Photos claim to show prototype Apple iPhone 5 with larger screen
New photos from overseas show a purported iPhone prototype with a larger touchscreen display, similar to the rumored edge-to-edge iPhone 5 screen.
The photos were shared Monday by MIC Gadget, which made no claims about their authenticity. The photo from China shows a white iPhone with a body similar to the iPhone 4, but a larger screen on the front squeezed into the same frame.
The front of the device also shows the new proximity sensor spotted on the white iPhone 4, set to finally go on sale this week following numerous delays.
While one photo shows what appears to be an operational unit, a second picture features what is just a front panel and LCD component, without the rest of the phone. It too features the newly designed proximity sensor above the earpiece.
The pictures are supported by similar alleged engineering sketches that were first revealed in March. Those "mold engineering drawings" claimed to be for Apple's fifth-generation iPhone also featured a slightly larger edge-to-edge display.
The current iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 960 by 640 pixels. Reports have suggested that Apple is looking to expand the screen size to either 3.7 inches or 4 inches with a next-generation model.
The anticipated fifth-generation iPhone is rumored to arrive later than usual this year, after the typical June launch timeframe. Reports have suggested that Apple will begin production of the device in September, but that the new device's design will feature only "slight modifications" from the current iPhone 4.
The photos were shared Monday by MIC Gadget, which made no claims about their authenticity. The photo from China shows a white iPhone with a body similar to the iPhone 4, but a larger screen on the front squeezed into the same frame.
The front of the device also shows the new proximity sensor spotted on the white iPhone 4, set to finally go on sale this week following numerous delays.
While one photo shows what appears to be an operational unit, a second picture features what is just a front panel and LCD component, without the rest of the phone. It too features the newly designed proximity sensor above the earpiece.
The pictures are supported by similar alleged engineering sketches that were first revealed in March. Those "mold engineering drawings" claimed to be for Apple's fifth-generation iPhone also featured a slightly larger edge-to-edge display.
The current iPhone 4 sports a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 960 by 640 pixels. Reports have suggested that Apple is looking to expand the screen size to either 3.7 inches or 4 inches with a next-generation model.
The anticipated fifth-generation iPhone is rumored to arrive later than usual this year, after the typical June launch timeframe. Reports have suggested that Apple will begin production of the device in September, but that the new device's design will feature only "slight modifications" from the current iPhone 4.
Comments
Not sure that I like that the bezel on the bottom is getting smaller though...
What is that extra slot at the top?
It's for the proximity and light sensor. You'll note that it is in the iPhone 4 as well.
3:2 3.5” = 2.91” x 1.94” = 5.65” sq
Larger by: 0.17” x 0.11” = 0.67” sq
Does that really warrant the change in and of itself? Was making the casing smaller make it harder to hold and/or disallow for the needed components when trying to go edge-to-edge? Is there an issue with doubling the number of 326ppi panels that isn’t felt when producing the 312ppi panels? Something else?
Take your own phone and hold it like that. You can't and make it look like the photo, at least not unless you have deformed hands.
Now this is more like the real deal.. Unlike Joshua's mockup of the next iPhone would be like..
indeed. that thing was hideous.
Again with the 3.7 inches. That sucks if it turns out to be true. I wanted 4 at the minimum.
4" would be a maximum for me...
It's for the proximity and light sensor. You'll note that it is in the iPhone 4 as well.
Ok I want to believe you but I can't find it on my iP4. I also looked at the ifixit teardown.
What is that extra slot at the top?
That's Apple's 'unlocked' phone... It's coin operated, thus the extra slot. It's where you insert the quarters!
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Ok I want to believe you but I can't find it on my iP4. I also looked at the ifixit teardown.
It’s there, but you can’t easily see it on the black. Put it up to an external light source and tilt the device until you get the right refraction. Or you can start a phone call and then put your finger over the sensor area and watch the display turn off.
That's Apple's 'unlocked' phone... It's coin operated, thus the extra slot. It's where you insert the quarters!
4" would be a maximum for me...
I would prefer if Apple split the iPhone lineup, with one that maintains the traditional size (3.5-3.7") and a larger one that's like 4.3 or even 4.5 inches. Then we could all be happy.
This would mean changing the phone aspect ratio but legacy portrait apps can be cropped as shown here and it seems the speakers aren't round like I thought so the phone can be shortened:
http://forums.appleinsider.com/showt...=116701&page=3
Maintaining the aspect is the easy route to take but I think, like the iPod phatty design, it just looks a bit odd.
It's also disappointing to see the physical home button still there. The fact they put gestures into the UI to simulate home button actions for developers suggests that the physical button isn't ideal. I think it does add to the iconic design so it doesn't have to be removed in favour of a gesture bezel but it can be capacitive.
That appears to be a Photoshopped fake. Follow the line of the forefinger from the upper right side of the phone to the left of the phone. Doesn't work.
Take your own phone and hold it like that. You can't and make it look like the photo, at least not unless you have deformed hands.
Even if it was photoshopped, it would be the screen that was updated, not the fingers.