AfterDawn: Tech news

Apple unveils iPhone 5

Written by James Delahunty @ 12 Sep 2012 1:37 User comments (28)

Apple unveils iPhone 5

Apple has unveiled its new iPhone 5.
Phil Schiller took to the stage to announce the iPhone 5 after Tim Cook had already touted some of the company's ongoing success (below). The device, supports LTE networks up to 100Mbps, DC-HSDPA up to 42Mbps and HSPA+ at 21Mbps. With its aluminium and glass finish, it's 18 percent thinner (7.6mm), and weighs 20 percent less (112 grams) than the iPhone 4S. For the first time, the iPhone has gotten a new "Lightning" connector which replaces the familiar connector. It is smaller in size, but might annoy some Apple fans who already have speakers and other equipment they use with older iPhones.

In the U.S., the iPhone 5 will be available on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon (all support LTE).

The iPhone 5 is powered by the new A6, which Schiller claimed provides twice the CPU and graphics performance, while being more energy efficient. The device comes with improved battery life over the iPhone 4S, promising 8 hours talk or browsing over LTE or 3G networks.



It features a lengthened 4-inch 1136 x 640 (326ppi) Retina display screen, providing a better experience for "widescreen" movie viewing, and accommodating a sixth row of apps. Apps developed for small screen iPhones will be displayed with black borders until developers updated them. While the camera offers the same specs as the iPhone 4S (though it is smaller), Schiller said that the device will produce better photographs in low light than before thanks to improvements in other areas, including the software.

Phil also confirmed that FaceTime would work over cellular networks, but was short on specifics.

First party apps for the device have also been improved over older versions.

As for pricing, the iPhone 5 follows the model of the iPhone 4S. The 16GB model will sell for $199, 32GB for $299 and 64GB for $399. The iPhone 4S can now be gotten for $99. Pre-orders started on Friday (14th), and the iPhone 5 will ship in the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK and Australia on September 21.

Earlier, Tim Cook proclaimed again that we are now in a post PC world, stating that over 17 million iPads were sold between April and June, setting a new record for the tablet sales. The market share for the iPad has risen from 62 percent to 68 percent. The device accounts for 91 percent of all tablet traffic. Apple has sold over 400,000,000 devices that run iOS software, as of June 2012.

The App Store has also continued to grow, with 700,000 apps available from the ecosystem, with a quarter of a million apps specifically for iPads.

Cook touted Apple's position in the U.S. market for notebooks too, saying the company has ranked on top for the past three months. The company also sold 7 million copies of Mountain Lion OS X upgrades.

Tags: Apple iPhone 5
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28 user comments

112.9.2012 14:10

woopdie doo! that screen is weak! I want full 720p with at least 4.5 inches, sticking to Android and Windows Phone

212.9.2012 15:12

At least they finally got LTE HSPA+ LOL.
The specs on the the new iPhone are weak compared to Samsung Galaxy S III.
The sad thing is Apple fanboys will buy it and say it is the greatest thing since slice bread.

312.9.2012 15:50

Samsung should sue.

412.9.2012 17:16

Samsung will sue and the loser will be us the buyers as we absorb the legal fees and bitchery through higher retail prices...

512.9.2012 17:22

Nothing fantastic about it and no reason to change from my iPhone 4. Have only recently got a crap 3g signal in our town and don't think it will improve in a very long time. I'm becoming bored with technology as nothing good or new seems to be coming along.
There is no fun in it anymore and everyone wants to shaft you for all they can get.
Too much litigation and no innovation.
Ah shit i'm off to bed.... Good night!

612.9.2012 17:37

Originally posted by harhumph:
Samsung will sue and the loser will be us the buyers as we absorb the legal fees and bitchery through higher retail prices...
In the short-term possibly.

But in the longer term it is in everybody's interests that the likes of Apple fail in their closed anti-consumer practices.

If for no other reason than it's being genuinely open-source Android deserves to win out in the phone market (as is happening).
All Apple can do against this tide is try to use the US law in the USA.
They aren't winning 'jacky s' anywhere else......and rightly so.

