There’s an abundance of smartphone’s on the market, which makes it difficult to decide on the perfect phone within a given budget and lifestyle. The iPhone is the leading device on the market, as Android sales for both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have slowed in the U.S. the past two years, according to AppleInsider.com. Instead, people can’t seem to get enough of their iPhones. But it’s not all good news for Apple.
Sales for the iPhone 5 and the iPad mini could see as much as a 30 percent drop in the second quarter of 2013, according to Bloomberg. That would be Apple’s biggest dip in in six quarters. However, as industry insiders say, the expected 25 percent to 30 percent drop is likely due to several new products due to be released soon: the new iPhone, iPad 5 and the newest iPad Mini. Think of it like buying a new car. Sales for current-year models typically dip right before the next-year’s vehicle hits the market.
Simplicity
When it comes to cellphones, size makes a difference. Too small, and it detracts from some of the features. Too big, and it makes it somewhat unwieldy to carry around. Apple unveiled a 4 inch screen for the iPhone screen for when it unveiled the iPhone 5 in late 2012, along with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The screen size, though, is smaller than many of its Android counterparts. Overall, most were pleased with the sixth generation of iPhone, which succeeded the iPhone 4S. However, hardware issues and the new maps application came with some bugs. Apple is said to be working out the kinks for the new generation of phones.
Where the iPhone has a big advantage, though, is its simplicity. Its interface is user-friendly, with no menus you have to hunt down. And overall, users have said everything is just easier to do on an iPhone. For example, an app can be configured wrong, which means it won’t work right. By comparison, the iPhone doesn’t leave much room for error; for the most part, users say the iPhone and its apps work the way they’re supposed to.
Taking Photos
Another advantage the iPhone reportedly has over the Android: taking photos or shooting video. According to Consumer Reports, the iPhone 5 outshines the competition for quality when shooting video or taking photos.
Possible Release Dates
Apple has been hush-hush thus far about a possible release date for its newest generation of iPhone. Furthermore, there’s speculation that the company will release two phones: an iPhone 5S and an iPhone 6. According to the website Gottabemobile.com, the 5S may be released sometime in mid-2013, while a an iPhone 6 release could be late-2013 or even early 2014. Again, though, that’s only speculation, as Apple has been mum thus far about its upcoming plans.
Furthermore, it’s not even known if Apple will release more than one phone. Gottabemobile.com says Apple will likely release two phones per year, with a bigger iPhone 5S release date possibly as early as the spring and a iPhone 6 released as early as September.
