Apple’s iPhone may have set the mobile bar in terms of user interface (UI), performance and apps, but the popular handset lags well behind Android when it comes to connectivity options.
Fortunately, it seems as if the sixth-gen iPhone, rumored to arrive in October 2012, may finally support high-speed 4G LTE connectivity. This certainly seem plausible, especially following the debut of Apple’s new 4G LTE-enabled iPad.
According to iMore, the next iteration of the iPhone will feature the same size 3.5-inch screen; however, Reuters claims the new handset will boast a much larger 4.6-inch Retina display.
As AppleInsider’s Sam Oliver points out, the 4.6-inch Retina rumor seems rather unlikely, as it would present “complications” for devs coding apps targeted at the smartphone’s current 3.5-inch Retina display.
Of course, apps could be updated and tweaked, although judging by past product releases, it does seem as if Apple prefers sticking with a particular form factor and size for as long as possible.
iMore also claims that Apple may be looking to replace its 30-pin dock connector currently found in the iPhone, iPad and iPod. The new port will reportedly be a smaller, space saving component that is likely to debut on the new iPhone.
Although Apple has yet to confirm the new handset, rumors of a next-gen iPhone continue to churn, with Barclays analysts confirming that Cupertino is currently reviewing potential components for its future “world” device handset – which is likely to utilize Qualcomm’s “MDM9615” LTE chip and support both voice and data connections over high-speed 4G networks.