712.9.2012 18:00
aeonstom0
Inactive

I smell a Down Trend for Apple in the coming years. this is a dead end. nothing new that other devices don't have. uummhh only Fanboys would see something new.

812.9.2012 18:32

Like a said before; average hardware specs. My 4.7in HTC phone is crushing that. I don't need a "special" charger and I can add a sd memory card.

912.9.2012 19:01

Originally posted by Interestx:
Originally posted by harhumph:
Samsung will sue and the loser will be us the buyers as we absorb the legal fees and bitchery through higher retail prices...
In the short-term possibly.

But in the longer term it is in everybody's interests that the likes of Apple fail in their closed anti-consumer practices.

If for no other reason than it's being genuinely open-source Android deserves to win out in the phone market (as is happening).
All Apple can do against this tide is try to use the US law in the USA.
They aren't winning 'jacky s' anywhere else......and rightly so.
This is what I've been trying to say whenever all the Apple Fanboys get mad at me for bashing the iphone.
It doesn't matter that I'll never buy anything from Apple, at all. They have far too much say in the industry and their practices adversely affect me.
They need to die, quickly.

1012.9.2012 19:58

Wow...a 4" screen! I hope Samsung sues them for copying what they did 3 years ago! It looks like The specs make it look like Apple must want to get out of the hardware business and focus on just being patent trolls...but I'm sure their fanboys will line up days in advance, trample eachother, and sell their internal organs in order to get one of these things, then proclaim how wonderful it is that the new iPhone has the biggest screen on the market.

Apple stock prices will go up, the masses will proclaim that big brother Steve is the greatest ghost on earth, and all will hail Apple for inventing the airplane.

1112.9.2012 20:13

Hold up Apple did NOT create the airplane? What world is this I live in, hehe. PS - Very anti-apple here btw.

1212.9.2012 20:26

Switch the Apple logo with the Samsung logo on it, and every apple fanboys will call it a junk.

1312.9.2012 21:00

It's pretty slick u have 2 admit. Best phone for 90% of the population .LTE without a huge battery .

1412.9.2012 21:31

This is the least innovative iPhone they have released yet, and the media got every spec right weeks before launch. Not a great sign, although sales will still be through the roof.

1512.9.2012 22:48

p.o.s

1612.9.2012 23:50

Originally posted by aeonstom0:
I smell a Down Trend for Apple in the coming years. this is a dead end. nothing new that other devices don't have. uummhh only Fanboys would see something new.

You can say the same about ALL new phones...hardly anything new or necessary on most of them.

1713.9.2012 05:41

Originally posted by xnonsuchx:
Originally posted by aeonstom0:
I smell a Down Trend for Apple in the coming years. this is a dead end. nothing new that other devices don't have. uummhh only Fanboys would see something new.

You can say the same about ALL new phones...hardly anything new or necessary on most of them.
I agree, the days when we eagerly await the announcement of each new phone are over. They will continue to get slimmer and faster but that is about it. The iPhone will keep up with the competition spec-wise and you could argue that lack of radical change is its greatest advantage. App developers, media companies and service providers always support iOS first. Full support too. Even a company with the resources of Skype can't guarantee its software will work on every Android device. The bIggest threat to Apple in the long term is Windows mobile.

1813.9.2012 07:49

You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 13 Sep 2012 @ 7:52

1913.9.2012 12:49

No micro SD card lot is a killer point for me (and it is on the HTC One X too).

Ditto the sealed battery.

Cloud can be great for those who have wi-fi at home or who live in a city or big town - but once you start travelling and/or have a gouging phone supplier where you have to pay silly amounts for little data it becomes a major PITA
(and this is the reason it won't b the big thing it's promoters imagine).

The fact is the iPhone 5 has not caught up with nevermind surpassed the best Android phones.
Disappointing is the most used term I have seen when talking about it.

2013.9.2012 12:50

Originally posted by CJ007:
Switch the Apple logo with the Samsung logo on it, and every apple fanboys will call it a junk.
It's full of Samsung components as it is.

