Apple unveils thinner, more powerful iPhone 5

Technology Sep. 13, 2012 - 06:25AM JST ( 51 )

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51 Comments

-3

jojo_in_japanSep. 13, 2012 - 08:23AM JST

I'm getting one! As a matter of fact I've just started the line at the Apple Shop in Ginza. Come keep me company for three weeks?
7

Vincent AmbiSep. 13, 2012 - 08:38AM JST

too bad once you get an iphone 5 after 6 months iphone 5s comes out
0

CarcharodonSep. 13, 2012 - 08:57AM JST

Long and thin..... looks like a remote control. The glass back on the 4 was a big fail, I see they had the good sense to ditch that.

When you carry your phone, it should fit beautifully in your hand, that is just how we designed iPhone 5,

Whose hand? a teenage girl? I have big hands and a 5inch phone fits perfectly into my hands. Apple annoy with their issuing of edicts and telling the masses what it consider the gospel. It's like car company saying vans and station. wagons are too big, a 4 door sedan is all you will ever need to have. I like having choice. The bigger Nexus fits my hand perfectly -thank you very much apple.

p.s this article has no mention of apples snub of NFC. I hope that comes back to bite them and they have to come out with the 5s with NFC, lets see what their excuse will be when that happens.

At least all the apple junkies will be happy that they will be getting their fix of a new life changing device soon.
1

Robert DykesSep. 13, 2012 - 09:09AM JST

Vincent: I am really confused what you are talking about. Apple has NEVER released a phone in less than 12 month intervals. Please check for your self. 6 years the iPhone has been on the market. 6 phones. It is every single year like clock work. The 3GS and 4GS version I suppose you are referring to had one entire year before the previous models.
9

SerranoSep. 13, 2012 - 09:11AM JST

Can't wait for Samsung's copy.
-1

hoserfellaSep. 13, 2012 - 09:21AM JST

Carcharodon - wow! All that anger, frustration and hatred for a smartphone unveiling. One might think you've been ordered by a court to buy one.
-2

VirtuosoSep. 13, 2012 - 09:33AM JST

At least all the apple junkies will be happy that they will be getting their fix of a new life changing device soon.

Why limit the dissing to apple junkies? Aren't other cell phone users just as totally addicted to their own idiotic devices? Since I quit cold turkey I have reveled in the hundreds of thousands of yen I've saved by not owning one of these odious time-wasting, brain-wasting and money-wasting devices.
3

titaniumdioxideSep. 13, 2012 - 09:37AM JST

I will pass..
-3

Patric SpohnSep. 13, 2012 - 09:59AM JST

Serrano, Samsung released the Nexus a year ago, which was called the iPhone 5. Androids will always be a step ahead. Sorry, iPhone folks.
4

ScroteSep. 13, 2012 - 10:02AM JST

It seems that the hype and interest levels are falling as each new iPhone gets released. I think this is due to the numbering system they use. For example "iPhone3" sounds much better than "iPhone2" (3 is 50% more than 2 after all), but iPhone5 only sounds a bit better than iPhone4S. When they announce the iPhone27 nobody will care as the difference between 27 and 26 is marginal.

Therefore, I expect the next iPhone to be iPhone10, or iPhoneX, because maintaining a frenzy of excitement and a perception of big advances is what it's all about with Apple.
2

SquidBertSep. 13, 2012 - 10:08AM JST

So now I guess we know why Apple sued Samsung, the knew their new model wouldn't be able to compete.
-1

SquidBertSep. 13, 2012 - 10:08AM JST

they knew
-1

gogogoSep. 13, 2012 - 10:09AM JST

Will appeal to apple lovers an existing iphone owners, nothing special that makes me want to swap out my current phone, it seems more backward compatible than anything majorly new, I've had the panarama photo taker and an 8 megapixel on my android for the last 10 months.
0

bass4funkSep. 13, 2012 - 10:10AM JST

@Patroc

Wishful thinking, but no dice, especially when it comes to apps, Swansong can't even come close.
0

skipbeatSep. 13, 2012 - 10:21AM JST

Going to wait for the iPhone 5s for the improvement of the iphone 5 features. That is what happened to the iPhoe 4 with the iPhone 4s.
1

NoripinheadSep. 13, 2012 - 10:28AM JST

It already looks like a copy of Samsung's Galaxy series. Maybe Samsung should sue Apple.
-3

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 11:01AM JST

Androids will always be a step ahead. Sorry, iPhone folks.

Except that Android OS sucks in comparison to iOS. Especially on tablets.
-6

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 11:03AM JST

It already looks like a copy of Samsung's Galaxy series. Maybe Samsung should sue Apple.

Looks nothing like a Galaxy. The Galaxy looks clunky in comparison to Apples sleek beautiful design.
-2

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 11:04AM JST

I've had the panarama photo taker and an 8 megapixel on my android for the last 10 months.

So have I on my iPhone 4S. See no need to upgrade.
0

SquidBertSep. 13, 2012 - 11:09AM JST

I mean even the pomphiles out there must be going sort of.

