Consumers around the world are getting ready for the launch of the iPhone 5, but the handset is coming under increasing competition from the Android platform and the many desirable devices available. We told you recently that the iPad 3 is not due to be available this year now after rumored problems with the display. When the two devices do become available the iPhone 5 will have to fight, while the iPad 3 will get an easy ride when it comes to competition. There are numerous rumors surrounding both devices, but one thing that can be certain is that both will be running iOS 5.
When the iPhone 5 does hit the already packed market it will be going up against some great new smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S II is due for release in the next few weeks, and will be joined by the illustrious Motorola Droid Bionic. This year Apple has moved away from the usual June release of the new iPhone, this has been put down to many reasons including the release of the Verizon iPhone 4.
There has been growing speculation that the iPhone 5 could have 4G LTE compatibility recently, which if battery life doesn’t suffer will please many fans of the iPhone. Surveys have suggested the iPhone 5 will be in high demand when released, but not everyone wants or can afford an iPhone. The handset will be running Apple’s new iOS 5 operating system, which has the new iCloud service built-in.
When it comes to the iPad despite other company’s best efforts, the device is the clear market leader. The only serious competitor at present is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which is the subject of an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Samsung. So even though the iPad 3 may not happen until next year, it will practically have a free run of the tablet PC market.
Sales of some of the iPad’s competitors have been disappointing to say the least, and even price cuts have little impact. This is not to say that other tablet PCs are not great devices, they just are not shifting the numbers compared to the iPad 2. When Apple launches the iPad 3 it will undoubtedly be even better than the current model, so it will get even harder for the competition.
Having plenty of competition in any market is good though and benefits consumers greatly. Apple has had a head start on its rivals in the tablet market, and hopefully they will soon catch up and genuinely compete.
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