iOS 7 Beta 5 Release Predictions Arrive

The iOS 7 beta 5 release date could take place on August 12th according to a new prediction that assumes Apple is shifting back to the two-week beta time frame as the company prepares for a possible September iOS 7 release date to the public.

Apple is currently testing the iOS 7 update internally and externally to developers and users that use an end-around to get into the iOS 7 beta for $8. The iOS 7 beta allows users to try the new version and test for bugs and app computability.

A Developer Center hack delayed the iOS 7 beta 4 release by a week, but now that the developer portal is mostly online, Apple could be back to their initial 2 week iOS 7 beta release schedule.

Read: What’s New in iOS 7 Beta 4

The iOS 7 beta 5 release could arrive on August 12th.

As we shift into the later iOS 7 beta releases the final version of Apple’s next iPhone and iPad software begins to take shape with small tweaks to the design and dramatically improved performance for the new iOS 7 animations and elements.

Apple publicly promised an iOS 7 release date for this Fall, and leaks indicate that Apple is on track for an iOS 7 update in September after two more betas and a Gold Master, which is essentially a final beta where no major changes are expected.

The IOS 7 beta 4 includes a piece of code that hints at an iPhone 5S with a fingerprint reader built-in to the home button, and future IOS 7 betas could include more hints at new iPhone 5S features and other un-announced iOS 7 features.

The iOS 7 beta 5 could bring offline dictation, something Apple employees are reportedly testing on an internal build, or it could make a surprise appearance at an iPhone 5S launch event.

The new iOS 7 beta 5 release could come on August 12th according to a prediction fromiPhoneHacks, which tracks the iOS 7 beta progress and iOS 7 beta expiration dates. The publication does not cite a source with inside information, focusing on the two-week release pattern. Apple did not stick to specific iOS beta release schedule in 2012, so the iOS 7 beta 5 release may come faster or slower than the two-week time period.

That said, it makes sense that Apple is planning to release two more betas and a Gold Master before the possible September release. If all of this lines up the rest of the iOS 7 beta schedule could look like this.

• iOS 7 beta 5 release – August 12th
• iOS 7 beta 6 release – August 26
• iOS 7 GM Release – September 9th

This time-table fits the prediction of an iPhone 5S release date before the end of September. If Apple is planning to meet financial goals with an iPhone 5S release inside Q4 2013 the iPhone 5S release would need to arrive by September 20th. This would put the possible iOS 7 release to the general public on September 18th. This would allow almost two weeks of iOS 7 Gold Master testing ahead of the release.

Apple is reportedly planning a new iPhone called the iPhone 5S for a September release with the same looks and 4-inch screen as the iPhone 5, but with a better camera, faster processor and possible a fingerprint reader.

The iOS 7 update will arrive this fall for the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini and iPod touch 5th generation, though not all devices will receive the same features.

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iPhone 5 vs. Moto X vs. Galaxy S4 Size Comparison

Tomorrow, Motorola is set to debut the new Moto X, its new flagship smartphone that it hopes will compete with the likes of the iPhone 5 and Samsung Galaxy S4. And those that are debating between these devices will be happy to know that the Moto X has been compared, in size, to the iPhone 5, Galaxy S4 and the Droid RAZR ahead of launch.

Motorola announced the Moto X several weeks ago but since then, it has kept many of the official details to itself. Fortunately, the company will take the stage tomorrow and show off the Moto X, officially, for the first time. At the event, we expect to hear about its specifications, its release date, pricing and of course, we expect to see the device itself.

The Moto X stands next to the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Droid RAZR.

While the device has shown up in numerous leaks, showcasing its design for the world to see, consumers haven’t been able to size up its design, particularly against some of the bigger name smartphones on the market. Fortunately, Taylor Wimbley has shared a photo that shows consumers just how the Moto X stacks up size-wise with the iPhone 5, Droid RAZR and the Samsung Galaxy S4.

The photo is a combination of press images and it shows the Moto X next to all three of these new devices. The device is larger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which sits at 4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches and weighs around 3.95 ounces. Dimensions of the Moto X still aren’t known, but it’s clear that it’s bigger than Apple’s flagship.

