As I set down my iPhone (News - Alert) 4S to write another line, I notice the remote employee sitting across the coffee shop, his iPhone also on the table top. His is the thinner, slightly bigger iPhone 5. I hide the envy as I glance away; the choice to stay with the older technology was mine alone. Still, what is he enjoying that I can’t access? If I wait to make the change when iPhone 6 becomes available, will I become the envied?
The answer to this question may hinge on a number of different realities. The introduction of a new iPhone, while exciting, doesn’t generate quite the same buzz it once did. Rumors surrounding the capabilities of the 6 may generate a whole new buzz – one that could have customers once again making significant sacrifices just to get their hands on one.
According to a Design Trend post, rumors are already spreading that RCS VoLTE will be a reality on the iPhone 6, thanks to iOS 8. While the information was taken from BGR, rumored apps include Healthbook, and the phone is said to have a larger display – finally! Again, there is no confirmation just yet, but if the rumors are true, the new screen will have a 5x7 icon arrangement instead of the current 4x6 (or 4x5 for those of us still using older technology).
While this is exciting enough, let’s get back to the RCS VoLTE rumors. If the phone really will support this capability, that could mean significant uptake by those who are moving toward mobile VoIP. It could also mean a considerable upset in the market. AT&T (News - Alert) once had the exclusive rights to sell the iPhone. Now, every major network offers it and the market is saturated with smartphones as a whole. But not every network is ready for RCS VoLTE; does that mean they won’t be able to sell the iPhone 6?
A number of carriers have already seen the writing on the wall and took the necessary steps to launch their RCS VoLTE networks. Like any technology roll-out, however, these networks take time to develop, launch and support. Some of the biggest brands are just not ready; will the iPhone 6 wait or are the rumors nothing more than rumors?
As usual, Apple (News - Alert) isn’t talking and without public verification of the next model ready to hit the market, the carriers aren’t saying much either. But if the rumors are true, it’s possible AT&T could be left behind if its network isn’t ready. The telecom has admitted to delays in the launch of its RCS VoLTE network, but can you blame the carrier for wanting to get it right? As an AT&T customer, I’d rather they wait until something works correctly than to launch and hope for the best.
Still, Apple customers in sheer volume alone are enough to make any carrier step up their game to be ready for a launch. We’ll just have to wait and see if the rumors are true. If they are, this will be one fun story to watch unfold.
Edited by Alisen Downey