The latest rumours suggest mobile operator AT&T is preparing for an early-to-mid-September launch of Apple’s next-generation smartphone, the iPhone 5.
According to Boy Genius Report, AT&T has begun informing employees of the company and those who work in retail outlets to finish training as it expects an influx of footfall traffic around that time.
In addition, Apple is understood to be hiring additional store stuff to be on hand for new product launches around that time.
Yesterday, a survey by PriceGrabber indicated that there is major anticipation for the launch of the iPhone 5 in September.
PriceGrabber, a part of Experian, revealed that 35pc of consumers plan to purchase the latest iPhone upon its release.
Of these respondents, 51pc indicated they will buy the smartphone within the first year of release, 30pc will purchase it before the end of 2011, 14pc will buy it within the first month, and 7pc will buy it within the first week. Conducted from 1–11 July, 2011, the survey included responses from 2,852 US online consumers.
What consumers expect from the iPhone 5
When it comes to the new features shoppers deem most important in their decision to purchase the iPhone 5, practicality seems to reign. When respondents were asked to select new iPhone 5 features most important when considering a purchase, 59pc indicated a better battery life, and 55pc are looking for cost reduction.
Forty-six per cent said 4G network compatibility was important to them, 45pc are hoping for a larger screen, and 42pc would like an improved camera.
“Our survey data confirms the strong following Apple has built around its iPhone, with more than one-third of consumers planning to upgrade to the latest model only a little over a year following the release of the iPhone 4,” said Graham Jones, general manager of PriceGrabber.
“Anticipation and brand loyalty are certainly high, but in today’s 24/7 work culture and uncertain economic environment, consumers are cautious to look for a reasonably priced phone that will perform optimally over an extended time period.”
When asked which smartphone operating system they prefer, 48pc of PriceGrabber survey respondents said Apple iOS. Nineteen per cent of respondents indicated they prefer Android OS, 7pc said Microsoft Windows, and 6pc chose RIM BlackBerry.
Respondents also were asked which smartphone they would prefer to receive as a gift. Some 69pc of consumers indicated they would most like to receive Apple’s iPhone 5.
Seven per cent said they would like to receive Motorola’s upcoming Droid Bionic, 4pc would prefer to get the Samsung Galaxy S II, and 3pc said the BlackBerry Curve.
Image source: Thisismynext
