The iPhone 3GS has barely launched and already it is time to think about the next generation iPhone. For now, I dub it the iPhone 4G. Here are my predictions what it will look like:
Launch at WWDC 2010
This is pretty much a no-brainer. The last iPhones have been launched then and the next iPhone will be as well. But there is another reason, because at WWDC 2010, Steve Jobs will ask Ivan Seidenberg on stage to announce…
A relationship with Verizon to provide 4G network support
AT&T’s exclusivity will end and Verizon will become the second network the iPhone supports. With it will come support for 4G in the form of Verizon’s LTE (Long Term Evolution) which currently is scheduled to be rolled out starting in 2010. LTE will provide Verizon customers with higher up- and download speeds. AT&T will also roll out its LTE network, but most likely not in 2010. The iPhone 4G will support 3G, HSPA and LTE.
Cortex A9 processor: Dual-core ?!
The current iPhone 3GS features a Samsung Cortex A8 processor, even although it is Apple branded. The rumor mill already expects the next iPhone to feature the Cortex A9, which is dual core capable. This would be great news! Dual core would use lower power, thus allowing for better performance, while enabling the same or even better battery performance. But dual core would also speed up certain capabilities quite dramatically, such as video encoding and compression, thus enabling…
720p Video
Even although the iPhone 3GS is already capable of handling 720p video, Apple chose to restrict it to VGA to save battery life but also preserving a swift upload experience on AT&T’s network. I would not be surprised to see an unlocking of 720p video through a firmware update further down the road. Similarly, the iPhone 4G might be capable of doing more than 720p video, but Apple might again choose to restrict it initially to just 720p.
Better Camera
Yes, it will feature a better camera. I’d expect a jump to 5+ megapixels, esp. if we see a 5+ MP “iCamera” this year.
More Storage
Pretty much a no-brainer. 32 GB and 64 GB to handle bigger videos.
Same Form Factor, Same Screen Resolution
I don’t expect the form factor to change significantly, nor do I see why Apple would upgrade the screen resolution, if the form factor stays the same.
What else do you think could or should be in the iPhone 4G?
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it wont be 32 n 64 GB it will be 16 n 32 GB on average it takes 2 years to shrink enough n stuff more in the same density or space. LTE on VzW will be EXTREMELY limited on 2010 so I don’t see an LTE version out then, it will probably be HSPA 14MBPS or 21, it could be capable of it as there are “software defined” to handle multiple air interface technologies but die size it’s not yet there for that type of device and forget about CDMA capabilities, Apple simply will not invest R&D resources for 2 networks alone. Processor wise anything can happen, remember PA SEMI, Apple didn’t buy to let it rot… form factor will likely change, 3 years on the same form factor for a mobile device is not healthy and apple knows it, true that on the rest of their devices once they hit a sweet spot they stay there for long but on devices like the iPhone the form factor does show age, that it will be candy bar style yes more than likely but not same exact shape, material or colors… 5MPX camera is a possibility…
Jai,
on the processor: It takes a long time to get a new processor out – I don’t think their PA based processor will be ready. And they will need dual-core since it will give them more performance at equal or better battery life.
You might be right on LTE – that was my long-shot bet. Although I think Verizon will want to push the envelope when they announce. They want the crowd to “wow”, not to “hmmm” or even laugh. It might turn out that Apple plays this safe, though, and only announce higher-speed HSPA.
On memory size – if video goes 720p or higher, they will need more memory. Maybe they will offer 64GB as a third option, but I see 64 GB in next year’s line-up.
On form-factor: I cannot believe they will go candy-bar style, but my guess is we will know by Macworld. All of their 3rd party developers would have to re-architect their software to different display dimensions or at least support variable display dimensions. They would have to give them quite some heads-up – not sure if they announce by Macworld that all of their developers would be ready by July. Another factor there is the “iPad”. If they announce an iPad in 2010, devs will have to re-architect anyway. So my guess would be that the iPad comes first (probably WWDC as well) and form factor changes for the iPhone come at a later point.
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