Since the iPhone first arrived on the market in 2007, it has been popular among smartphone users. Apple, the creator of the iPhone, has been rumored to release a seventh version – the iPhone 5S – this month. 

The release time of the iPhone 5S is strategic, said Greg Pitts, chair of the communications department.

“I’ve heard that the phone will be revealed in mid to late September,” Pitts said. “Apple will want the phone out, debuted and with really good reviews so that it becomes a ‘must buy’ for the Christmas season.”

After the death of Steve Jobs and Apple’s recent stock-value decrease, the new iPhone has a lot to make up for, Pitts said.

“The last iPhone that came out wasn’t a really big deal,” Pitts said. “People complained because it required adapters and accessories that lead to cost increases. 

“For Apple, this new iPhone is really a make or break.” 

Sophomore Cynthia Williams said she does not plan on buying the iPhone 5S.

“I don’t like iPhones because it’s hard to find things on them, and they don’t have swiping abilities,” Williams said.

Williams said she also dislikes cellphone excitement in general.

“I don’t really get excited about phone hype,” Williams said. “I have a basic phone right now.”

Pitts said he has also heard speculation over the new features the iPhone 5S will have.

“One of the whispers that I heard is that the new iPhone will have a slightly larger screen,” Pitts said. “I think that’s one of the things that people complained about. The screen hasn’t gotten any larger.”

Pitts said he predicts there might be fingerprint-scanning technology used to unlock the phones, as well as improvements on already existing applications. 

“People are expecting big things out of this latest phone, in terms of smart features and a more refined Siri,” he said.

The iPhone’s reputation will aid in the success of the iPhone 5S, Pitts said.

“What’s still impressive about the iPhone, no matter which version it is, is that people seek it out more aggressively than any Android phone,” he said. 

There are more Android phones sold worldwide than iPhones, but the reputation of the iPhone stretches farther than that of any other phone, Pitts said.

Sophomore Tyeasha Mayfield said she currently uses the iPhone 5.

“They’re very good phones,” Mayfield said. “My favorite app is Siri. You can ask her any question and she will answer it for you.”

Mayfield said she has personal improvements she would like to see in the iPhone 5S.

“I want the new iPhone to have the ability to do more at one time, like being able to text and watch a video on YouTube,” Mayfield said. “Or, being able to make a phone call while being on the Internet.”