Since the release of the iPhone 4 in June of 2010, rumors concerning the next iPhone have been swirling. Some thought it would be teardrop shaped, others thought it would have a laser keyboard and holograms. On Sept. 12, all of the rumors came to a halt with Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 5.
Though the new iPhone is called the iPhone 5, it is technically the sixth generation iPhone. The iPhone 5 displays some of the most drastic changes ever made to this line of technology. The most prominent change is the larger screen, measuring 4 inches tall compared to the previous iPhones’ 3.5.
Less obvious changes have also been made to the structure; according to Apple, the iPhone 5 is 18% thinner and 20% lighter than the iPhone 4S. Although the phone weighs less than its predecessors, Apple has increased the size of the screen and made the iPhone 5 taller than any other iPhone. In a society that is frequently trying to minimize, it is ironic that the sleekest new technology is actually larger.
The back of the iPhone 5 is constructed with aluminum, replacing the glass that was introduced with the iPhone 4. This new design allows the iPhone to withstand more damage.
Included in the packaging of the iPhone 5 are Apple’s new and improved earbuds. The “EarPods” have stronger bass and are designed to fit more comfortably in the ear.
The design change that has been creating the most commotion is the iPhone 5’s new charging and syncing port. The smaller port is called “Lightning” and is very different from the classic 30-pin connector that Apple has been using for the past decade. The new connector is much smaller and thinner, and is not compatible with any of the old iPhone and iPod accessories. However, by using an adapter, one can still connect the iPhone to these earlier generation accessories. Apple has been criticized for continuing to use its proprietary ports and connectors in defiance of industry standards like micro USB that have been adopted by nearly all of its competitors.
Among the new features of the iPhone 5 is its ability to take panoramic pictures. In addition, iPhone 5 allows users to take still shots during video filming, giving them the best of both worlds.
“My favorite new feature is taking pictures and videos at the same time,” said junior Jordan Cohen.
Nevertheless, many aspects of the iPhone did stay the same. The screen pixel density is the same as the 4S, meaning that the Retina display is identical to the one found in the previous generation. The camera on the back is still 8 megapixels and can still record 1080p video, but the front facing camera’s quality has increased, and the camera itself is centered rather than sitting on the left side.
Apple also announced iOS 6, a new version of the operating system shared by the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Among the more prominent features are Facebook integration and Facetime over cellular connection. The new pre-installed map application has been met with complaints of incorrect street names, missing landmarks, distorted satellite photos, and incorrect directions; hopefully, Apple will be able to fix these malfunctions through timely patches. However, this map function now includes turn-by-turn navigation, which was not in earlier phones.
“I am not very excited for the iPhone 5, especially since my iPhone 4S gets the iOS6 update, although I am jealous of the new panoramic pictures tool,” said senior Sydney Mott.
Despite the typical frenzy that accompanies the release of new Apple technology, Schreiber students were not willing to wait on overnight lines for the new device.
“I pre-ordered my iPhone online, which is so much easier than waiting outside,” said junior Sam Crawley.
According to The New York Times, 775 people were counted waiting outside of the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City on the morning of its release. Although Schreiber students were not a part of that frenzy, many eagerly pre-ordered their new devices while the others will yearn for the panoramic pictures.