Skip to main content

‘Major iPhone revamp’ in 2012, new charging system possible

iphone-5-concept-teardrop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Apple has a “major iPhone revamp” in the works, reports the Wall Street Journal. The redesigned device — let’s call it iPhone 6 — is slated for a 2012 release, according to “people briefed on Apple’s plans.”

The sources say that Apple “has been experimenting with features such as a new way of charging the phone.” This new charging system was first reported by former Engadget editor-in-chief Joshua Topolsky at This Is My Next back in April. According to his information, mock-ups of the rumored device showed “some form of inductive or touch charging.” Topolsky’s sources weren’t able to confirm whether “Apple’s working on its own version of cable-free juicing.” The This Is My Next report indicated that it would be the “iPhone 5” to receive the charging update.

As Mark Gurman at 9to5Mac points out, the “cable-free juicing” could be similar to HP’s Touchstone cable-free charging system for Palm devices

The Wall Street Journal article further confirms rumors that we’ve been hearing for months. Namely, that the next iPhone will launch by the “end of September.” That device is said to have a “similar” design to the iPhone 4, but will be “thinner and lighter” (gasp!), with an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera. Many

In addition, sources tell WSJ reporter Lorraine Luk that “Apple has also been working on a less-expensive phone with new features such as an edge-to-edge screen,” though there is no indication in Luk’s article that this device and the iPhone set for September release are the same handset, as some have speculated.

On top of all this hardware talk, market analyst Shing Yin of Citadel Securities tells Barron’s reporter Tiernan Ray that chances are good that Apple will release an iPhone for the Sprint-Nextel network sometime this year, most likely before Christmas.

Hmmm… September is before Christmas. How about then?

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
iOS 18 makes an 11-year-old iPhone feature exciting again
Someone holding an iPhone 14, showing the Lock Screen.

Following the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024) keynote, developers are starting to dig into the first iOS 18 developer beta. Though this beta lacks Apple Intelligence and many of the other features demoed on Monday, it offers a surprising new take on an old iOS feature: the flashlight.

The built-in flashlight feature has been available on the iPhone since iOS 7, which was released in 2013. It hasn't changed much at all since then, which makes sense, given its basic function. Interestingly, it has received a significant update in iOS 18.

Read more
iOS 18 is official. Here’s how it’s going to change your iPhone forever
Screenshots of new features in iOS 18.

It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here: iOS 18 has just been announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 keynote. And, like the rumors have been saying, this is a very big, juicy update for your iPhone.

There's been a lot of anticipation for iOS 18. Rumors and leaks for the new update have been particularly intense this year, more so than iOS 17 rumors last year. So, was the hype worth it? Here's what's coming to your iPhone with iOS 18.
Home screen changes

Read more
Here’s how iOS 18 is going to overhaul your iPhone’s email app
An iPhone showing the home screen in someone's hand.

We're just days away from Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2024), which means we're about to get our first look at iOS 18. The new iPhone operating system is expected to get RCS texting in the iMessage app, more customization options for the home screen, and maybe a significant design change overall. Now comes word that changes will be made to the native Mail app.

According to AppleInsider, the Mail app is about to undergo a significant transformation. It's getting a powerful new search tool, Smart Replies, automatic sorting for different email types, and more. But the real excitement lies in the app's expected integration of AI functionality, a feature becoming a hallmark of iOS 18.

Read more