The most interesting rumor thus far this week. According to BGR Reports that it has come across some information from “an incredibly solid sorurce” that Apple is planning on introducing its next-gen iPhone “by the end of summer, late August-ish”. Also it is rumored that Apple will not be calling it the iPhone 5, but instead it will be the 4s. This move by Apple allows them to take advantage of expanding their handsets. The new one, the current iPhone 4, and a pre-paid option for around $350 off contract.
If a pre-paid phone is likely Apple has reportedly been working on making the iPhone 3GS the pre-paid one. Rumors have been circulating that it will be around $350 off contract. More likely the phone will be made free on contract and about $399 on contract, reducing its current price.Currently the iPhone 3GS (8GB) retails for $449 unsubsidized.
Moving along, the report states that the new iPhone is not expected to have a major re-design compared to the iPhone 4’s current one. It points out that if it was major, case manufacturers would have leaked the design already if it was different. Other sources have reported over the last few weeks that it will sport an external re-design. Whether it will or won’t still seems to be unsettled as of now.
If this turns out to be true, it will mean there would be an iPhone 4S in addition to the prepaid iPhone 3GS available within the next month to two. Let’s do one better, though. In addition to that news, we are told that Apple will continue to sell the current iPhone 4 as well, finally giving the company a full range of devices in the lower, mid, and high-end price segments.
As of right now we still are not exactly positive of what is coming next and when. However, if these are true rumors it certainly clears up some recent rumors of a release date. The closer release date is as well a plus for many people, but we will just have to wait and see how it plays out.
What do you guys think of an August release date? Would 3 iPhone models be good or bad? Leave your comments below!