According to inside sources, the next iteration of the iPhone will be a complete rethink of the popular multi-touch smartphone. At its core, the device will feature a new processor and chips which will support most wireless carriers worldwide.
To start, the iPhone 5′s internals will be different – the device will run on a new, combined CDMA/GSM/UTMS chipset from Qualcomm, which will support both AT&T and Verizon here in the U.S., as well as other carriers worldwide – perhaps even an expanded lineup, as would now be possible. Along with the iPad 2, this chipset change represents the transition away from Infineon as the iPhone and iPad chipset maker. Going forward, Qualcomm will make the chips for all Apple mobile devices.
Striking about this launch will be the absence of Steve Jobs, who will be out on medical leave. Some wonder if his team can pull off the launch, which should be some time this summer, without their leader. While Steve will be taking it easy, I sincerely doubt the visionary and control-freak behind devices like the iPhone and iPad won’t still be pulling all the strings.
Details on the iPhone 5 are scarce, but it’s rumored it will launch with NFC. This is the same technology featured in the latest Android Gingerbread devices that allow for mobile payments. Apple also acquired Siri, a personal mobile assistant company that has been merged with Wolfram Alpha and a slew of social media services which should make the iPhone 5 competitive with Android’s Voice Search and Voice Actions. Lala is another acquisition that could mean major changes for iTunes. Could we finally see a cloud-based iTunes integrated into the iPhone 5?
more details at ReadWriteWeb