Apple’s next big thing is just around the corner. But if you’re the impatient sort, you may be in luck. Some of the information about the latest iPhone has been circulating for months, much of it leaked online by Apple parts manufacturers, says MacRumors.com editor-in-chief Erik Slivka.
“A lot of it is coming from Chinese supply chain sources. It’s leaking out that way," he said. "I mean the iPhone is so huge. They’re making millions and millions of units ahead of time so there’s bound to be parts and sources. They can’t keep everything under wraps.”
So what can consumers expect?
“We’re going to see much bigger displays from Apple, so that’s a huge one," Slivka said. "We’re looking at a mobile payments initiative coming out with NFC involved. It’s probably going to be a thinner profile."
Based on leaked images and videos, like this one from Norwegian tech blogging site VidxHD, the new iPhone will come in two sizes. A 4.7-inch (12-cm) version that's expected to be on sale a week after the launch and a larger 5.5-inch (14-cm) display that’s expected to ship in time for the Christmas holidays.
Besides a new operating system, both will come equipped with NFC, or Near Field Communication, which will allow consumers to make payments with their phones. It’s not new technology, but given Apple’s reach it has the potential to set Apple CEO Tim Cook apart from his iconic predecessor, Steve Jobs. And then there's the iWatch.
"People are always looking for the next big thing. It’s been four years since the iPad so it’s time for Apple to come up with something new," Slivka said. "So this is really Tim Cook’s chance to show that he’s got something up his sleeve."
Apple is set to launch its newest products Tuesday in Cupertino, California, at 1700 hours Universal Time (UTC) or 10 a.m. Pacific time, 1 p.m. EDT.