The device is a little more on par with the Droid RAZR which stands at 5.15 x 2.71 x 0.28 inches with a weight of 4.48 ounces. The Moto X appears to be a tad shorter than the Droid RAZR.

Finally, the Moto X is smaller than the Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung’s current flagship Galaxy S smartphone, which stands at 5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches and weighs 4.59 ounces.

The Moto X arrives, in the flesh, tomorrow.

It’s clear that Motorola is aiming for a more compact experience with the Moto X though one that is bigger than Apple’s iPhone 5 which employs a 4-inch display. Flagship Android devices in 2013 have been based on massive displays with the Galaxy Note 3 expected to deliver a whopping 5.7-inch 1080p display.

The Moto X will debut tomorrow and rumors suggest that it could have a large 720p display, dual-core processor, high-quality camera, heavy user customization including a laminated aluminum casing, fast LTE speeds, and a price tag that could put it on par with the Nexus 4, Google’s current Nexus smartphone that is priced at $299 unlocked.

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iPhone 5S vs. iPhone 5: What Buyers Need to Know Right Now

With fall on the way, smartphone buyers are likely becoming increasingly conflicted about which phone to pick up thanks to a healthy dose of rumored devices which included theNexus 5, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and iPhone 5S. Those leaning towards an iPhone are likely debating between the rumored iPhone and the iPhone 5 and thanks to rumors, there are some important details that consumers need to know about their match up right now.

During the first half of last year, rumors of an iPhone 5 were rampant with the company rumored to be introducing a revamped, redesigned iPhone to replace the iPhone 4S. Initial rumors had pointed to a redesigned iPhone 5 in the fall and that’s exactly what occurred. Just ahead of its September launch, Apple issued invites for an event in the early part of the month. That event wound up being the launch pad for the current iPhone model, the iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5 went on sale just a few weeks later, thought thanks to demand, the device was nearly impossible to find for the first few weeks of its existence. The demand was due in part to the iPhone 5′s upgrades which included 4G LTE data speeds, a new larger 4-inch display and a redesign that replaced the plastic and glass with glass and metal and slimmed the device down to a mere 7.1mm.

To this day, the iPhone 5 remains one of the best smartphone options on the market and one that all smart shoppers should be taking a look at.

The iPhone 5′s reign will come to an end at some point though and it’s looking like that reign will be toppled by a new iPhone dubbed the iPhone 5S which is expected to make its debut later on this year. Unlike some companies, Apple typically keeps its older smartphones around with cheap price tags, meaning, the iPhone 5 still has a lot of life left in it.

As we approach its launch date, consumers are likely wondering how it stacks up against the iPhone 5S. And while we can’t be sure, there is enough out there to make some comparisons.

Here is what prospective iPhone 5 and iPhone 5S buyers need to know right now.

iPhone 5S Launch Approaching Fast

The iPhone 5S launch date is approaching fast.

Rumors about the iPhone 5S launch have been swirling in recent weeks as we approach the start of fall, set to begin in late September. While Apple has yet to issue any invites to a media event and with insiders shooting down specific launch dates, it’s still not entirely clear when Apple is planning to announce the iPhone 5S.

However, September at this point seems to be the most likely candidate. Rumors all point to a September launch and iOS 7 release rumors also are pointing to September. It’s possible that all of this information is off base but it’s looking increasingly likely that September is going to contain the iPhone 5S launch date.

What this means is that prospective iPhone 5 buyers may want to put their money down and wait a few weeks to see what develops. At this point, it’s clear that things are moving forward and a launch is imminent. And buyers would be foolish to pay full price for the iPhone 5 right now with a replacement on the way and an iPhone 5 price drop coming in the near future.

iPhone 5 Price Drop

Recently, a rumor emerged indicating that Apple will be dropping the iPhone 5 from its lineup once the iPhone 5S arrives, a move that would apparently be aimed at bolstering iPhone 5S sales.

