Staff Writer
Six years ago, Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. Now, Apple is introducing the sixth edition: the iPhone 5.
Many physical aspects of the iPhone 5 are different than previous iPhones. The screen has been expanded, with the same width, but more length. The screen now measures four inches diagonally, instead of 3.5 inches. The phone has also been altered to be 20 percent lighter and 18 percent thinner.
The mobile operating system has also been updated to iOS 6. Along with the bigger screen, this system adds another row of icons to the phone’s home screen, offers a new 3D version of digital maps, and features Passbook, which allows people to pull up airline tickets or payment apps from the locked home screen. Another feature added with iOS 6 is called Guided Access, which allows control of the behaviors of the home button and power button, and access to portions of the screen.
Some are not impressed by the iPhone 5, claiming that Apple did not make enough changes to their design. Another issue some are unhappy with is the $25 adapter that must be used with older devices. The new cord that comes with the phone, called “Lightning,” is 80% smaller than the old cord.
Apple has also designed new earphones, called ear pods. They are circular, and are built to fit in the ear more comfortably than the old design.
The iPhone 5 is now available at Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Sprint and the price ranges from $199-$399. There were an overwhelming number of preorders put in for the iPhone 5. As a result, some of the providers had to tell customers that they may need to wait a little longer than originally expected.
