What To Expect In 2011: iPhone

In 2010, Apple fans saw the release of the iPhone 4: one of the most significant iPhone upgrades we've ever witnessed. The new device included a stunning camera, an HD camcorder, and the high resolution "Retina display." Additionally, the iPhone 4 included Apple's A4 processor, meaning the handset was lightning fast. After such an amazing upgrade, you're probably wondering: How can Apple improve on the iPhone 4? For the past few months, a variety of different rumors have been floating around the Web. As the year draws to a close, we've managed to condense all of these into one single article that explains exactly what we expect from the iPhone, in 2010.

Verizon iPhone?

One thing we're expecting to see in 2011 is a Verizon iPhone. For a while now, rumors of a Verizon iPhone have bounced around the Web, with many believing "V-Day" will strike somewhere around January, 2011. According to a recent article by Businessweek, Apple is planning on unveiling the Verizon iPhone after CES. However, this announcement could come as late as Valentine's Day (February 14). We'll keep you posted on the status of a Verizon iPhone, so be sure to check back with us here on AppAdvice.

An iPhone invasion?

If Verizon carries the iPhone in 2011, the number of iPhone users will undoubtedly go up. In Europe, where the iPhone is available on a variety of different carriers in many countries, Apple's handheld is everywhere. Once the iPhone is available on Verizon in the U.S., Apple's share of the smart phone market will increase significantly. We'll likely see an "iPhone invasion," one that will firmly establish Apple's iPhone as the number one smart phone in the U.S.

What's in a name?

After the expected release of a Verizon iPhone, the next hardware upgrade to the iPhone should be announced around June, at WWDC. Here, Steve Jobs will most likely present a new version of the iPhone, which I think will be called the "iPhone 4S." If you look at Apple's past history with iPhone names, the "iPhone 3G" was followed by the minor upgrade to the "iPhone 3GS." After this, came the "iPhone 4." Personally, I can't see Apple improving much on the hardware of the iPhone 4 in 2011. Alternatively, the new iPhone might be able to handle 4G networks, meaning it would be the "iPhone 4G." However, many believe this will not happen in 2011. In either case, the new handset will most likely retail under an "iPhone 4.x" name. But, what could change?

NFC: Near Field Communication

One thing many of us are expecting the fifth generation iPhone to have is "near field communication," like the Samsung Nexus S. Way back in August, Apple hired an expert in the NFC field, which led many of us to believe that the company held an interest in utilizing NFC technology. Since then, we saw a patent detailing exactly how NFC could allow iPhone owners to "turn any Mac into their own." However, you can't be blamed for not knowing exactly what Near Field Communication is all about. All you really need to know is that it's another form of transmitting information wirelessly, over a short range. NFC uses magnets, and "inductive-coupling" to send data (think of the Powermat). If you want to find out more about NFC, check out this video on the Nexus S:

The next iPhone will be evolutionary, not revolutionary

After the revolutionary iPhone 4, I think it's pretty safe to say that the next iPhone will be an evolutionary upgrade. I believe the tech specs of the fifth generation iPhone may well increase, but not by much. And, when you think about it, this makes sense. Personally, I'm quite pleased with the speed of my iPhone 4. An increase in battery life would be appreciated, along with a more basic storage space. All in all, however, the fifth generation iPhone isn't going to be another "revolutionary" product, and the device's tech specs will reflect this.

It will be announced in June

As mentioned, Steve Jobs will most likely announce the next-gen iPhone onstage, at WWDC '11. Unless a prototype turns up in a nearby bar, we're not going to be entirely sure what the iPhone 4S, 4G, or 5 will bring until WWDC. However, we will be reporting throughout the entire event, when the time comes. All you have to do, is wait until June.

Better notifications?

One thing Apple could introduce with the fifth-gen iPhone (or even iOS 5), might be "better notifications." If you're a jailbroken iPhone user, you may be familiar with LockInfo (see left). This clever tweak displays important information on the lock screen, such as unread SMS and mail messages, missed calls, and calendar events. Over at TiPb, Allyson Kazmucha thinks this jailbreak tweak is something Apple could learn from, and possibly implement in iOS 5. Personally, I think she's right.

A white iPhone?

This year, we've yet to see the white iPhone 4. Now, as 2010 comes to a close, I think it's gotten to a point where Apple is more likely to release a white version of the fifth-gen iPhone, rather than starting to sell a white iPhone 4 before June 2011. However, an Apple Store sign stating the white iPhone was coming in "spring 2011" was recently spotted. At this point, we have no idea when a white iPhone model is going to hit Apple Stores. It could be early spring of next year, then again it could be as late as June - or beyond.

Apps make the world go round

You don't need me to tell you that any iOS device is defined by the the apps it runs. And, 2010 has seen the approval of some awesome applications. In 2011, we're expecting to see more and more great apps hit the App Store. Be sure to check out our list of the best iPhone apps of 2010. Now, all that's left is for me to wish you a very happy new year, on behalf of the entire team here at AppAdvice. Have a good one, and we'll see you in 2011!

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