As we’ve pointed out, there are tons of holes in this rumor and it’s unlikely to happen. Instead, Apple will more than likely drop the iPhone 5 price down to $99 on-contract, same as it did with the iPhone 4S before it, and offer the iPhone 5S at $199.99 on-contact. This will obviously make the iPhone 5 way more attractive than it is right now especially because it’s a smartphone that will receive iOS updates for years to come.

Don’t expect the iPhone 5 to disappear from shelves.

Even if Apple does drop the iPhone 5 from its lineup, retailers will still have plenty of stock left and we should see them drop their prices regardless of what Apple does.

So if the iPhone 5 is looking like a must-have device, it’s wise to wait just a few more weeks before making that purchase.

Fingerprint Reader Appears Likely

Thanks to the iOS 7 beta 4, we now know that there is a very good chance that we could see the iPhone 5S arrive with a fingerprint reader, something that has been rumored for months.

A fingerprint reader has been rumored to be at least one of the iPhone 5S’ unique features and one of its major selling points over the iPhone 5. However, rumors have been back and forth about whether or not Apple will be able to get the parts sourced ahead of the iPhone 5S’ launch. Well, iOS 7 itself seems to have nearly confirmed the fingerprint reader for arrival and prospective buyers need to start preparing for this to be one of the device’s heralded features.

An iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor seems likely.

The code found in iOS 7 beta 4 did not reveal much but it does point to a built-in fingerprint reader in the home button which would bring added security to a device that is a big target for thieves.

This figures to be one of the big upgrades on the iPhone 5S though it remains to be seen if Apple can make it something that buyers will want to buy into.

Little Chance for Redesign

We’re likely only weeks away from an iPhone 5S launch and there are still no credible rumors that suggest that Apple will be incorporating a massive design change with the iPhone 5S. Instead, they all point to Apple using the same aluminum design that is both slim and lightweight.

This isn’t surprising as Apple tends to keep designs around for two years before issuing a redesign. So those expecting the iPhone 5S to differ from the iPhone 5 from a design standpoint need to start tempering those expectations as the devices will more than likely look identical when they appear on shelves together later this year.

Don’t Expect a Larger Display

Rumors have suggested that Apple might boost the iPhone 5S display up to 4.3-inches but as we’ve pointed out, that seems very unlikely. Instead, Apple will likely keep the size of the iPhone the same, meaning 4-inches.

Don’t expect any major changes to the design or display size.

There is however talk of improvements to the display that don’t have to do with size or resolution. While the iPhone 5S is said to have a Retina Display, there are also rumors that the device could have a Sharp IGZO display, something that could help increase battery life. This certainly remains a possibility.

A this point though, buyers should expect an iPhone 5S display that offers similar resolution at a similar size. Those looking for something different, something bigger, will likely have to wait until next year.

iPhone 5S Shortages

Buyers will want to decide on the iPhone 5S, iPhone 5 or something else as early as possible.

Those preparing for the iPhone 5S should know that while the iPhone 5 will most likely be readily available, there is a good chance that the iPhone 5S will be in short supply come fall.

For one, new iPhone models almost always fall victim to stock shortages thanks to high demand. However, in the case of the iPhone 5S, recent rumors indicate that the device’s fingerprint reader could cause heavy shortages after its released. What this means is that buyers will likely need to quickly decide between the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5 once the new iPhone launches.

Apple typically offers an iPhone pre-order shortly after launch so unless buyers want to wait for several weeks or months before getting the iPhone 5S, a quick decision, probably ahead of launch, is going to be the wise choice.

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Does Apple TV’s Tap to Pair Feature Hint at NFC on iPhone 5S?

Though Apple has been stubbornly avoiding adding NFC on its products thus far, the company may be experimenting with the idea with its Apple TV remote pairing setup. Revealed in the latest iOS 7 beta, Apple TV now allows iOS device owners–such as those with the latest iPhone–to pair their phones as a remote control without the need to use Apple’s included infrared remote. Now, using Bluetooth 4.0, all users need to do is tap their phones to the Apple TV to pair.

As the feature does require Bluetooth 4.0, only newer devices, such as the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5, are supported with this new pairing procedure. The discovery of the NFC-like pairing of an iOS device to be used as a remote control for Apple TV was posted on 9to5 Mac.