2113.9.2012 15:41

Originally posted by SeventhSon:

I agree, the days when we eagerly await the announcement of each new phone are over. They will continue to get slimmer and faster but that is about it. The iPhone will keep up with the competition spec-wise and you could argue that lack of radical change is its greatest advantage. App developers, media companies and service providers always support iOS first. Full support too. Even a company with the resources of Skype can't guarantee its software will work on every Android device. The bIggest threat to Apple in the long term is Windows mobile.

I couldn't agree with you more. The reason is the uniform system. We coded an Adobe AIR based iOS and Android app, basically the same code. We support 3 iPhones (anything running iOS 5) with support for Retina. Try doing the same with Android. There are over 900 devices that, in theory, could install and run our app.

But just like Windows on a PC, with Android you can't factor in all of the different hardware profiles and screen sizes. There are also some differences in coding for each that I won't get into, but overall Android is a nightmare with all of the different potential platforms, which would be why Skype or others have issues.

The new iPad Retina display caused some headaches, but I can't imagine what this new iPhone 5 display is going to do to developers. Till now, all of the resolutions were based on the same aspect ratios, with Retina being exactly double the size of the original iPhone/iPad. The iPhone 5 has is radically different and we're in store for a lot of ugly looking apps.

That said I don't get all of the hate for all things Apple. They do put out quality products that flat out work. There are things I like on both platforms, but neither is without their faults. I believe the only thing that seperates Android from the hate Apple gets (or Windows on PC) is the fact that the little green guy is "open source" and generally CHEAP.

2213.9.2012 18:32

Originally posted by SeventhSon:
Originally posted by xnonsuchx:
Originally posted by aeonstom0:
I smell a Down Trend for Apple in the coming years. this is a dead end. nothing new that other devices don't have. uummhh only Fanboys would see something new.

You can say the same about ALL new phones...hardly anything new or necessary on most of them.
I agree, the days when we eagerly await the announcement of each new phone are over. They will continue to get slimmer and faster but that is about it. The iPhone will keep up with the competition spec-wise and you could argue that lack of radical change is its greatest advantage. App developers, media companies and service providers always support iOS first. Full support too. Even a company with the resources of Skype can't guarantee its software will work on every Android device. The bIggest threat to Apple in the long term is Windows mobile.

Speak for yourself...I am eagerly awaiting the Samsung Galaxy Note II with a Quad-Core 1.6GHZ processor and a 5.5" screen. Revolutionary? No...nothing has really been revolutionary since the first HP iPaq phones ten years ago...but it is evolutionary, and that's good enough to have me waiting to spend $200 with contract when there are a slew of other phones I could get now for $0.01 with contract.


Originally posted by bloke2000:
You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.
Only iPhone users will be using LTE? What? Android users have been using it since launch; are you saying the networks are going to disable access by Android devices, thus going against over 50% of their userbase?

Screen size is not a choice if you are not given a choice...do you really think anyone would get the 4" iPhone if they were offering the exact same hardware but with a 5" screen, or even with a 4.2" screen? The only choice Apple gives is that you can buy from someone else...but to be fair, that is the best option Apple has ever offered.

No, memory card slots do not promite innovations like cloud storage...but they do allow you to add 32GB of "Anywhere" data to a device, and as long as service providers are charging $10 per GB over your limit, that is quite a feature. If you want cloud to take off, try pestering Verizon and AT&T to offer true unlimited plans...see where that gets you.


Originally posted by SProdigy:


But just like Windows on a PC, with Android you can't factor in all of the different hardware profiles and screen sizes. There are also some differences in coding for each that I won't get into, but overall Android is a nightmare with all of the different potential platforms, which would be why Skype or others have issues.

The new iPad Retina display caused some headaches, but I can't imagine what this new iPhone 5 display is going to do to developers. Till now, all of the resolutions were based on the same aspect ratios, with Retina being exactly double the size of the original iPhone/iPad. The iPhone 5 has is radically different and we're in store for a lot of ugly looking apps.

That said I don't get all of the hate for all things Apple. They do put out quality products that flat out work. There are things I like on both platforms, but neither is without their faults. I believe the only thing that seperates Android from the hate Apple gets (or Windows on PC) is the fact that the little green guy is "open source" and generally CHEAP.


