Apple CEO Steve Jobs is expected to launch the next generation iPhone at WWDC 2010, scheduled for June 7.
It's almost that time of the year again — no, not Christmas, Easter or Anzac Day, but Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), which is expected to feature the unveiling of Apple's fourth-generation iPhone.
A conference for Apple developers, WWDC 2010 will be opened with a keynote address by Apple CEO Steve Jobs on 7 June. Jobs is expected to announce the iPhone 4G, a pre-release model of which was obtained by US blog Gizmodo in April.
Though Apple hasn't officially commented on the leaked iPhone, it is clear that the new model have a number of new features including a long requested front-facing video camera, a larger rear-camera with a flash, a higher resolution display, a secondary microphone and a glass-style, flat rear casing.
The new iPhone is also thinner than the current iPhone 3GS, has a larger battery, and uses a microSIM card (the same technology used in the iPad).
While we know of all of this even before Jobs provides the first official glimpse of the next-gen iPhone, there remains a great deal we don't know.
1: Display technology
The next-gen iPhone is rumoured to use an IPS display, the same screen technology used on the iPad. This means the new iPhone is unlikely to match the colour depth, brightness and clarity of AMOLED screens, which is used in phones like the HTC Desire and the Google Nexus One. Though the iPad's display is certainly impressive, we'd love to see the iPhone using a brighter AMOLED screen.
Our prediction: The next-generation iPhone will have an IPS display, not an AMOLED one.
2: Camera resolution
The iPhone 3GS has a rather paltry 3-megapixel camera that lacks a flash. Apple doesn't have a history of pushing the barrier when it comes to specifications, so we expect to see a 5-megapixel camera at most. We'd also love to see a flash as well — taking photos at night with the current iPhone is almost impossible. Thankfully, the leaked iPhone 4G did have a flash on the rear camera, so this is a likely inclusion.
Our prediction: The next-generation iPhone will have a 5-megapixel camera with flash.
3: Memory
The iPhone 3GS comes in 16GB and 32GB models, but we expect Apple to up the storage to 64GB. We'd love to see a 128GB model: you can never have enough storage capacity on the iPhone, particularly as it doesn't have a removable memory card. However, this seems quite unlikely.
Our prediction: The next-generation iPhone will come in 32GB and 64GB models.
4: Battery life
Improved battery life would be without doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated features for a new iPhone. With capabilities like push e-mail activated, the current iPhone often can't even make it through an entire day. We know that the new iPhone has a larger battery, but whether this means battery life will be improved is an open question.
Our prediction: The next-generation iPhone will have better battery life than the iPhone 3GS, but it will still be a source of frustration for many users.
5: Processor
Despite dismantling the leaked iPhone, Gizmodo was unable to determine the speed of the processor powering the new iPhone. Rumours in recent weeks have suggested the iPhone may use the same processor powering the iPad — which would represent a significant advance, considering the speed and zippiness of the iPad.
Our prediction: The next-generation iPhone will use the same 1GHz A4 processor that powers the iPad, making it much faster than the current iPhone 3GS.
Do you agree with our predictions? What do you think Apple will include in the iPhone 4G? Tell us in the comments section below!
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