Companies like Nokia have made Bluetooth pairing easier by using NFC. For example, a Nokia smartphone can just tap the phone on a compatible NFC accessory–like a Bluetooth speaker–to pair. This eliminates complicated pairing procedures including turning on the Bluetooth radio manually and entering any security PIN code to complete the pairing. NFC enables the relationships to be established when the process is initiated. Other companies have tried to leverage NFC for payment, including Google with its Google Wallet app, but so far the digital wallet with NFC has yet to gain momentum.

It’s unclear still how Apple will broaden its tap to pair procedure in the future. Interestingly, though, while the pairing of an iOS device to the Apple TV as a remote control for Apple utilizes a similar procedure as NFC pairing, neither device contain an NFC, or near field communications, chip.

Apple had said in the past that NFC was not critical for the iPhone, and it may be trying to leverage many of NFC’s features over Bluetooth instead.

Another NFC feature would be tap to share where two phones could be tapped together to share photos, music, videos, and files. Apple had avoided NFC in its implementation by using WiFi withAirDrop. Perhaps, in the future, we can see a tap to share with AirDrop by emulating some of the actions that Android and Windows Phone users take with NFC sharing, but with the AirDrop protocol instead. This could also signal that Apple may be considering the inclusion of NFC in the iPhone 5S.

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What’s New in iOS 7 Beta 4

Apple delivered the iOS 7 beta 4 release today and it is a big update, delivering a collection of new features that could make it into the final version that arrives this fall.

The IOS 7 beta 4 download is available for the iPhone, iPad, iPad mini and iPod touch as on over the air update and as a download in the Apple Developer Center.

Apple is beta testing iOS 7 for a fall release, allowing developers to test the new operating system for bugs, for how easy the new version of iOS is to use and to prepare their apps for iOS 7 this fall. The $99 Apple Developer Program offers early access to this, but there are also users paying $8 to get iOS 7 now without developing for Apple.

It appears that the iOS 7 beta 4 focuses on several new iOS 7 features and tweaks to the way IOS 7 looks and allows users to control it. Below are 10 of the new iOS 7 beta 4 features that stand out.

Slide in Notification Center

The iOS 7 Notification Center now lets users slide to the left or right to switch between the new Today, All and Missed categories in iOS 7. This is much more intuitive than tapping at the top and easier to use. This likely means Apple is not planning to let users swipe to clear notifications like Android does.

New Lock Screen

The iOS 7 lock screen features an arrow for slide to unlock, clearing up confusion created by the original lock screen which showed arrows pointing up or down for the Control Center and Notification Center. The new lock screen replaces those with a single flat bar at the top and bottom of the screen.

The new lock screen in iOS 7 beta 4.

New Call Screen

The iOS 7 incoming call screen features a new look with clearer buttons to answer or decline a call as well as new designs for buttons to set a reminder or send a message and cancel the call.

New call screen in the iOS 7 beta 4.

New Search

Searching on the iPhone is different including Spotlight, Notes and in other locations. The cancel button clears the last search which is handy as iOS 7 did not clear the previous search immediately. This allows users to clear everything without hitting a small ‘x’ in the search field or holding backspace.

Revamped spotlight search on iOS 7 beta 4.

New Camera App

The iPhone camera app gets a facelift in the iOS 7 beta 4. The HDR setting is now on the edge of the screen instead of right above the shutter where turning it on or off could easily change focus.

New filters screen in IOS 7 beta 4.

The iOS 7 camera app looks new with a better HDR button placement.

The focus identifier is now yellow, instead of white. Users will also see a new listing for iOS 7 camera filters including names.

New Airplay Settings

Overall AirPlay remains the same as it was in earlier versions of iOS 7, but the iOS 7 AirPlay menu includes new icons for Airplay speakers.  Users still access AirPlay through the Control Center.

New Airplay icons in iOS 7 beta 4.

