The launch of Apple's iPhone 5 was delayed from June to October due to Qualcomm supply issues, according to a report by Fox Business. This gives Apple extra time to fulfil its supply in preparation for high demand later this year.
Leaked images and reports are saying the iPhone 5 will sport a larger Retina display screen that is 4 inches with resolutions of 1136x640. The taller and slimmer iPhone 5 may encase the headphone jack and microdock at the bottom, which will be a new approach since Apple's last tweaked designs on the iPhone 4. The new handset is rumored to have 4G LTE, quad-core processors, larger battery, and liquidmetal casing.
Fans are also expecting to have the new iOS 6 integrated into the iPhone 5 upon release. Apple has supplied the third beta for iOS 6, releasing it after just three weeks since beta 2. This move means that Apple may be closer to releasing their next-gen mobile OS, possibly alongside the iPhone 5.
The Settings app for Maps, a new addition to iOS 6 beta 3 this, "allows users to change the volume of the navigation voice, set distances to display in miles or kilometers, set map labels to display either in the local language or always in English, and set map label sizes to either 'normal' or 'large'," said MacRumors.
More cities will have 3D models in Maps. The changed Maps will now work with Siri leaving out Google Maps and placing the in-house offering developed by Apple. Facebook and FaceTime video chat will also be integrated. Other additions include the Mail app having new icons for junk, trash, and archive. There is also an auto brightness feature that will increase gradually based on the user's surrounding environment. There is an option of adding contacts for unified messaging on iPad via iMessage.
There were no new features in the iOS 6 beta 2 update apart from icon being animated with spinning gears.
The new iOS 6 beta 3, will be available for iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and fourth-generation iPod touch. The upgrade will feature "Do Not Disturb" feature that silences phone calls and free turn-by-turn navigation.
Apple fans may be glad to hear that rumors are swirling that the iPhone 5 may include near field communication (NFC) features and digital wallet features on release day.
Past reports from the Wall Street Journal hinted that Apple might be delaying its integration of NFC due to a lack of confidence that consumers will embrace the new technology. Apple planned to opt out on this function until customers are more comfortable using NFC.
Though contradictory reports from "Boy Genius" said "we have confirmation that the units Apple is currently testing have 1GB of RAM, doubled from the iPhone 4S's 512MB, and integrated 4G LTE radios. We can also confirm that NFC hardware is present in the phones as well."
Apple was awarded an NFC patent from the United States Trademark & Patent Office. The new patent called "iWallet" will enable users to track and control financial transactions through their iPhone 5 or mobile device. With NFC, users can have instant digital communication through a simple touch or placing devices in close proximity of one another.
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