Qualcomm Processor Expected For iPhone 5

Apple is rumoured to be planning the launch of its iPhone 5 in summer 2011, sporting a more powerful processor and boasting a complete redesign, according to reports.

Apple’s fifth-generation smartphone is expected to use an A5 CPU – an ARM Cortex A9-based, multi-core chip – which promises more power and better battery life.

Unlike the iPhone 4, however, the forthcoming handset’s baseband chipset will be provided by Qualcomm, not Infineon, said Engadget. This decision could possibly be down to the connectivity problems that came to light soon after the launch of the iPhone 4 in June 2011.

A complete redesign

It has been reported that the iPhone 5 will feature a completely new design and that it is being “tested discreetly by senior staff at Apple,” strictly on campus only.

With the forthcoming handset, the company is likely to continue its “strong smartphone sales” and maintain “its impressive value share,” said Canaccord Genuity technology analyst Michael Walkley.

Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly developing three versions of the iPad 2, offering different mobile networking options, according to Taiwanese industry publication DigiTimes.

Sporting a new screen technology with very high resolution, the next-generation tablet will feature both front and rear cameras, an SD slot, and a dual GSM/CDMA chipset produced by Qualcomm.