iOS 6, iPhone 5 (new), iPad Mini Specs & Speculations

Apple will be making many announcements at the World Wide Developer conference on June 11.  Expectations will be high and many will miss the guiding presence of Steve Jobs.

Maps Guiding iOS 6

Because Apple has severed its relationship with Google Map, many believe that Apple will introduce its own mapping software, possibly with Siri-integration and 3D mapping.

Other changes to iOS are suspected to be change in the look of the theme, automatic software updates, iCloud integration, Facebook integration,  location-based actions, AirPlay 1080p mirroring, unified inbox, new gestures, app sharing with MAC software and improved email.

Is Size Everything?

Images have leaked of a case that is taller and thinner making the screen a full 4" inches diagonal screen.  KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted the screen will be a 4.08" IPS 1136x640 pixel screen with 500-nit brightness.  The battery, however, will remain at about the same power as the iPhone 4S.

Apple will also introduce in-cell touch panels that embed the touch sensors within the LCD which makes the screen thinner by as much as .44mm, making an additional touch layer unnecessary.  The iPhone could be thinner than 8mm while the current iPhone 4S is 9.3mm thick.  The changes will speed production.  Another change may be unibody frame.

What's in a Name?

This new iPhone 5 is expected to launch about the same time as the iPad mini in September or October.  Okay, when you start getting to 5-years-old you can no longer be "cool" therefore, the number system may be removed from the iPhone naming structure all together.

Connections Matter

Many believe that the new iPhone will offer 4G LTE connectivity.

The iPad mini-Me

The iPad mini is set to launch in by the end of summer reported Topeka analyst Brian White.  The iPad mini could be good for the education market.  The tablet is set to compete with the Kindle Fire at 7" and may be price in the $200-$250 price range.

Of course we will know more on June 11 when the World Wide Developer conference commences.  Below you can view a leaked iOS 6 concept video that shows what may be the next iOS.