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With just a few days until Apple's big event, we're at the height of rumor season. Will there be a budget version of the iPhone announced? Most likely. Could the next-generation iPhone come with a fingerprint scanner? Eh, maybe.
We won't know what Tuesday will bring for sure, but in the meantime, here's a look at the biggest rumors making the rounds online:
Rumor 1: The Name
Rumor: The next-generation iPhone will be called the 5S.
Plausibility: If anything is a shoe-in, it's that the next-generation iPhone will debut. We've seen many pictures and videos of the model hit the web, and assuming those are authentic, we already know a good chunk of what to expect. The name itself, though, is still up in the air (it could be called the iPhone 6). Then again, packaging for Apple's rumored budget iPhone 5C has been spotted, so we're expecting it to stay in the 5 family for now.
Source: Everyone. Basically.
Rumor 2: Larger Display
Rumor: The iPhone's 4.8-inch display will grow to 6 inches.
Plausibility: This would make the device noticeably larger, but it's unlikely a 6-inch display would be unveiled at the event. Leaked photos show that the rumored iPhone 5S' exterior looks the same as its predecessor. They also show that the speakers, Lightning port and headphone jack are all in the same place.
Source: ZDNet
Rumor 3: Faster Processor
Rumor: The new iPhone's processor will be more powerful than its predecessor.
Plausibility: Major changes to the iPhone will likely happen under its hood. Apple is rumored to be ramping up the device's A6X processor, while slimming down its form factor. There are reports that the new iPhone will have an A7 chip that runs 31% faster than the chip in the iPhone 5. This seems likely, especially since the device's launchboard has been seen moved slightly to the right, which would leave room for an enhanced battery. What's more, the cutout shape for the dual LED flash looks different in leaked models, which hints at big improvements coming to the camera.
Source: Fox News reporter Clayton Morris
Rumor 4: Gold and Graphite Casing
Rumor: The new iPhone will be available in a gold-champagne color. "Graphite" will be another color option.
Plausibility: Very likely. This would be the first true color in the iPhone lineup since previous models were only offered in black and white.
Sources: weekly.ascii.jp,
Rumor 5: Fingerprint Scanner
Rumor: The iPhone 5S will include a fingerprint scanner.
Plausibility: This is one of the wackier rumors floating around. Leaked photos show internal components with a cushion near the home button for what could be a scanner. It's noteworthy, however, that Apple patented fingerprint-detection technology last year, and words related to the technology has surfaced in beta code for iOS 7. So perhaps this isn't as out-there as you'd think.
Sources: Nowhereelse.fr
Rumor 6: The Budget iPhone
Rumor: Apple will launch a low-cost iPhone 5C smartphone alongside the 5S.
Plausibility: Tons of pictures have already leaked for the iPhone 5C. If the smartphone's rumored budget version debuts on Tuesday with the 5S, it would be the first time Apple has unveiled two separate iPhone devices at once. The low-cost iPhone could help reposition Apple in the smartphone market, as Samsung continues to lead the way with Google's Android mobile operating system.
Many believe the "C" in iPhone 5C is a nod to China, especially since Apple is holding another event in the world's most populous country on Tuesday, just hours after the one at its Cupertino, Calif. headquarters. Naturally, the cheaper device would be targeted at China's mobile market. The iPhone 5C will reportedly have a plastic backing, which would make it a lot cheaper to manufacture.
Source: iApps.im
Rumor 7: China Mobile Partnership
Rumor: Apple will be shipping its lower-cost iPhone to China Mobile, the world's largest carrier, with more than 700 million subscribers.
Plausibility: Apple has reportedly been in talks with China Mobile for years, with previous reports suggesting that a deal was delayed due to compatibility issues and China Mobile's demands for a better deal than Apple offers other carrier partners. Apple CEO Tim Cook has said China will become Apple's largest market, so the move would make strategic sense.
Source: Wall Street Journal
Rumor 8: Colors
Rumor: The iPhone 5C will come in many different colors.
Plausibility: Press invitations that Apple sent out earlier this week include the tagline, "This should brighten your day," along with colorful dots splashed behind the company's logo. The invites allude to rumors that the iPhone 5C will come in various colors (we've seen leaked images that show the casing in blue, green, yellow, pink and white).
Source: MacRumors
Rumor 9: Apple TV Update
Rumor: Apple TV will get a refresh on Tuesday. A new product related to Apple TV may also launch.
Plausibility: This is a tossup. According to a blog post from trade intelligence platform Panjiva, bills that surfaced indicate a "set top box with communication function" shipped from Apple's Chinese supplier. The bills were for three separate shipments, dated Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25. An Apple TV update will likely be on the horizon, but it's unclear whether it will take place next week.
Rumor 10: Ships With iOS 7
Rumors: The new smartphones will come with Apple's latest iOS 7 mobile operating system software.
Plausibility: iOS 7, which is currently in beta, will almost certainly ship on the company's new products.
Source: Everyone.
Rumor 11: No iPads
Rumor: The iPad and iPad mini won't be getting a refresh at the event.
Plausibility: If you've been waiting for a next-generation iPad or iPad mini, don't place your bets on next week. The tablets are expected to get their own event, possibly in October.
Sources: IBITimes, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo
What other Apple rumors are you seeing pop up online? Which do you hope are true? Tell us in the comments, below.