-Meh, I'm not so sure about this one
-1

Vincent AmbiSep. 13, 2012 - 11:15AM JST

still no flash support?
0

Vincent AmbiSep. 13, 2012 - 11:25AM JST

@sir robert dykes if you read tech spoiler sites you will find out news about tech before it comes out
1

Herve Nmn L'EisaSep. 13, 2012 - 11:26AM JST

Didn't notice any tech specs.
5

zichiSep. 13, 2012 - 11:29AM JST

If you like it, buy it. If not, then don't!
1

Herve Nmn L'EisaSep. 13, 2012 - 11:33AM JST

Ah, it boasts an 8megapixel camera. Cutting-edge.
-1

BurakuminDesSep. 13, 2012 - 12:12PM JST

I may hold out for the iPhone6 or 7. I've heard this 5 thing is a dinosaur already - as for that old 4S - it should be in a museum along with the VHS and LaserDisk!
-6

BurakuminDesSep. 13, 2012 - 12:12PM JST

(Sarcasm)
0

BertieWoosterSep. 13, 2012 - 12:48PM JST

What a lot of negative bleating and moaning!

The heat getting to you, guys?

A lot of work went into this and it looks like an excellent product.

Nice one, Apple!
4

SamuraiBlueSep. 13, 2012 - 12:55PM JST

If it doesn't have a "Osaifu Keitai" function then I am not interested.

It probably doesn't have a one seg TV built in either.
0

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 12:57PM JST

still no flash support?

Never will. Adobe are discontinuing flash for mobile devices.
3

zichiSep. 13, 2012 - 01:05PM JST

For those with iTunes (Wins/Mac) or iTunes app, check out the UK iTunes Music Fest 2012. Music concerts everyday for Sept. Watch live or playback. At the famous Round House.
-1

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 01:06PM JST

The thing that probably bothers Fandroids the most is that they know that Apple will sell this thing. A lot of them. No matter how often they say this Android is better etc. Apple fans will still go for the more sleek, stylish and easy to use iPhone. Estimates are that Apple will sell 10 million in September alone and 48 million for the quarter. You can say disappointment all you like, but that is only for the technophiles.
0

DisillusionedSep. 13, 2012 - 01:25PM JST

I'll be hanging on to my iPhone4 a little while longer until I have a chance to play with one of these just to see if the upgrade is worth the price.
0

codomoSep. 13, 2012 - 01:37PM JST

it looks nice and much powerfull than the previous 4S, but apple couldnt give no innovation into the new one. i cant help but to think this is the begining of the end of apple's brilliant histories. after all, these scratchable board phones are no longer to be innovated anymore.
3

Craft LedgerSep. 13, 2012 - 01:42PM JST

The new iPhone 5 has a slightly bigger screen and a slightly smaller charger so now it will plug into slightly none of my devices! - Thanks Apple....NOT!.
2

papigiulioSep. 13, 2012 - 02:13PM JST

apple pro's: nice design, handy apps, good iOs, good camera,

apple's con's: expensive, horrible customer service, horrible usability with itunes and file transfer, battery life is a joke, siri (siriously?), bad japanese language integration.

androids pro's: its not an iPhone, more handy apps than iPhone .

androids con's: horrible ios, lots of apps crashes.
2

Pattie InoueSep. 13, 2012 - 02:19PM JST

My dinosaur works fine for me, thanks!
-4

papasmurfinjapanSep. 13, 2012 - 02:43PM JST

It's a common-sense, evolutionary update. However, because we're talking about Apple, I think most people were hoping for something revolutionary.

I wonder if they really have lost their mojo after Jobs passed away.
0

BertieWoosterSep. 13, 2012 - 03:31PM JST

Papagiulio-san,

apple's con's: expensive

Compared to what? Comparing hardware with the same specs, I don't see this. As for software, iOS has been free so far and MacOS 10.8 (the latest update) cost me 1,850 yen.

horrible customer service

Funny, my experience has been the opposite. Apple even replaced an iMac for me with a higher spec model. It's not just my experience, others think so too: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/05/15/iphone-a-game-changer-for-customer-satisfaction/

horrible usability with itunes and file transfer

Are you using Windows? I've heard that iTunes isn't a lot of good on Windows. Usability and file transfer are great, fast and accurate with iMac and iCloud. There'll be a new version of iTunes coming out next month. Maybe that'll fix your problem.

battery life is a joke

Really? 3/4 days for my year old 4s. I guess it depends what you're doing on it.

siri (siriously?)

It's getting there.

bad japanese language integration.

