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It seems everyone has taken an interest in the iPhone 5. Maybe it’s because of the sea of iPhones visible in every single classroom, or maybe because Apple’s newest technology has been highly anticipated by tech fans. Either way, we want all of the latest information on Apple’s latest innovation.
The Gavel news article already covered Apple CEO Tim Cook’s apology regarding the issues that customers have been complaining about. But what are the real problems with the iPhone 5, and are they as catastrophic as people are making them out to be?
The Huffington Post describes the iPhone 5 problems as “quirks,” and lists nine specific examples. Consumers criticize the new map app, which is no longer a “Google maps” system. Some have chosen to focus on physical issues with the phone, suggesting it is too light, scratches easily, noises are audible from inside the phone when shaken, and there is a light leak on white phones. Software quirks have included problems with Wi-Fi connections, SIM card error messages, and issues with the beloved “Siri,” who can’t seem to relay the correct weather for the desired city.
Despite all of the drama that has come with Apple’s latest updates, users are still content -- for the most part. Kate Thibodeau, A&S ’15, was among one of the first groups to get the phone after her previous iPhone fell in a puddle. Thibodeau is slightly annoyed that the adapter cord is different, requiring her to use a different one for her phone and iPod. However, she likes the improvements to the device, both physical and software-wise.
“The new iPhone is so similar to the 4 that I barely know the difference. It is essentially the exact same phone, with just a couple nice additions,” Thibodeau said. Her family almost ran into a problem with their Verizon contract, which suddenly increased their prices for a comparable data plan, but they quickly fixed that once they noticed. Other users have discovered that despite the exciting new FaceTime feature, allowing users to FaceTime on their 3G networks, the ability to do this might come at a high price. AT&T in particular requires a specialized data plan to enable this iPhone 5 capability.
Overall the new iPhone has received a lot of criticism regarding its minor issues. But when directly speaking to a new “iPhone 5-er,” the changes that come with the new iPhone are barely significant enough to raise concern. Users might justifiably demonstrate annoyance at an increase in data plan costs or disappointment in the innovations (many say it is much too similar to the iOS6 updates that any old iPhone user could have), but when it comes down to it, the quirks of the new phone are nothing to fuss about.
