Reuters: iPhone 5 has Bigger Screen, iPhone 4S is 8GB, Late September Launch
Reuters is chiming in today with an exclusive that seems to confirm some of the existing next-gen iPhone rumors, most significant is that Apple is indeed planning on releasing two distinct iPhone models in the near future, an iPhone 5 and a lower priced iPhone 4(s?).
iPhone 4S: 8GB memory for $200 unsubsidized
First up is that Apple is going to produce a lower-end iPhone 4 with 8GB of onboard memory, the device will be sold around for $200 and is presumably aimed at emerging and pre-paid markets. The Reuters piece later discusses Apple’s explosive growth in Asia-Pacific and China, which suggests that could be the primary market for the cheaper iPhone.
iPhone 5: bigger screen, 8mp camera, better reception
As for iPhone 5, Reuters says that it “will have a bigger touch screen, better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera”, but they also suggest that the iPhone 5 looks much the same as the iPhone 4. This appears to be an ongoing statement, but new leaked cases and various mockups suggest it will have rounded curves instead of the existing iPhone 4 designs sharp lines.
Late September launch date for iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S
Reuters also confirms the rumors of a late September launch, but it remains unclear if that September date is for a full on product release or just when you can pre-order the next-gen iPhones. For what it’s worth, the WSJ/AllThingsD continues to believe that iPhone 5 will launch in October, but their date could also just be the actual shipping timeline of the device.
Dual Mode CDMA & GSM iPhone 5 in the Wild?
Finally, TechCrunch claims that an unnamed iOS developer has shown them proof of an iPhone 5 with dual-mode CDMA & GSM connectivity, matching the so called ‘world phone’ rumor. If that is indeed true, this would be a good move for Apple and consumers alike, since it would be cheaper for Apple to produce, and it would also allow iPhone 5 owners to bring their phone to other networks without incident.