Apple may launch iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C today: What to expect

[mmadhankumar]

It is that time of the year again. That time of the year when even the sight of a wrapper with Apple iPhone printed on it makes news around the world. But the way Apple works, it is difficult, if not impossible, to guess what its next product would be. That does not stop us, or the rest of the world, from figuring out what the next version of the iPhone is going to be like. With just 12 hours to go for the year's biggest and much awaited announcement, here is a roundup of what the world expects of the iPhone, which, like the weatherman's prediction, could go either way:

iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S: The biggest news, especially for people in India, will be the launch of the cheaper iPhone. There have been similar rumours in the past too, but this time it is different. Apple has been losing its market share to Android smartphones which now have a near 80 per cent share due to its different price points. So a cheaper offering could help it gain ground in the high-growth developing markets. The cheaper version, likely to be called the iPhone 5C, could be priced around $500. There will be the annual upgrade too, and the latest flagship is likely to be called the iPhone 5S.

Display and design: Apple usually changes its designs every alternate year. Since it increased the display size to four inches with the iPhone 5 from 3.5 inches earlier, Apple might just continue with the same display on the iPhone 5S, too. However, recent reports suggest it is experimenting with large-screen phones, but these phablets are not likely to be on the list for tomorrow.

Fingerprint scanner in iPhone 5S: Apple's recent purchase of AuthenTec, a company that specalises in fingerprint sensors, adds fuel to the rumor that the iPhone 5S may possibly have a fingerprint reader under its home button. The feature will increase the device security and allow password-free unlock.

Camera: Apple has always been sensitive about the iPhone camera sensor. With the competition moving beyond 13 megapixels and beyond, Apple could also push up its sensor resolution.

Colour: The iPhone has always been available in two colours - black and white. But leaks from Apple's manufacturing partners in China indicate more colours like gold and champagne in the iPhone 5S. The iPhone 5C, which could have a plastic body, is likely to come in a number of colours.

Price: The weak Indian Rupee is likely to push the price of the iPhone 5S beyond Rs 50,000. The same factor is also likely to hold the prices of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 for a while. At the time of deciding the iPhone price for any country, Apple usually considers the estimated currency exchange rate for a year. This helps the company to stick to a price for long periods. The cheaper phone could come in the range of Rs 25,000, competing with the Nexus 4 and mid-range Nokia Lumia phones.

Since there have been no announcements on the iPad so far this year, don't be surprised if the new tablet makes its appearance tomorrow. The iPad Mini is also likely to get a Retina display. Last but not the least, the iOS 7, announced at the WWDC a couple of months ago, is likely to become available after the launch in San Francisco at around midnight India time.


Apple may launch iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C today: What to expect - Business Today