With Apple set to unveil its next-generation iPhone(s) on Tuesday, the rumor trough is overflowing with more Apple juice than even the most dedicated fans can handle at this point. According to the mill, Apple is set to unveil about a dozen various iPhone models this week, ranging from a modest update to be hawked on the cheap to a teardrop-shaped overhaul that will feature a 4-inch display and a unibody aluminum design (perhaps similar to the mock-up seen above). In fact, all leaks accounted for, we’re looking at a tweaked entry-level iPhone 4 with 8GB of storage and a budget-friendly price tag, an iPhone 4S due in black and white with 16GB and 32GB variations, and an all new iPhone 5, also in black and white, with 16GB, 32GB and maybe even 64GB capacity options. Oh, and that’s all in addition to a 3G-enabled iPod touch with iPad-like data plans.
Totally plausible, right?
If you’ve been snoozing this weekend, here’s a quick rundown of what you missed:
- Here it is, folks — the somewhere-between-free-and-$350 8GB iPhone 4, model N90A, that’s ready to decimate the entry-level, mid-range and prepaid smartphone competition. Maybe. Gizmodo Brasil has images of parts reportedly taken inside Foxconn’s Brazilian factory.
- Wondering if “iPhone 4S” is just a name dreamed up by blogs as a placeholder for Apple’s supposed A5’d iPhone 4? Nope — apparently it’s real, and 9to5Mac found references to the device in the latest iTunes beta.
- Well if there’s a new cheaper iPhone 4 and an iPhone 4S, that means the mythical redesigned “iPhone 5” is nothing but a pipe dream, right? Wrong again! Engadget has a screenshot of RadioShack’s inventory system, which clearly now includes 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5 models headed to AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. They should fit nicely in the iPhone 5 cases now appearing in AT&T’s inventory system.
- Also, TUAW snagged a couple screenshots of a Cincinnati Bell snafu; the regional carrier accidentally posted entries for the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 in its prepaid phones section. That’s right, not only is Apple pushing its new iPhones to regional carriers now — but still not to T-Mobile — but the new handsets will also all be available with prepaid plans.
- Oh, and once these dozen or so iPhones hit the market this month alongside iOS 5, we can also look forward to “Assistant” voice controls and iOS app rentals. Sweet.
Skeptical that all these leaks paint an accurate picture of the iPhone landscape come Tuesday? You’re not alone. There have been enough rumors, leaks and plants this time around to make anyone’s head spin. The only thing we can safely say for sure, of course, is that the mystery will be behind us shortly after 10:00 a.m. Pacific, 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. Be sure to tune in to BGR on Tuesday for all the official iPhone news as it breaks.