Apple iPhone 5 not out till October, report says

By Andrew Couts August 1, 2011

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

Apple’s fifth-generation iPhone won’t arrive until October, an anonymous source tells John Paczkowski in All Things Digital. That’s one month later than the timeframe indicated in a slew of previous reports, which speculated that the next iPhone would arrive in late-September.

The source says that earlier reports stating that AT&T employees were forbid from taking vacations during the last two weeks of September because of the launch of the new iPhone are incorrect. AT&T workers may no be allowed vacation time during that period, but it has nothing to do with the iPhone, the source claims.

“I don’t know why AT&T’s calling for all hands on deck those weeks, but it’s not for an iPhone launch,” the source told Paczkowski.

Instead, the source says the next-gen iPhone — which will likely be called either iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S — will be available as of October. Additional sources say customers should expect it to arrive late in the month, not at the beginning.

This corroborates information provide to us this weekend by a Verizon salesperson at a New York City location, who said we should not expect the next iPhone in September. He suggested that it was possible Apple would announce the device in September or before, but that it likely wouldn’t be available for purchase immediately. The Verizon employee, who spoke in an off-the-record capacity, was not able to provide an exact launch date.

In terms of iPhone 5 technical specifications, rumors suggest the device will have a thinner, tear-shaped design; an edge-to-edge screen; a much faster A5 processor, the same CPU that powers the iPad 2; a dual mode GSM/CDMA Qualcomm chip (so one device can work on both Verizon and AT&T, among other carriers); and a higher resolution 8 megapixel camera.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…

Mobile

The best iPhone 15 Pro cases in 2024: our 21 favorites

iBlason iPhone 15 Pro case sponsored

The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are two of the best options to enjoy Apple's smartphone world. These are the top-of-the-line iPhones available, equipped with all the latest features, and – excitingly for anyone who also uses a laptop or iPad – a USB-C port at the bottom. The iPhone 15 Pro is the phone to go for if you want great performance matched with a more manageable 6.1-inch display, and many would argue that it's the perfect combination of size and power.

It is important to protect your device from accidental drops and scratches, especially since it is an expensive phone that costs $1,000. Thankfully, you can easily safeguard your investment by using a protective case that can withstand the usual hazards of daily use, such as bumps and scratches. We offer a variety of case options to choose from, including slim cases and rugged cases for maximum protection. Take a look, and you're sure to find something you'll love.

Mobile

This is our best look yet at the iPhone 16’s big design changes

iPhone 15 Pro in Natural Titanium held in hand in front of a cement brick wall.

It seems Apple is prepping yet another design refresh for its smartphones this fall season. In 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro made an aesthetic deviation by serving thinner bezels and titanium looks alongside a new multi-function button. This year, it’s going to be the entry-point iPhone 16 and its Plus variant that are apparently lined up for a design refresh.

Tech commentator Sonny Dickson has shared dummy units reportedly depicting all four iPhone 16 variants, which seem to confirm what previous leaks have predicted so far. On the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, the camera lenses dance diagonally on a square bump. Apple is reportedly ditching the current camera arrangement for their respective successors in favor of a pill-shaped vertical setup.

Mobile

Everything Apple says is wrong about the DOJ’s iPhone lawsuit

The antitrust season is in full swing in 2024. This time around, Apple is in the cross-hairs of regulators, bringing back memories of the historic Microsoft antitrust case that unfolded over two decades ago. Back then, the focus was on Windows and web browsers. In Apple’s case, the iPhone is the centerpiece, with a wide ecosystem woven around it.

Experts say the case against Apple, which dives deep into monopolistic conduct, is surprisingly strong. The Department of Justice, in its lawsuit, has targeted everything from the iMessage “green bubble” mess and Apple Watch incompatibility situation to the locked app ecosystem and objectionable practices that Apple has put in place to maintain its alleged monopoly.