Sam Oliver
One picture of a back panel from a purported prototype fifth-generation iPhone shows a design essentially identical to the iPhone 4. Obtained by MacPost, it shows a white handset labeled "EVT2" for "Engineering Verification Testing" with a date of June 7, 2011.
The early development prototype is labeled on the inside as "N94." The iPhone 4 first released in 2010 is known as "N90," while the CDMA iPhone 4 released earlier this year is dubbed "N92."
As on other leaked prototype backs, the latest purported part has its model number, FCC ID and capacity information replaced with X's, offering little indication as to what might be inside a next-generation iPhone. Apple is widely expected to add the A5 processor already found in the iPad 2.
The report noted that the camera flash is located in the same position, right next to the camera lens, potentially debunking earlier leaks that suggested the flash and lens would be separated. The report also noted the front cover "insinuates lots of internal circuitry changes."
Separately, parts claiming to show a battery and logic board for Apple's next-generation iPhone were also shared on Friday by AppleLeaks. The battery is manufactured by ATL Dongguan Amperex Technology Limited, which also made batteries for the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4.
The battery pictured has the same 3.7V 1430mAh capacity as the iPhone 4, though it has a different interface than the current hardware. It is model GB-510-423282-0100.
The site also has a picture that claims to show the logicboard of a next-generation iPhone. It features a different design for the power sensors and module, phone jack, and camera module.
Earlier this week, pictures of a potential fifth-generation iPhone casing suggested the device could have changes to its antenna. The pictures appear to show a unibody frame without case seams on the top or either side of the top of the handset.
Leading up to the launch of the next-generation iPhone, rumors have been scattershot, and there is a great deal of confusion as to whether the next iPhone will sport an all-new design, or have an appearance similar to the iPhone 4. This week, Reuters reported that the next-generation iPhone will look largely the same as the iPhone 4.
That's in contrast to conflicting reports and even third-party cases suggesting the next iPhone could have angled sides and a flat back, with a design similar to the iPad 2.
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32 Comments
Pictures claiming to show components from a next-generation iPhone suggest the device could have a design and size largely similar to the current iPhone 4.
Might this be an iPhone 4a instead? Aren't there rumors of a cheaper second-tier iPhone 4 to complement the flagship iP5? Maybe this is it?
Just a WAG.
Might this be an iPhone 4a instead? Aren't there rumors of a cheaper second-tier iPhone 4 to complement the flagship iP5? Maybe this is it?
Just a WAG.
I think that's exactly right. This confusion around conflicting rumors stems largely from the fact that there will be one (cheaper) model very similar to iP4 as well as a completely new iP5.
... One picture of a back panel from a purported prototype fifth-generation iPhone shows a design essentially identical to the iPhone 4. ...
if that top image of the white backing piece is what the article refers to, then it's a completely different design than the iPhone 4.
It appears to be plastic and fused to a lot of other stuff. It also appears to drop the patented annular ring for attachment to the main device in favour of two posts at the bottom.
This would be evidence of the rumoured "cheapo" iPhone for the masses perhaps.
Edit: those posts on the picture that would apparently fix the backplate to the frame would totally fit in the two holes from the antenna pictures posted yesterday.
The new iPhone is running Li-ion!
I like the thinking here. It makes sense that this could easily be a cheaper iPhone4 model.
I still hope to see the flash moved over. I have to remove my case to take a decent flash photo, otherwise there is flash-reflection from the case that clouds the picture. iOS5 is supposed to make it easier (ie quicker) to take a photo, starting from a locked iPhone. I can't wait! I have missed so many pictures fumbling with my iPhone (turn on, enter code, find app, launch, wait, point, Ohh! too late!). With that fixed, having to pull off my case to get a decent shot will be that much more aggravating.
I also still hope for more local storage. At least 64GB. I have several apps over 500MB now, and I am having to manage my storage too frequently. Media and document apps can grow over time as they store data in their separate storage areas, making the problem worse over time.