Analyst Claims No Siri on iPhone 5C, Fingerprint Sensor Limited to Device Unlocking on iPhone 5S

Analyst Gene Munster late yesterday released a research note surrounding his thoughts on the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.

Munster believes that the iPhone 5C will not have Siri, and that the device will replace the 4S, selling for $300 off contract.

In terms of the phone itself, we expect the cheaper phone to have a plastic casing, 4" display, and lower end internal specs (processor, camera, memory, etc.) than the 5S/5 line up. Additionally, we believe that Apple may exclude some software features, such as Siri, which we note was not an option on the iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 upon launch.


Munster believes that by omitting Siri from the iPhone 5C, Apple would be able to limit cannibalization of sales from the more expensive iPhones. However omitting Apple's stand out feature from an iPhone would seem very odd, and Munster's track record is less than stellar.

Munster also claims that the fingerprint sensor in the iPhone 5S will be limited to device unlocking and user authentication.

We expect the iPhone 5S to include a fingerprint sensor with a basic unlocking feature, but do not believe the sensor will be built into iOS 7 enough to introduce a feature like secure payments as we believe that Authentec has only been a part of Apple for less than one year. We believe that payments could be a key feature of the next version of iOS in 2014.

Munster claims we won't see mobile payments until the next iOS. For the fall lineup, the analyst believes we will see the iPhone 5S launch alongside the iPhone 5 and the low-cost iPhone 5C, which contradicts previous rumors that the iPhone 5C would replace any lower end model.


On the iPad line, Munster predicts that October will be the likely release for the fifth generation iPad and iPad Mini. He also states that he believes Apple will announce new TV product in 2013, with a 70% chance the product will ship in the first half of 2014. Munster previously believed the Apple Television was right around the corner.

Those who are waiting for a larger-screen iPhone might have to wait until 2014, as Munster thinks that is when Apple will launch the iWatch along with a new iPhone with a larger screen.

via MacRumors