics. Kuo did add that the iPhone 5S would have a built-in fingerprint sensor as Apple has obtained the technology after paying $356 million to acquire AuthenTec last year. Kuo also claims that Apple's simultaneously releasing a low-cost iPhone, which would also have LTE but would be bigger, heavier and won't have the aluminum casing of the flagship model. As for other iOS devices, Apple's giving "serious consideration" to launching a fifth-generation 9.7-inch iPad and a second-generation 7.7-inch iPad mini as early as next month, says iMore's Ritchie.
What Else You Need To Know
- Aside from the fingerprint security chip under the Home button, the iPhone 5S would have a faster Apple A7 SoC processor and a Smart Flash with white or yellow LEDs, according to Kuo.
- According to Web sites, Kuo is known to have well-placed sources in Apple's supply chain, and has been accurate in the past.
Other sources
As for the design, no plans for this new iPhone 5S to come with a laser keyboard or holographic display, but will keep the same overall general style as the iPhone 5 and come with a better camera and faster processor – possibly “A7.”- Ian Hardy, Mobile Syrup
Apple is not going to release iPads that costs more or don't get as good battery life as the current models. So, if the next iPad mini does end up getting slated for April, it could be a spec bump, or have something other than Retina as a differentiator.- Rene Ritchie, iMore
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