Is AirSync the Next Big Thing for the iPhone 5?
I’ve wanted it ever since the first iPod. I’ve hoped for it with every iPhone. I hate that even the Zune has it. Wireless sync. Why, Apple, why do we not have it? There was even an iPhone app rejected for this very feature last fall. Steve Jobs even replied in one of his infamous one-liner emails that it was coming. When?!
I think it may be with the next iPhone. I see Apple trying to get all worlds aligned, the digital hub of iTunes and the method of getting to that hub, the network. The iPhone saw some cool tricks with AirPrint and AirPlay in iOS 4.2 and we hear 4.3 will finally make AirPlay what it should have been from the start with the ability to send Hulu Plus or Netflix to your Apple TV. I think it’s quite possible that we will finally see AirSync in the next update to the iPhone operating system, iOS 5.
Let me explain why I believe wireless sync will finally come to the iPhone with next major upgrade. First, the aforementioned email from Steve Jobs on the heals of iOS 4s release would give heavy indication that this feature is on the table of the labs of Cupertino’s most sought after stock on Wall Street. In that message, he told Rick Proctor that it was coming. “Yep, someday,” was the simple reply. Instead of blowing Proctor off or not even responding, Jobs gave hope that it in fact was down the road. Granted, someday could mean anything but if it were years, why even bother taking the time to type, “Yep, someday” and hit SEND?
Another strong piece of evidence is Chris Galzerano’s recent find as reported by Cult of Mac. Galzerano claims to have found some wireless syncing in the framework of SDK of iOS 4.3. While Galzerano believes it will appear in 4.3, I believe Apple will hold off until iOS 5 for a few reasons. First, it will need more than just a few weeks of testing to get right. Second, this really is a nice dog and pony show kind of feature to present to an auditorium full of reporters. Steve Jobs likes stuff like that.
Lastly, the iPhone 5, with its brand-spanking-new operating system, will need a list of compelling features to entice new purchases. AirSync will go beyond just syncing over WiFi, but also over your cellular connection. Yes, meaning you will be able to sync your contacts, events, books, and even music while on the Interstate. Like apps and podcasts today, Apple will restrict your downloads to 15 MB limits to keep the AT&Ts of the cellular world happy.
Making AirSync iPhone 4 and higher only will force 3GS and lower users to purchase the iPhone 5 if this is a much sought after feature. I know it would make me not question the purchase, as I have skipped the iPhone 4 myself. With speculation of NFC in the next iPhone (read my poston that) along with more memory, faster processor, and hopefully improved battery life, AirSync would just be one more reason to go for the plunge.
Truth is, I really hope AirSync comes soon because as I said, it’s something I’ve wanted since the first iPod all those years ago. Man, if Microsoft can have it, why can’t Apple? Come one Steve, make this personal!
