Apple may release the latest version of its iPhone by June, according to a Goldman Sachs analyst, and the device could feature upgrades including an improved camera and a touch-sensitive casing that brings touch features to the back of the phone.
"Apple's going to put a lot of innovation, not just on the hardware, but also on the software of the new iPhone," Goldman analyst Robert Chen told Bloomberg, without identifying where he got the information. He said the phone will go into production in April and will be available for purchase by June or July, and it might include an updated OS as part of a wider overhaul of Apple's App Store. Apple has historically released new versions of the iPhone during those months.
Adding further fuel to the iPhone speculation, the Korea Times reported earlier this week that South Korean operator KT would launch a new version of the iPhone as early as April. According to the newspaper, which cited unnamed KT officials, the operator has been discussing sales volumes for the new device with Apple, and might begin trialing the smartphone with some clients in April. So far in the United States, speculation about the next iPhone has centered on whether Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest carrier, will offer it.
An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
For more:
- see this Bloomberg article
- see this Korea Times article
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