AppleInsider Staff
A promotional photo posted to Apple's online storefront this week shows what appears to be a new version of the plastic-backed iPhone 5c, largely unchanged save for the notable addition of a Touch ID sensor in the home button.
The photo, which comes at the end of the promotional set for Apple's recently-revamped Lightning dock, depicts a pink model with a blank home button that matches the iPhone 5s and 6. The current-generation iPhone 5c carries the old-style home button with the outline of an app icon.
Aside from the Touch ID home button, the pictured device looks much the same. The FaceTime camera remains above the earpiece, while the lock button is on the top right and distinct, pill-shaped buttons control the volume.
The iPhone 5c with an apparent Touch ID fingerprint sensor was first noticed by AppleInsider reader Scott.
It's possible that the pictured device is the result of a photo composition error, though Apple is known to favor photography over computer-generated graphics. Apple has occasionally revealed new products early on its website before — Â in March, the company posted a photo of what appeared to be a refreshed wireless keyboard, which was later quietly replaced.
If the device is legitimate, it could be unveiled during Apple's upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference next month. The company will hold its annual keynote address on June 8.
Update: The image has since been updated to remove the Touch ID-style home button.
Wesley Hilliard
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
53 Comments
Actually Apple favors CGI these days. That's gotta be just an error. No reason marketing would have that this early UNLESS it's coming out at WWDC, which, again, no component leaks, so...
I don't think its an error, i think the new 5c will have 5s components in. The same as the current 5c had 5 components in.
Mistake or not, this a device you'll see on sale this year. This year's iPhone refresh will see the iPhone 5c be crafted with internals from the old 5s (including Touch ID). The 5s will get an internal bump as well, bringing it equal to last years iPhone 6. The entire iPhone 6 line will be discontinued in favored of new version of the 6 and 6 Plus..whether they are called "S" or "7", I don't care.
The 4-inch iPhone rumor that got squelched by well-connected Kuo (?) may not been squelched by Apple. Maybe he wanted a 4-inch 6C! Say that with a lisp!! ????
Makes sense I think. iPhone 5C being replaced with an iPhone 5S in a plastic body (iPhone 6C). Honestly after shattering the glass on the back of my 5S I can see this as more practical - I just wish Apple would increase the memory to 16Gb as a minimum. Having had friends that have used 8Gb iPhones to replace their lost/stolen/broken premium models I understand that 8Gb is not really enough to be useable.