What to Expect at Today's iPhone Event

Apple expected to announce faster, slimmer phone
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 4, 2011 7:24 AM CDT
Updated Oct 4, 2011 7:52 AM CDT
What to Expect at Today's iPhone Event
In this July 13, 2011 file photo, one of the pages of "Today's Deals," appears on the screen of an iPhone, in New York.   (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

It's a big day in the tech world as we await the 1pm EDT iPhone announcement from Apple HQ. What do we think we know?

  • It will be faster, slimmer, and have a larger screen: Pretty much everyone agrees on these points.
  • It will run on both GSM and CDMA networks: The Washington Post says this is almost certain.
  • It will have beefier voice navigation: Again, most sources agree on this point. Mashable goes further and explains the feature, called Assistant, artificial intelligence software that can help you find a restaurant, search on Google, call a taxi, and more—all while learning from your actions.
  • It will include Apple's new operating system: iOS 5 and iCloud will offer both free and paid storage in the cloud for photos, movies, music, and apps, the Post notes. Reuters adds that the new iPhone is expected to be loaded with the updated software.

  • It will be cheaper: Reuters notes that some expect a cheaper model that would appeal to the Asian market, in order to boost Apple's growth there, but the Wall Street Journal reports that the price is expected to remain around $199 to $299. TechCrunch, however, believes we will definitely see a cheaper phone—perhaps even less than $100.
  • It will mark Tim Cook's debut: Cook, the new CEO, will have his first chance to prove himself as the main speaker today. Still unknown is whether Steve Jobs will make an appearance.
  • Other questions that remain: Will Apple announce two phones (say, an iPhone 5 and an iPhone 4S) or just one? What about a partnership with Facebook? Any news about the iPod? Will the new iPhone run on 4G networks?
  • The juiciest rumor: Boy Genius Report, citing an "incredibly solid" industry contact, says that Sprint, yes, Sprint, will get the iPhone 5 exclusive, while AT&T and Verizon will get the iPhone 4S. Click here for a breakdown of what that would mean.
(More iPhone 5 stories.)

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