Apple's next-generation iPhone 5 has entered trial production, according to people familiar with the matter, with a handful of tweaks, including a metal case and mobile-payment technology.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based company's iPhone 5 is scheduled for release in the third quarter, these sources said, which aligns with its traditional June or July release date. According to people with knowledge of the inside of the new iPhone -- Qualcomm's processor chip will include NFC, or near-field communication, allowing users to pay for goods and services by tapping their phone on a payment terminal.
One person familiar with the Apple NFC venture said the iPhone's credit card information would be tied to iTunes, which would make it easy for customers to setup the service.
One person familiar with the Apple NFC venture said the iPhone's credit card information would be tied to iTunes, which would make it easy for customers to setup the service.
Earlier reports had verified this, but suggested that Apple scrapped NFC from the next iPhone to wait for the technology to mature. It is unclear whether NFC will be in the iPhone 5 or a later version.
The next-generation iPhone is also roughly the same size and shape as the iPhone 4, but it has a slightly larger touch screen display, and will be housed in a metal outer frame. The camera and buttons are unmoved.
Apple is famously secretive about its future products and aggressively pursues leaks. From take-down notices served to websites to criminal prosecution, as in the case of an allegedly stolen iPhone 4 prototype that leaked to the media, Apple does its best to quash leaking information and track down its sources.
But leaks from third-party vendors and contract manufacturers have proven remarkably accurate in the past. For example, the fact that the iPad 2 would have a front-facing camera was shown in an early case release, indicating that accessory makers do receive at least basic advanced information about products so they can have stock ready when the device launches.
And nearly a year before Verizon started selling the iPhone, information spread from factories about a CDMA-version in the works.
No comments:
Post a Comment