Ask Siri Questions

In iOS 7 beta 4 Siri gains a new feature that many users will appreciate. Siri can now answer questions beyond what the weather is like. Users can now ask Siri how much gas is, questions about calories, dates, famous people and other items and get answers on-screen and read back without the need to go to a web browser. Asking similar questions on iOS 6 pushes the user to Safari.

Ask Siri questions, like how much is gas, in the iOS 7 beta.

Upload Notifications

The iOS 7 beta 4 introduces notifications for uploads finishing. The new notification is in the Notification Center Settings with a generic iOS 7 icon. This is likely something app developers can tap into or a built-in notification for using Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo and Twitter integration.

New upload notification in the iOS 7 beta 4.

Shuffle All

A small, but important feature is the return of Shuffle All songs in the latest iOS 7 beta. Tapping this will shuffle a user’s full iTunes library with one tap. Users that have a well-curated library will enjoy this one-tap mix.

Shuffle all in the iOS 7 beta.

iOS 7 beta 4 is the latest version of Apple’s new operating system which should arrive this fall. Leaks point to several more iOS 7 betas before the official release arrives for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners and on the new iPhone.

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iTunes Radio for Mac Arrives: iTunes 11.1 Beta Tour

For the first time since it unveiled its new iTunes Radio service during its World Wide Developer Conference, we’re finally getting our first glimpse of the service in a native desktop application; iTunes.

As part of the iTunes Music Match subscription service, users pay $25 a year for the radio service on all of their devices. Just like the radio features of Pandora, and Spotify, users can stream playlists that they’ve either come up with themselves, or the service provides based on their interest.

In between music playback, the application has ads for users who aren’t subscribed to iTunes Match, just like rival music services.

To access the service today, users need have to the beta for the upcoming iTunes 11.1 update. Unfortunately, it’s not yet available to the public, though when it is available, it’s likely to come to users running Mac OS 10.7 or later.

iTunes Radio actually sits inside the Music area of the iTunes software client, just to the left of iTunes Match.  At any time users can browse through some pre-made radio stations that are maintained by Apple. These stations include collections of songs that are trending on the Twitter social networking service, what bands and artists are on tour and so forth. Users can click a small ‘+’ button in the window to add their own custom stations.

During the editing process users can customize that type of songs that play as part of each radio station by telling iTunes Radio what type of music they like or by adding songs they already know they’d like to hear.

Users can even tell the service that they’d like to hear more of one particular artist. For example, in this screenshot by telling iTunes Radio to only play more things like Kaskade, we’re creating a station that will find more music like his.

The setup process is easy, when users first open the ‘Radio’ tab inside of Music, they’ll find a button that says ‘Start Listening’.

By clicking that ‘+’ button beside the My Stations header, users can auto search for artists, and songs from which they can create an iTunes Radio station.

iTunes Radio does include options for making sure that advertisements played in iTunes Radio aren’t tracking them. They are also able to ban explicit content from the playlists using the settings button on the right hand side of the iTunes Radio Window.

Users with Beta access to iOS 7 have been able to try the iTunes Radio on their iPhone and iPad since early June, however this is the first time the service has been available on any of Apple’s other computing products. In addition to being restricted to Mac OS 10.7 users, iTunes Radio is also only available to users in the United States.

iTunes Radio is designed to put the iTunes, the world’s largest music seller, on par with the subscription offerings of rival services. Although iTunes is responsible for a large amount of music downloads, it has been slow to adopt to the subscription music service model that is changing the way users get their music fix. Expect a full iTunes Radio launch this fall alongside iOS 7.

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iOS 7 Release Said to Be On Track for September

The iOS 7 beta 4 release is imminent and it appears that it will be one of several more iOS 7 betas as the iOS 7 release has been pegged for September, the same month that’s rumored to contain the iPhone 5S launch date.

At WWDC, Apple announced that the iOS 7 update would be released sometime this fall, meaning the earliest it would launch would be sometime during the month of September. In the meantime, the company has been releasing iOS 7 betas in order to test the software and ensure a smooth delivery to the millions of iOS owners.

The iOS 7 release has been pegged for September.

Today, the highly anticipated iOS 7 beta 4 is said to be arriving for owners of the iPhone and iPad after a bit of a wait. That is still unconfirmed, but at the moment, it appears likely.