I don't know how you work that out. What are you comparing it to? "Ichitaro?"
1

LostinNagoyaSep. 13, 2012 - 03:37PM JST

This iPhone is perfect for people who want a smooth, drama-free experience with a phone. Meaning, you can use this phone for years without having it freezing, crashing or dying. This is what makes Apple users return to iPhones. My whole family is a good example of how Apple excelence in design and technology is more important than "surprises" every year: we all have left Windows and Androids and got used to OSX and iOS. I keep reading things like "my XYZ phone had this feature since 2010", or "my FGH screen is larger", and it's true. But they're not iPhones. To me, a technology debuts properly when Apple adopts it, if Apple does not use it then I know I don't need it, that it's not mature enough and I won't miss it. And most important: if it's not used by Apple, then Apple will provide a solution that works better than the outcast technology. Last, every phone is good for its owner. I can't understand these Android users who get desperate because people feel good using other brands.
-2

2020hindsightsSep. 13, 2012 - 05:32PM JST

I can't understand these Android users who get desperate because people feel good using other brands.

That's what I can't understand. Fandroids seem to get irritated by the fact that ordinary people will buy iPhones in their millions. "But my Android phone had that years ago". Who cares? You like your Android. I have absolutely no problem with that. Me? I like my iPhone and iOS. Actually, one of the best things I like about iOS is that I can't access the file system - something that many Android users often quote as a feature.
-2

ifd66Sep. 13, 2012 - 05:39PM JST

If I had a phone or were to buy one it would be an iPhone - as with Mac computers - seamless integration of hardware, software, and iOs/OSX devices
-3

TigersTokyoDomeSep. 13, 2012 - 05:59PM JST

I've started a new queue outside the Apple Ginza store for the iPhone8.
-1

CaveDwellerSep. 13, 2012 - 07:59PM JST

Apple are full off it!

The company called the iPhone 5 “the thinnest smartphone in the world,

Fire the clown who forgot to actually research the market....

Whoops! The great Apple God already made a mistake. Yes the iPhone 5 is thinner than the iPhone 4S, but not thinner than every smartphone on the planet. We find it interesting that they measured it in millimeters because most Americans don’t have a concept of what millimeters are. We’re used to inches. However it appears that Apple is so iEgotistical that it didn’t check any of the competitors including Motorola and Huawei. The iPhone 5 news release stated, “iPhone 5 is the thinnest smartphone in the world.” According Strategy Analytics there are at least three smart phones that are thinner than the iPhone at 7.6mm and they are the 7.1mm thick, the Motorola RAZR XT909, Motorola Droid RAZR and Motorola RAZR XT910. However the world’s skinniest, slimmest, thinnest smartphone is in fact The Huawei Ascend P1 S was unveiled at t CES in January and measures 6.68mm with HSPA+ connection. Not only that it is more colorful than the iPhone 5 and comes in cherry blossom pink, white and black
0

la_silla_vaciaSep. 13, 2012 - 08:25PM JST

I read this and laugh at the memory of all the luddites and statists on the left I have known, who argued for years, and are no doubt still arguing - - on their new i-phones - - for greater government control of industry and commerce. If these people had their way we'd all still be paying 80,000 yen to NTT just to purchase a land line.An effin fax machine would represent the cutting edge.
0

DutchduckSep. 13, 2012 - 08:40PM JST

No sd slot, not removable battery, still i tunes.....I give up, I hoped for something new, what we got is a bit of the same with an extra 0.5 inch. An iphone doesn't really need quad core power, with the exception of a few games, the whole set up does only require a single core processor. My iphone 4 is smooth enough and internet browsing depends as much on the data speed as on the processing speed. My next phone is going to be note 2, at least it uses its 4 cores....
1

Darren BrannanSep. 13, 2012 - 08:45PM JST

Folks, whatever you buy make sure you don't get it through a Japanese carrier that SIMlocks it..it is no fun having a perfectly working iphone 4 here in Australia THAT I PAID FOR and finished the contract, and not being able to unlock it by legal or illegal means.Softbank have stated they will never offer unlocks for all but two models. Who needs a 700 buck ipod?
-6

basroilSep. 13, 2012 - 09:51PM JST

Apple unveils the most disappointment since the iPod 200gb edition.

No increase in battery power even though competitors have more efficient chips and larger batteries, no innovations in design, loss of backward compatibility, no NFC, no wireless charging, no OS integration, no platinum band, no anything that competitors have in phones ready for purchase. Hell, it even lost the ability to do CDMA/GSM in a single phone, so you can't even switch carriers anymore.

As many have mentioned, Apple is even using false advertising to promote an under-resolution and chubby phone. Sadly, all the Apple zealots will gobble up the stuff.
-3

bangerSep. 13, 2012 - 11:01PM JST

Over rated Apple again missed the point.thinner ,full hd cameracamera falsh etc...which year they are living in?they even never bother new design!crappy same old iphone.looking for galaxy or htc series.what ever left for iphone will be thrashed by other android models.
0

spudmanSep. 14, 2012 - 06:18AM JST

blackberry 10 is just around the corner and will run on docomo LTE network.
0

cracaphatSep. 15, 2012 - 08:45AM JST

What is clear is that without Jobs to market it successfully and creatively,the wow factor has well and truly gone.People will still buy,but out of habit than due to innovations.