Is Apple Planning to Diversify Its iPhone Lineup?

A new report today suggests that Apple may be planning to add more options to its iPhone line. Currently, Cupertino only offers either current gen or last gen tech, in a variety of storage sizes. It’s less of a choice, really, and more of an ultimatum.

The source of the rumors is Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu. Wu performed supply chain checks that revealed Apple was sourcing parts for touchscreens both larger and smaller than the current iPhone 4′s 3.5-inch display. Specific sizes weren’t mentioned, but Kaufman Bros. suggests that the new touchscreens could be for use in a new high- and low-end models of iPhone, and that the new models could ship before Apple’s annual late spring/early summer iPhone refresh date.

But is such a move likely from a company that has, for the last four iterations of the iPhone, stuck with the same formula and only released one version of its handset? If this was last year or the year before that, I’d easily dismiss these rumors as idle speculation. However, this isn’t those years. This is the year of Android.

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Early 2011 Verizon iPhone Rumors Resurface

Despite comments made by Verizon’s CEO about an iPhone not appearing on its network in the near future, a new report by the Wall Street Journal reaffirms earlier suggestions that the provider would indeed have an Apple smartphone among its offerings in early 2011.

The WSJ cites “people briefed by Apple” as the source of the information. Qualcomm is said to be providing the CDMA-capable chip for the Verizon version of the iPhone. The article also curiously states that the new handset would be “similar in design” to the iPhone 4 currently available. It could mean that we’ll see a slight design revision, maybe to do with ameliorating antenna performance.

Though I doubt we’ll see a significant change in the physical appearance of the phone (likely just odd wording on the part of the article’s authors), I do think this report is otherwise credible. It’s been confirmed that Apple uses media outlets like the WSJ to leak product information ahead of time when it thinks such a leak would be advantageous. News of an upcoming Verizon iPhone is definitely in Apple’s best interest, since it could stop some customers from buying an Android device just out of distaste for AT&T and its network.

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Today, Motorola filed suit regarding three complaints against Apple over patent infringements. The complaints deal with antenna design and other associated smartphone technologies covered in 18 patents held by Motorola. According to Kirk Daily (via CNNMoney), Motorola Mobility’s corporate VP of intellecual property, legal action was a last resort taken after licensing negotiations with Apple broke down.

But that’s hardly the end of Apple’s legal problems. The company was slapped with $625 million in legal penalties this week for infringing on three patents, at a rate of $208 million per infraction. Obviously, Apple’s already challenged the verdict, as would any corporation, but the ruling is blood in the water for Cupertino’s foes.

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The Mac Notebook-to-Desktop Conundrum

I’m one of the lucky few who can carry their MacBook Pro to and from work each day, and use the same machine for everything computer-related. Still, I’m not always happy with my current setup. My day job issued me a small Dell laptop, which has one major advantage over my MacBook: the docking station.

Apple spends a lot of time on industrial design and usability, so it amazes me that the process to hook up a Mac to an external keyboard, monitor, and mouse consists of five to seven steps, depending on if you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard or not. As I look at the mess of wires coming out of the side of my MacBook, I’ve got to wonder why there isn’t an official Apple-branded docking station.

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