iPhone Hardware

The next generation iPhone will sport a 5-megapixel camera if the latest reports from DigiTimes are to be believed. Last year, the iPhone 3GS improved imaging capabilities with the addition of autofocus and video using a 3.2-megapixel camera.

OmniVision Technologies is expected to increase production of its image sensors in 2010 to fulfill demands for Apple's products, including the iPhone. Orders for 5-megapixel sensors have already been received by OmniVision in advance of the iPhone 4.0 launch next year.

Qualcomm is talking to Apple about its new hybrid mobile chipsets going into future iPhones. These chips would make it possible for one iPhone to work on several different carriers, including Verizon and AT&T.

The chips are not expected to make it into the summer 2010 iPhone release, as they are too new to have been properly field tested. DigiTimes is reporting that Qualcomm is looking for a deal with Apple for "future cooperation".

The second half of 2010 could finally bring a much-anticipated Verizon Wireless iPhone. A new hybrid chip developed by Qualcomm makes it possible to communicate with several different network technologies using only one component.

This means Apple can manufacture one device, the "world mode" iPhone that will work on all of the networks it's currently compatible with as well as Verizon's CDMA network. Previous reports speculated that Apple would wait until at least 2011 for Verizon's launch of LTE technology.

After selling a record 7.4 million iPhones last quarter, Apple is setting up to meet high demand during the holiday season. Inventories have been low in many countries as the iPhone 3GS has been flying off the shelves.

Apple will also be selling the iPhone on several new carriers in the coming months which could further reduce supplies. Carriers that will carry the iPhone as early as next month include Orange and Vodafone in the UK, Telus and Bell in Canada, and China Unicom.

The glass facade of an Apple store may look sleek, but apparently it doesn't do much for security. The surveillance video of this heist shows what is described as a professional "smash and grab."

The stolen goods included 14 iPhones, 23 MacBook Pros, and 9 iPod touches. Five mask-wearing suspects pulled off the entire operation in 31 seconds flat.