Sumit Passary email: s.passary@mobilenapps.com
The year 2012 was quite demanding for Apple - the release of iPhone 5 and iPad mini came as positives, even as the company won a few courtroom battles. However, it wasn't smooth sailing all the way - the Apple Maps snafu forced Tim Cook to apologize even as Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 threatened iPhone's supremacy. So, what could 2013 have in store for Apple? Or, to rephrase it, what does Apple have in store for us in this coming year?
Here is a list of some Apple product predictions for 2013.
Apple iTV
Rumors of Apple developing a television have been rampant for a while now and 2013 may finally see Apple's iTV make its official appearance. Apple already has the TV set top box, but an iTV can change the industry even further as it may come with Siri voice controls, an iOS operating system for running applications, and the best TV-based Web browser ever available.
Apple has revolutionized the mobile phone and the tablet industries with the launch of iPhone in 2007 and iPad in 2010, respectively. If Apple launches an iTV, don't be surprised to see it revolutionize the living room entertainment.
iPhone 5S
The release of the next-generation iPhone is not a surprise, as the company will launch the next iteration of the smartphone sometime next year. The iPhone 3G was succeeded by iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 made way for iPhone 4S. Going with Apple's naming pattern the next iPhone may be called the iPhone 5S (though some people claim it would be called iPhone 6).
A number of rumors are surfacing regarding the iPhone 5S that pertain to its processor, display, operating system etc. However, we will have to wait and see what the next-generation iPhone is called and what new features and specifications are included in the handset eventually.
iPad mini 2
Apple forayed into the 7-inch tablet space with the launch of the iPad mini. The iPad mini has seen an overwhelming response and has become extremely popular in a short span, and Apple is still struggling to keep up with the demand.
Predictions indicate that Apple will launch the iPad mini 2, which will feature a better processor, more RAM, and most importantly, Retina display. The price of the iPad mini 2 is a bit steep when compared to other 7-inch tablets. If and when the iPad mini 2 is launched, Apple may reduce the price of iPad mini to the level of rivals such as Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD 8.9, which retail sub-$300.
iPad 5
Apple launched the iPad 4 within 7 months of the release of the iPad 3. There are not a lot rumors flying about the iPad 5, but it is expected that Apple may beef up the hardware specifications of the iPad 5, make it a bit thinner and lighter, and, of course, make it run on iOS 7. Rumors claim that iPad 5 will launch in March, but with the iPad mini 2's launch pegged for March, it may not come as a surprise if the iPad 5 is launched in fall 2013.
Smart Watch - iWatch
Recent rumors suggest that Apple is working in collaboration with Intel to develop a smart watch. The smart watch is expected to sport a 1.5-inch PMOLED display made by RiTDisplays with ITO-coated glass.
Recently, Sony launched a smart watch, and perhaps Apple would want to hop onto the bandwagon. The iWatch, if launched, will be an addition to the Apple ecosystem and could be connected to other iDevices. However, Apple might wait out and see how the smart watches released by other companies are faring, before it takes the plunge.
What Apple product, upgraded or new, do you want to see in 2013?
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