The buzz around the Apple iPhone 5 appears to be building in much the same way as for previous iPhone launches, maybe even more as many of us are expecting something extra special this time around. Although we could still be months away from a release there has been speculation about a possible reveal or further details at WWDC 2012 next week and for Apple, the iPhone 5 pressure is now on.
We’ve heard so many leaks and rumors about the next iPhone, as always happens before any iPhone launch and only in the last few days we’ve had some camera news, details of a higher resolution display and given a wish list of features for iOS 6. It’s fair to say though that with the launch of Samsung’s Galaxy S3 as very credible Android competition, Apple needs to step up its game and that’s what most of us are expecting of course. Apart from top-end specs and big improvements there will be major disappointment if Apple don’t come up with a completely fresh look for the iPhone 5, especially as the current iPhone 4S looked exactly the same as its predecessor.
That’s already one area of pressure then and we do feel that Apple has an awful lot to live up to when it does finally choose to unveil the iPhone 5 (or new iPhone or whatever else it may be called). An article on MarketWatch also discusses mounting pressure on Apple to really come up with the goods for the next iPhone and outlines a few interesting points that all add to the burden.
With all the build-up and hype surrounding the next iPhone, one thing that many will be waiting to see if whether Apple CEO Tim Cook can finally step out of the shadow of Steve Jobs. For years people have talked about how Apple has revolutionized the tech industry and the whole way that we think about our gadgets and devices. Cook must know that the company has to keep that innovative edge it is so famous for, or many may start to write him off.
The “supreme buzz” surrounding the Apple brand is also pointed out and the question asked, “Will Cook’s Apple inspire the same sort of awestruck envy?” The success of the iPhone 5 will be pivotal to this and the top dogs at Apple will no doubt be feeling the pressure. One thing that Apple really has to get a grip on to avoid consumer letdown is its Siri voice recognition. Many of us were pulled in to the iPhone 4S because of the promise of Siri but it’s fair to say that it has not lived up to the expectations of many of us just yet. If Apple makes major improvements in time for the iPhone 5 though, that will go a long way to inspiring consumer confidence.
Cook and the rest of Apple’s supremo’s do have a big factor in their favor though, that might alleviate some of the pressure in the build up to the next iPhone. In the time between the sad death of Steve Jobs last October to June 6, Apple stock has rocketed by 51% so certainly on the face of it Apple has nothing major to worry about. Nevertheless we still feel the launch of the iPhone 5 will be extremely important as that momentum has to be maintained to avoid pointing fingers if stock begins to fall.
Ultimately then, the pressure is on for Apple to deliver an outstanding iPhone 5. This will need to have a new design, high-end specs and maybe some new groundbreaking feature not yet rumored or even thought of, but is Apple up to the challenge? We’d like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree that the iPhone 5 needs to be something really special for Apple to stay on top of its game? Maybe you disagree and think that by previous reputation alone Apple can’t go wrong with the next iPhone? Let us have your comments on this.