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We can set our watches by Apple's update schedule. Apple should announce the iPhone 5 in June. So, the current iPhone will be outdated in just a few months. And upgrading to the iPhone 5 will be costly.
Trying to predict the iPhone 5's features is pointless. Apple is notoriously tight-lipped about products that haven't been announced officially. It's a safe bet, however, that the next iPhone will introduce some must-have new features.
The smart phone market is highly competitive. Manufacturers are constantly racing to outdo their competitors. And a lot of new developments are coming to cellphones.
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For example, Android phones are starting to get near-field communication chips. These chips let you pay at stores with your phone. Leave your wallet at home and just worry about carrying your phone.
Of course, we've also heard much about 4G lately. New 4G networks promise improved data speeds. These networks don't live up to the full potential of 4G, but they are still faster than 3G networks. Manufacturers like HTC have released 4G smart phones. So, that's another area where Apple will need to catch up. Current 3G phones can't be upgraded for 4G speeds.
There are differences in networks
Verizon's iPhone is essentially the same as AT&T's. However, Verizon's iPhone has a hotspot feature. Up to five devices can connect wirelessly and use the iPhone's data plan. This will cost $20. Expect this feature to come to AT&T with the iPhone 5.
Even though the phones are much the same, they will perform differently. For example, AT&T lets you use voice and data simultaneously. Talk on the phone while looking up driving directions. There's no such luxury on Verizon's network. You can't use voice and data connections simultaneously. That's a bummer for multitaskers.
Much has been said about the quality of AT&T's network. Users consistently rank Verizon higher. There is little doubt that Verizon has better voice service, but data service is also very important. Independent tests by Global Wireless Solutions reveal that AT&T's data service is 60% faster than Verizon's.
Also, iPhone owners use a lot of data, which strains cellular networks. AT&T has certainly struggled with the iPhone. But after four years and large investments, AT&T is better equipped to handle it. It remains to be seen if Verizon is prepared for the iPhone.
Pricing
You'll also want to consider the cost of the iPhone. The phone itself will cost the same on both networks. Voice and text messaging plans are also essentially the same. The real difference comes with the data plan. AT&T offers 2 gigabytes of data for $25 per month. Verizon offers unlimited data for $30 a month. Don't expect this to last.
Maybe you're thinking about dropping AT&T for Verizon. If you already own an iPhone, you'll need to buy the CDMA model. Your AT&T iPhone won't run on Verizon's network. You may also need to end your AT&T contract. Visit www.komando.com/news for a handy calculator that determines how much you'll pay.
I've given you a lot of reasons not to buy the Verizon iPhone. This doesn't mean you should never buy it. Wait six months or so before deciding. By then, we'll know how the iPhone works on Verizon's network. We'll also know what's in store for the next version of the iPhone.
