Richi Jennings

iPhone 5 release date sooner than thought, says Foxconn nark

January 26, 2012 5:48 AM EST
O RLY? (original image by John White) The iPhone 5 release date will be this Summer, according to a previously-reliably source at Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) contract manufacturer, Foxconn. The final design seems nearly finalized, and production is already 'gearing up.' In IT Blogwatch, bloggers debate veracity of tittle-tattle.
 
Your humble blogwatcher (@richi ) curated these bloggy bits for your entertainment. Not to mention: Angie and Chad got the Moves Like Batman...
 
 
Seth Weintraub, late of this parish, reports "word from a reliable source":
[The] iPhone 5, as it is currently being called, is now gearing for production..various sample devices are also floating around..it is impossible to tell which one will be the final. Some things in common with all of them: .. 4+ inch display..symmetrical in thickness (also longer/wider).
..
iPhone 4S production did not gear up until late spring. .. [With] a five month-ish lead time..Apple is back on its new iPhone launch for summer/WWDC pattern.
..
This source is the same [who said] last summer that the iPhone 5 was not happening..and that Apple was building the iPhone 4S model instead.    M0RE
   
Jared Newman adds analysis:
The story cites an unnamed employee at Foxconn. .. [Weintraub] claims its source has been accurate in the past.
..
If Apple launches an iPhone 5 this summer..it risks angering fans who might've otherwise waited. .. Apple doesn't need to rush ahead. .. The company just reported a record quarter. .. Apple may feel some pressure to have its own 4G model. .. [But] though some iPhone buyers have said they wanted 4G..sales figures tell a different story.
..
So as always, take these Apple rumors lightly.    M0RE
 
And rival rumor-recycler Dan Graziano notes that Apple sheds tears:
Each device is said to feature a 4-inch or larger display and a unique form factor..though the teardrop-shaped design that was previously reported is nowhere to be found.    M0RE

So the interest of Peter Pachal is properly piqued:
While you should look..with a skeptical eye, a raised eyebrow and folded arms, [it's] slightly more credible than the [usual] junk.
..
For starters, reviewing various prototypes..is a standard practice in manufacturing, unlike many rumors that imply certainty. .. Also, the overall vagueness of the rumor..at least gives an appearance of authenticity.    M0RE

But Trevor Gilbert is suitably sarcastic:
[The] iPhone 4S just launched, and [this] is already being geared up for production. Astonishing how this stuff works!    M0RE

And John Gruber gets grumpy:
Sounds like bull****. I can see Apple putting a bigger display on a device..[but] I can’t see them making a bigger device.    M0RE

Meanwhile, this anonymous commentator rants and raves about the iName:
It's been driving me nuts..to see reports (rumors) of..the "iPhone 5." [It's] not the iPhone 5!
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The next iPhone will be called iPhone 4G! And the 2013 iPhone..will be called..iPhone 4GS! .. So everyone, please quit calling it the iPhone 5. That ship has sailed.    M0RE
  
And Finally...
Angie and Chad got the (na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na) Moves Like Batman
  
 
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Richi Jennings, your humble blogwatcherRichi Jennings is an independent analyst/consultant, specializing in blogging, email, and security. He's the creator and main author of Computerworld's IT Blogwatch -- for which he has won American Society of Business Publication Editors and Jesse H. Neal awards on behalf of Computerworld. He also writes The Long View for IDG Enterprise. A cross-functional IT geek since 1985, you can follow him as @richi on Twitter, pretend to be richij's friend on Facebook, or just use good old email: itbw@richij.com. You can also read Richi's full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.