You probably know the analysis by now. Samsung is getting ready to take over the world, beat out Apple as number one, and Apple is stuck in a rut. Ever since the release of the Galaxy S4, though, there have been rumors that the iPhone 5S is going feature a new "killer app" that will reinvigorate the iPhone brand and help Apple maintain a dominant position.
That's a pretty tall order for any company. With Apple and the iPhone, expectations couldn't be higher.
Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty told CNET the killer app could be a mobile wallet that debuts with the iPhone 5S and iOS 7. The mobile wallet would be revealed at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June, and it would allow users to pay for items directly with the iPhone. That, of course, means the iPhone 5S would be outfitted with near-field communication (NFC) technology.
This would be a big step up from the iPhone 5's Passbook feature, which can be used to sync with other cards or to hold coupons, but cannot be used to pay for anything.
Huberty isn't alone in thinking that a mobile wallet is in the cards for Apple. Analyst Gene Munster thinks the same thing; however, he doesn't see the tech being available until next year or the year after.
The "killer app" rumor actually first began with Huberty, too, when she said that despite the glut of new features Samsung unveiled for the Galaxy S4, the company left an opening for Apple to capitalize on with the iPhone 5S.
"You saw Samsung Galaxy S4 come out last week, that shows you the innovation cards are up for grabs," Huberty said. "What is lacking in that product [the S4] is a killer feature. We think that's where Apple will surprise this year."
Apple is expected to reveal the new iPhone this summer, alongside a cheaper iPhone mini, though nothing has been confirmed.
