Since we already know that the Samsung Galaxy S 4 will be the next iPhone's chief competitor let's see what many believe the next round of iPhones will be like.
Digitimes reported that the iPhone 5S is going to be like the iPhone 5 with a faster processor and higher resolution camera. Components will be shipping in the end of May and be ready for sale in the third quarter.
Apples is expected to ship 25-30 million iPhone 5 units in the first quarter of this year.
The next version of iOS for iPhones and iPads will reportedly have a "flat design" human interface inline with Apple's minimalist hardware designs, starker and simpler. However, overall changes are expected to be conservative., reported the Wall Street Journal.
Credit Suisse reported that the cheaper iPhone for emerging markets will cost $329 and still bring a 38% gross margin for Apple.
Kate Huberty at Morgan Stanley thinks that Apple will make a comeback with some really great software features on the next new iPhone.
The fact that Apple owns fingerprint sensor company AuthenTec and it filed a patent for "Motion based payment confirmation" means that Apple could offer some kind of payment system using the 500 million credit cards on iTunes. If Apple uses the fingerprint technology for payments, then others are expected to do the same.
Another Apple patent shows a way to protect a device to shift the center of gravity if sensors detect a fall, suggesting that a future model may have shock-protecting features if you drop it.
Apple recently stated a two-step verification process for Apple ID and Cloud users to verify identity. After entering your Apple ID and passcode, you receive a verification code on your cell phone. During the process you also get a Recovery Key for safekeeping that you can use to access your account if your forget your password or lose your device. This could also be the start of stronger security for payments.
Another source suggested that on the 6th anniversary of the iPhone launch, June 29, Apple will hold an event to launch the iPhone 5S and iPad 5 on that day which may or may not be true.
KGI Security believes that a cheaper iPhone 5S will be released in July.