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An Antenna Fix
First and foremost, Apple must deliver a fix for its antenna. When the company launched the iPhone 4, it was revealed that when the smartphone was held in a “death grip,” users would lose signal quality. Apple tried to say that it was one of many companies experiencing the problem -- and that’s true -- but the corporate world is waiting on a fix. And Apple should deliver it in the iPhone 4.
More Enterprise-Friendly Features In iOS 5
Apple’s iPhone 5 will likely be running an updated version of iOS 4. And in that updated version of the platform, it would be nice to see more enterprise-friendly features like more IT control options and better remote functionality. Apple is just about there in overall enterprise integration, but it would be nice to see the company go all the way with its next iOS update running on the iPhone 5.
A Larger Display
One of the best aspects of Motorola’s Droid X is that it has a 4.3-inch display. The iPhone 4, on the other hand, has a 3.5-inch display. At first glance, that might not seem like such a big difference. But if anyone holds the two up against each other, they will quickly find that it is. It would be nice to see Apple offer a bigger display in the iPhone 5. More screen real estate is always something corporate customers are after.
More Processing Power
One of the key aspects of all the smartphone announcements at the Consumer Electronics Show in January was the respective device’s processing power. Several products will soon be running faster processors that Apple’s iPhone. Knowing Apple, it can’t be happy about that. And in the iPhone 5, it will likely offer more horsepower. That’s a good thing. And it will undoubtedly appeal to corporate customers.
Support for 4G Connectivity
One of the benefits of making the iPhone available on Verizon’s network is that the next iPhone will have the ability to connect to the carrier’s 4G network. The current Verizon iPhone will not connect to the service when it’s released. But the next device must. Enterprise customers are anxiously awaiting access to 4G, and having it in the iPhone would make the device all the more appealing to the enterprise.
A Cheaper Price
Although $200 per device is by no means a huge sum of cash to pay for such a capable smartphone, it would be nice to see Apple drop the price of the iPhone 5. Considering the iPhone 4 was a major update over the iPhone 3GS, the iPhone 5 will likely be an evolutionary upgrade. And when it comes to smartphone customers, evolutionary upgrades usually mean price cuts. That’s especially an expectation of budget-conscious corporate users.
An Included Case
If Apple decides that it can’t find an easy solution to the iPhone’s antenna problem, it should include a case with the purchase of the iPhone 5. Upon doing so, it would reduce the impact that the antenna problem would have on corporate customers, and given how concerned enterprise users are about replacing such an expensive device, its protective abilities might actually entice more folks into buying it.
Verizon Global Support
A glaring omission from the iPhone 4 on Verizon’s network is its inability to work around the globe. Unlike several other Verizon smartphones, the device lacks a GSM chip for international use, and includes only CDMA technology. That’s a mistake. In the iPhone 5, Apple should offer global support for the Verizon version of its device.
Hotspot Functionality From AT&T
One of the best features available to Verizon iPhone owners is the ability to share the device’s 3G connection with up to five devices at the same time. However, AT&T iPhone customers won’t be able to do the same. Perhaps Apple should lean on AT&T later this year and urge the company to offer such functionality to its customers with the iPhone. Not only would it appeal to consumers, but it would likely also make enterprise users that work in teams quite happy.
A Better Answer to Multitasking
Apple’s addition of multitasking to iOS 4 was well-received among consumers and enterprise customers alike. But that doesn’t mean that it’s as good as it could be. In fact, RIM is saying that its Tablet OS will have “real” multitasking that iOS doesn’t offer. In the iPhone 5, it would be nice to see Apple improve upon multitasking and make it a bit more useful and user-friendly.
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