Sam Oliver
Little-known iDealsChinaInsider claims to have personally taken the photos (below), which it claims "should once and for all verify the iPhone 3G size and the position of the new camera and sensors."
Specifically, the photos are said to be of Griffin's upcoming Flex GRIP iPhone 3G silicone case mold, which was built with help from 3G iPhone specifications provided to the company under non-disclosure agreements.
In supporting its claims that Griffin would be privy to such information, iDealsChinaInsider notes that the accessory maker is arguably one of the most trusted companies in the iPod accessory business.
Assuming they're authentic, the photos would appear to corroborate reports that the next-generation iPhone would sport a slightly more bulbous backside with a broader array of sensors near the ear piece, one of which could presumably be a much-rumored front-side camera.
Assuming it already has a design for a case in mind, iDealsChinaInsider notes that it takes accessory makers like Griffin approximately 14 to 19Â days to create a silicon case from the time it gains possession of the handset's specs, and another week or so to get the product on the open market.
The process includes a day to obtain the specs, two days to scan a model of an iPhone based off the specs, a day to model the mold, 8-10 days to create the actual mold, and 3-5 days to express mail the mold to a manufacturing partner.
On Tuesday, a similar set of photos purportedly showing an empty 3G iPhone shell were also posted online.
AppleInsider Staff
Malcolm Owen
Oliver Haslam
Andrew O'Hara
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
31 Comments
Okay, I'd like to officially go on record that I believe these leaked photos and mockups are what the new iPhone will look like.
Agreed. I think this is the real deal.
Whew!... glad to see not much deviation from the original iPhone, to which I've grown quite accustomed.
Not sure if I'd want to be anyone at Griffin right now.
Someone is going to take a ton of shiit for this leaking out ? if it's for real.
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This is getting very exciting. The anticipation is almost too much for me to bear!
Agreed. I think this is the real deal.
Whew!... glad to see not much deviation from the original iPhone, to which I've grown quite accustomed.
One deviation is the shape of the bevel. The new style makes it appear that the display's edge is farther from the case edge, making it appear smaller or the case appear larger than the current model. I've already read several complaints about this on AI. Psychological or not, this will surely annoy many more people once the device lands.