Programming for Windows PCs and Android is more difficult that programming for locked-down hardware, but it is not that hard. Take a look at the PC gaming industry sometime; the games come with launchers that autodetect resolution, processor and GPU power, memory, etc...then give the users the ability to taylor their controls however they want them. The combinations of hardware in the PC field makes the choice of Androids seem like nothing, but the games still work, and better than they do on the consoles with only one version of (crummy) hardware. Yes, your programmers will have to THINK to program for Android, but they should be doing that anyway. Just imagine if your programmers had been THINKING when writing the iOS app; they wouldn't have to rewrite it for a new screen size now! It is Y2K all over...programmers taking shortcuts that end up causing problems. The only difference is that no one could blame the year for changing, people seem more than happy to blame technology for changing.

Also, Apple does not make quality products, and they don't "flat out work". Maybe they "flat out work" with your apps because the resolutions were (until now) all the same ratios, but the hardware is usually the cheapest thing Samsung would sell them, the antennas from the last two models had deathgrip issues that they knew about before launch, the batterys are poorly made and non-replaceable, they won't even spend the $0.10 to add microSD support, and (for the price) the hardware performance is lackluster at best. On top of that, every time there is a new iOS released there are programs having issues because the developers cut corners and got away with it on the last OS, but not on the new one.

2313.9.2012 23:44

Originally posted by xnonsuchx:
Originally posted by aeonstom0:
I smell a Down Trend for Apple in the coming years. this is a dead end. nothing new that other devices don't have. uummhh only Fanboys would see something new.

You can say the same about ALL new phones...hardly anything new or necessary on most of them.
That's pretty much how it goes these days I agree. Android fans are complaining that the new iPhone didn't change enough compared to the 4S but forget that the same Androids that are coming soon or were recently released are for the most part just spec bumps and slight tweaks of older devices as well. No one is making radical redesigns these days unless their previous product was a failure. Also a larger screen is not innovative. It's just a larger screen. iOS fans will buy and appreciate their updated iPhone model and Android fans will continue to buy their updated models as well. Mainly just spec upgrades from both.

2414.9.2012 01:40
aeonstom0
Inactive

Originally posted by bloke2000:
You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.
I wonder what would happen if the Cloud Servers are down for a couple of days lets say and what about if the phone is damage beyond replair and the contingency plan Sd Card.

2514.9.2012 17:57

Iphone 5 just a big phone is the new improvement.

2614.9.2012 19:06

Originally posted by aeonstom0:
Originally posted by bloke2000:
You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.
I wonder what would happen if the Cloud Servers are down for a couple of days lets say and what about if the phone is damage beyond replair and the contingency plan Sd Card.
Or maybe your memory card fails!!!!!!

2714.9.2012 19:16

Originally posted by bloke2000:
You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.
Cloud storage isn't innovation, it's a way for them to charge you every month forever for storage you could have permanently on your own.

2814.9.2012 19:22

Originally posted by bloke2000:
Originally posted by aeonstom0:
Originally posted by bloke2000:
You are all a bunch of Phandroid sheep. So it doesn't have NFC, a solution to a problem that does not exist, that's about all you have on your Phones the iPhone doesn't. I am a Galaxy S3 user so I am not promoting iPhone you all just need to grow up a little.

Only iPhone users will be using LTE in the next few weeks, now that is a solution to a problem that does exist, android users do not have that option in the UK.

Screen size is not a feature, it's a choice.

Ok, there is no Memory Card Slot but how do card slots promote innovation such as Cloud storage Solutions.
I wonder what would happen if the Cloud Servers are down for a couple of days lets say and what about if the phone is damage beyond replair and the contingency plan Sd Card.
Or maybe your memory card fails!!!!!!

Your point flawed. Phones with SD cards store data internal OR external so this is not a DR solution. SD cards make the whole process more complicated for average users because you can tend to have media of the same type in multiple locations. This not only makes backing up confusing but duplicates folders on the device.

I work with an IT professional who loves his SD storage for much the same reasons as I am sure you do. It didn't help him much when he needed to send in his phone for repair and lost a whole holiday of photo's because he thought it was backed up and on his SD card. It turns out neither we're the case.

I am not saying it is not a good idea but it has as many down sides as not having it at all.


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