Skip to main content

iPhone 5 details emerge and iPad 3 to get a better screen

iPhone 5
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Another day, another round of Apple rumors. The latest drop of information comes from Bloomberg, which reports that the next iPhone, which we’ve been calling the iPhone 5, will have a number of expected performance upgrades to its processor and camera. It looks like the delay until September has been explained as well. While Apple usually debuts new iPhones every June, its extensive set of upgrades in iOS 5 have delayed the process. We expect that the steadily high sales of the iPhone 4 have not hurt this decision.

The new phone will have an 8-megapixel camera, up from the 5-megapixel iPhone 4, and will be powered by an A5 processor, the chip that powers the iPad 2 and is said to be about twice as fast as the current iPhone 4 chip. On the iPad 3 front, rumors have, once again, resurfaced that Apple will bump up the resolution of the tablet by about a third. While not quite a Retina display like the iPhone 4, this bump will come with an increase in screen responsiveness as well, which is exciting considering the iPad is, by far, the most responsive tablet on the market (the iPhone still has the most responsive smartphone screen). This rumor makes a bit of sense, as most Android tablets have had no trouble matching the iPad’s resolution thus far.

It looks like Apple is indeed working on a cheaper version of the iPhone in an effort to help compete with Android for the price conscious consumer here and in developing countries. The insides of the device will resemble an iPhone 4, but may have a smaller overall footprint, which is odd, considering most phones keep getting bigger these days. Leave it to Apple to buck the trend, we suppose.

Finally, Apple may stop guaranteeing that all iOS apps run on older models, such as the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, someone told Bloomberg. This is interesting news, especially considering how crippled the iPhone 3G already is, thanks to Apple’s software update process. It looks like it may be time to upgrade, frugal Applers.

Of course, this information is only as good as Bloomberg’s source, which was anonymous. For a good rundown of some other recent iPhone 5 rumors, like its 4-inch screen and tear-drop design, head to our last rumor post.

Editors' Recommendations

Jeffrey Van Camp
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
How to use Apple Cash to send and receive money on your iPhone
Apple Pay Cash

Over the past few years, Apple has been getting perilously close to becoming a full-fledged bank. Features like Apple Pay, Apple Cash, the Apple Card, and the most recent additions, the Apple Card Savings Account and Apple Pay Later service, are blurring the lines between your bank account and your iPhone — and that's not a bad thing for those who enjoy life in Apple's walled garden.

Next to Apple Pay, perhaps the most useful of Apple's iPhone-integrated financial features is Apple Cash. Initially known as "Apple Pay Cash," the company dropped the "Pay" branding a few years ago to simplify things, but it's still the same service it's always been — a Venmo-like money-transfer service that's built into your iPhone and other Apple devices that lets you easily send and receive money via Apple's Messages app, as well as move money to and from your bank account using your debit card and bank transfers right from the iPhone's Wallet app. However, thanks to Apple Pay, Apple Cash goes one step further, giving you a virtual debit card to let you spend money directly at any retailer that accepts Visa Debit. (Apple Cash originally used the Discover card network, but switched to Visa Debit in early 2022.)

Read more
Apple just released iOS 17.4. Here’s how it’s going to change your iPhone
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro showing the screens.

Apple iPhone 14 Pro (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you have an iPhone, you'll want to check it right now for a big update. The iOS 17.4 update is officially rolling out right now and it includes some fairly significant new features.

Read more
How to use external storage with an iPhone or iPad
External Devices with iOS

While cloud storage has made things a bit less troublesome, most people will eventually max out the available space on their iPad or iPhone. From games and apps to music and more, there are thousands of files vying for your SSD — and even if you pick up a model with a 1TB SSD, there's a good chance that years of use will consume every last byte of space you had available.

Read more