Sam Oliver
While one of the rumored cases is expected to be a larger "Bumper" case to accommodate a taller iPhone screen, the second case will feature a new, different design, according to iLounge. Citing a "highly reliable source," the site reported on Monday that though the new case will affect third-party case makers, the design will be "not hugely surprising," which led author Jeremy Horowitz to speculate the case could include a stand.
Apple stepped into the iPhone case accessory business with the launch of the iPhone 4 in 2010. Its first-party "Bumpers" wrap around the outside edges of both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, which feature the same external design.
Monday's report follows up on an earlier rumor that claimed Apple will launch its next-generation iPhone at a media event on September 12. Corroborating some of those details, Horowitz said the new iPhone will be ready to ship in mid-September.
Also rumored to arrive in September is a new iPod touch, which will presumably also feature a larger 4-inch display to bring it in line with the new iPhone. iLounge, however, disagreed with an earlier rumor that suggested a new iPod nano will also be unveiled at an alleged September event.
As for the so-called iPad mini, Horowitz was told that it will not be ready to ship at the same time as Apple's next-generation iPhone. He speculated that the device could have its own, separate media event ahead of a November launch, while the 7.85-inch device is also expected to have its own Smart Case and Smart Cover accessories.
Rumors of Apple's next-generation products have picked up steam, as both photos and a video of parts claimed to be from Apple's sixth-generation iPhone have also appeared online.
Earlier this month, pictures of alleged "iPad mini" engineering samples also surfaced, showing a smaller iPad with a 7.85-inch display and a shrunken dock connector also expected to appear in the next iPhone. Numerous reports from mainstream media outlets have indicated that Apple plans to expand the iPad lineup with a new, smaller, less expensive model this fall.
As for Apple's full-size iPad, iLounge was told that Apple currently plans for its fourth-generation model to have a "relatively modest body tweak." The device is expected to keep largely the same shape while adopting a smaller 19-pin dock connector, a new rear-facing microphone, and design tweaks to reduce heat.
Charles Martin
Christine McKee
Oliver Haslam
29 Comments
A cover that's also a stand? Hmm... Surely not an iPad-like smartcover for the iPhone?
Of course they won't release an iPad at the same time as a new iPhone. Only so many resources, so many factories to build them. Still I don't think there will be a smaller iPad, but that is very opinionated.
[quote name="PhilBoogie" url="/t/151609/rumor-apple-readying-at-least-two-new-iphone-cases#post_2157280"]Of course they won't release an iPad at the same time as a new iPhone. Only so many resources, so many factories to build them. Still I don't think there will be a smaller iPad, but that is very opinionated.[/quote] It does seem unlikely but assuming they will release a smaller tablet then when will they do it? At the same time as the large tablet? I can see a smaller, much cheaper tablet not affecting the sales of the current iPad but I wonder if that's the same for the iPhone and a small tablet, even though they are in different categories. There is the need to get products ready for holiday quarter and it's been a fairly slow year so far with HW. I already expect more Macs, new iPods and a new iPhone. Another tablet just seems like even more excess but it stopping the 7" tablet push from taking market share that important to the future of their tablet monopoly? Those are my rambling thoughts but I can't see a best path solution in there.
--As for Apple's full-size iPad, iLounge was told that Apple currently plans for its fourth-generation model to have a "relatively modest body tweak."--
I believe there is absolutely no chance that apple will just "stretch" the iphone4 design. It would be a shame for Apple's legendary design; bedides the form factor is maintained only on the "S" models, and completely changed in new product lines. If these mock-ups come from Apple, they may be a kind of bluff to fool the competition.
My guess is for an iPad-like back, all alluminium, rounded borders, sharing the same overall thickness and radii of the corners (right now, that radii is the same on ipad and iPhone). Perhaps an optional smart-cover also?
…bedides the form factor is maintained only on the "S" models, and completely changed in new product lines.
Your implication is that there is any sort of pattern that can be said to be followed. That's wrong.
So… like the "iPhone 5" that never happened last year and was never going to happen and isn't happening this year since we've seen nothing about it whatsoever.
Keep the dream alive, I guess.
Why? It's a phone.