AppleInsider Staff
A batch of photos claiming to show the logic board bound for Apple's rumored low-cost "iPhone 5C" hit the Web on Saturday, with the alleged part showing minor design changes from the current iPhone 5.
As seen above, not much can be gleaned from the images posted to Chinese microblogging site Sina Weibo (via Nowhereelse.fr) as protective EMI shielding obscures much of the internal circuitry. The sections left uncovered, however, do reveal a few subtle tweaks from last year's iPhone 5.
At the top of what is thought to be the front of the logic board sits five connection points that assumedly branch out to the unit's display, microphones and speakers, cameras and other functional components. This area also shows the biggest change.
On the iPhone 5 logic board, an STMicroelectronics three-axis accelerometer is positioned just above the first EMI shield that covers Apple's A6 SoC. With the purported 5C board, it appears that the accelerometer has been repositioned, or is hidden beneath the black covering surrounding the connectors.
The next structure is completely obscured, but should be an A-series chip as the shielding is almost identical to the part found on iPhone 5's logic board. It is not yet known what processor the iPhone 5C will use, though some industry watchers believe Apple will rely on existing technology to keep build costs down.
Next, the nano-SIM port is clearly seen situated above another shield, likely covering the phone's modem and RF transceiver communications package. The battery connector is to the left of this covered ares.
Finally, the backside of the board shows a monolithic piece of EMI shielding and what looks to be an antenna connector seated next to gray structure similar to the Wi-Fi module on the iPhone 5. We note that one of the flex cable connection points has been moved to the front of the logic board.
Apple is widely expected to launch the iPhone 5C alongside a next-generation iPhone 5S at a special media event on Tuesday. A rollout is anticipated for Sept. 20, which will likely bring a closer look at the handsets' inner workings as device teardowns get underway.
Stephen Silver
Christine McKee
Charles Martin
Amber Neely
52 Comments
Very highly integrated. It's an SOC and some connectors.
I think they'll be very careful how its made, presented, and advertised to make sure it doesn't come across as just a iphone 5 or 4s in a cheap shell. I see it being angled as a new phone aiming at a different price point, rather than a re-packaged old phone for cheap...
I think they'll be very careful how its made, presented, and advertised to make sure it doesn't come across as just a iphone 5 or 4s in a cheap shell.
I see it being angled as a new phone aiming at a different price point, rather than a re-packaged old phone for cheap...
What is wrong with you?
If it is a re-packaged model of the current best smartphone in the world, but designed and marked accordingly as another viable option, for different costumers, isn't that great?
Isn't it awesome that in a year Apple could use most components of the best smartphone and use them for a less expensive device that targets new users?
That is a great strategy. Much better than the thing they have now. They are selling outdated devices for 550€, now (4s and 4. By outdated you have 30pin connector, screen size, etc).
[quote name="pedromartins" url="/t/159404/first-images-of-purported-iphone-5c-logic-board-show-minor-design-changes/0_100#post_2391756"]What is wrong with you?[/quote] Hang on, my wife can probably best answer that - I'll go get her :o) [quote]If it is a re-packaged model of the current best smartphone in the world, but designed and marked accordingly as another viable option, for different costumers, isn't that great?[/quote] Sure, whatever is done it will sell, but I just don't see best marketing being to say "here's the budget version of last years phone". Sure, if it comes as predicted it's likely to be the entry level model, but I think they'll still try and bring the focus to it being a [B]new[/B] phone. We'll find out soon enough anyway. [quote]Isn't it awesome that in a year Apple could use most components of the best smartphone and use them for a less expensive device that targets new users? That is a great strategy. Much better than the thing they have now. They are selling outdated devices for 550€, now (4s and 4. By outdated you have 30pin connector, screen size, etc). [/quote] That's my point really - the iPhone 4 is over 3 years old, and it still sells well. When you go in to buy one it's obvious that you are buying old tech, so I'm thinking that they'll want to make buying the 5C feel like you're going in for one of Apples latest 2013 phones at that same entry level price, not old tech, or repackaged old tech. Again, either way it'll sell.
What is wrong with you?
If it is a re-packaged model of the current best smartphone in the world, but designed and marked accordingly as another viable option, for different costumers, isn't that great?
Isn't it awesome that in a year Apple could use most components of the best smartphone and use them for a less expensive device that targets new users?
That is a great strategy. Much better than the thing they have now. They are selling outdated devices for 550€, now (4s and 4. By outdated you have 30pin connector, screen size, etc).
I dont think he was refering to himself in that statement. Rather, how the press will spin it.