What’s also appearing likely is an iOS 7 release in September. BGR reports that the iOS 7 Gold Master release is on track for September with Apple planning two more beta releases after iOS 7 beta 4. If this is true, it could mean that we’ll see not only iOS 7 released in September but the new iPhone 5S as well. Rumors have pointed to an iPhone 5S release in late September which could mean that we see iOS 7 and the iPhone 5S make their first appearance together in early-to-mid September.

Exact timing for the upcoming betas and iOS 7 Gold Master are unknown and those dates will likely not come into view until much later on in the process.

Despite the numerous bugs and the recent hacking of Apple’s Developer site, it appears that Apple is on track for an iOS 7 release not only this fall but during the month of September. All iPhone 5S rumors have settled in on September and given that Apple always launches a new iPhone with a new piece of iOS software, it makes sense that iOS 7 rumors are pegging it for arrival during that month.

iOS 7 will also be rolling out to older iOS devices including the iPhone 5, iPod touch fifth-gen, iPad 4, iPad 3, iPad 2 and iPad mini. All updates will not be created equal as the software will be limited on some of Apple’s older devices including the iPad mini.

The iPhone 5S is expected to bring at least one unique feature. Rumors suggest that Apple will be introducing a fingerprint sensor on board the iPhone 5S and it could be that the software is related to that in some way. Like all pre-launch Apple rumors though, nothing is set in stone.

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iPhone 5S Launch & iPhone 5C Rumors Challenged

iPhone rumors are out in full force as we move closer to iPhone 5S production and the suppose launch of the iPhone 5C, but the latest set of leaks and rumors appear to fall into the unlikely category.

On Friday a rumor that the iPhone 5S launch would take place on September 6th appeared online and over the weekend a bin of boxes for a budget iPhone called the iPhone 5C appeared online.

We shared both of these rumors as plausible, but today new evidence and commentary is in casting doubt on an iPhone 5S launch on the 6th and the iPhone 5C name.

The iPhone 5S launch on September 6th isn’t likely, and iPhone 5C boxes may not be the real deal.

iPhone 5S Launch Rumors

Apple is certainly working on a new iPhone that many are calling the iPhone 5S. On Friday iFunclaimed Apple is planning a iPhone 5S launch for September 6th, the day IFA 2013 starts in Berlin. This event would reportedly include the iPhone 5S and a second iPhone model which could be the cheaper iPhone or iPhone 5C as other rumors have pointed to.

While this is a plausible date, and Apple loves to overshadow competitors with well-timed announcements and event invites, word comes in that the iPhone 5S launch is not going to take place on September 6th.

Apple did not comment on the iPhone 5S launch rumors, but a single word statement issued on Friday is close to an official comment from Apple as we can get for rumors.

Jim Dalrymple of The Loop issues a “nope” on the iPhone 5S launch news. Dalrymple is not an Apple employee, but historically comments on Apple launch and release rumors with a “Yep” if they match Apple plans. In 2012 he essentially confirmed the iPhone 5 and iPad mini events weeks ahead of Apple sending invites.

Based on Apple’s financial filings, one firm believes Apple is planning the iPhone 5S release before September 28th to hit Earnings Guidance. If this is the case it could push the iPhone 5S release to September 20th with an iPhone 5S launch event during the week of September 9th. This isn’t a leaked date, rather a prediction based on working back Apple’s previous timelines.

iPhone 5C Boxes

A carton full of boxes with iPhone 5C on the sides leaked this weekend, possibly spilling the details on what Apple could call the cheap iPhone, but an image analysis points to anomalies that could mean this photo is a fake. Nowhereelse.fr provides the following six point teardown of the iPhone 5C image.

The iPhone 5C packages appear to be fake.

The iPhone 5C image may not be a legitimate photo of the cheap iPhone packaging, but this isn’t the first time we’ve heard the name. iLounge shared rumor of the iPhone 5C name earlier this year and evidence that Apple is working on a cheap plastic iPhone that might come in multiple colors is piling up.

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