Apple said that it would announce new versions of the software that powers its computers and cellphones, as well as a new Internet service that could connect these devices.
The company gave few details about the service, which it calls iCloud, but analysts think it would allow people to gain access to music, photos and videos over the Internet on multiple Apple devices, without needing to sync those devices. An Internet-based version of iTunes with those features has long been expected, and iCloud comes on the heels of deals between Apple and major recording labels that would allow such a service to go forward.
The announcement is to be made next week by Steven P Jobs, the chief executive, at Apple’s annual developers conference in San Francisco. Jobs has been on medical leave since January, though he made a surprise appearance in March to introduce a new iPad.
Apple’s preview, posted on a company website, was unusual because it generally takes pains to keep any announcements or details about new products secret until they are formally unveiled. Some commentators on technology blogs were surprised that Apple was apparently not planning to announce a new version of the iPhone. Traditionally, Apple announces new products on a yearly cycle; the iPhone 4 was introduced in June of last year.
“It feels like the first time in quite a while that there hasn’t been any hardware associated with an upcoming Apple announcement,” said Charles S Golvin, an analyst with Forrester Research. “It’s all software related.” Hinting at next week’s software could help the company lower expectations of a new mobile phone release, he said.
Golvin and other analysts say the next version of the iPhone will be released in September or October. The next iPhone is expected to use a chip from Qualcomm that will allow it to work on almost any cellular carrier.
©2011 The New York
Times News Service
