Neil HughesThe new details come from tw.apple.pro, but are the result of a rough online translation. The site's source claimed that Apple has built three prototype models for its anticipated "iPhone 5," and one of them has a "sliding cover" that conceals a keyboard.
Another prototype reportedly built by Apple looks largely like the iPhone 4, but has improved hardware including longer battery life and superior camera. That version of the handset would not be a major physical change from the previous-generation iPhone 4, and would be akin to the iPhone 3GS replacing the iPhone 3G, the report said.
Finally, the site also reiterated rumors that the next-generation iPad will include a built-in camera, and will also be thinner than the first-generation model.
In years past, Apple.pro has got its hands on numerous hardware leaks from Apple's overseas suppliers. Last year it got its hands on a white panel for an iPhone 4 before the handset was announced, and it also obtained an iPhone 4 battery in June.
In 2008, it offered a first look at Apple's redesigned MacBook.
Last July, the same site also showed off a mysterious small touchscreen which it speculated could be used in an "iPod touch nano." In September, Apple unveiled its new iPod nano with a small multi-touch display.
In addition, in 2008, the blog posted photos of the new unibody enclosure of Apple's redesigned MacBook Pro before it was released.
But also in 2008, the site posted photos of an alleged 13-inch MacBook casing which proved to be false. And in 2009, the blog claimed that Apple was working on a 15-inch MacBook Air, another product that never came to market.
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94 Comments
Not surprising. I'm sure Apple builds dozens of working prototypes. The million dollar question is: which one(s) will make it into production?
At this point in their product lifecycle, a decision has probably already been made. It takes months to ramp up and prep the hardware component suppliers....so with an anticipated June kickoff date, Apple will need to start building these by the beginning of May.
Given how fast one can type on an iPhone keyboard it seems extremely unlikely that Apple would spend any energy on such a project.
Make that 4 models. I hear they are working on one that uses a stylus as well.
Apple has implied that they often put out many different prototypes with unique features specific to each vendor that is a candidate to build that one specific prototype to weed-out leaks in the supply chain.
I doubt Apple would ever seriously consider a slide-out keyboard. It's not their style. That's not to say that Apple would not submit that request to vendor "A" to see if they can keep their mouth shut.
Apple has implied that they often put out many different prototypes with unique features specific to each vendor that is a candidate to build that one specific prototype to weed-out leaks in the supply chain.
I doubt Apple would ever seriously consider a slide-out keyboard. It's not their style. That's not to say that Apple would not submit that request to vendor "A" to see if they can keep their mouth shut.
This theory seems much more plausible than the idea that Apple might put an iPhone with a slide-out keyboard into production.