Prototype next-gen iPhone parts show same screen size, design as iPhone 4
Pictures that show a purported next-generation iPhone prototype feature a screen size and design that appears largely identical to the current iPhone 4.
The details come from an LCD display and digitizer component obtained by MacPost. The LCD component is labeled as "N94 EVT 1," which indicates it is an iPhone prototype that was in the Engineering Verification Testing phase.
The component carries a manufacture date of March 3, 2011. That indicates the prototype is older than the "EVT2" handset that was pictured last week, which carried a manufacture date of June 7, 2011.
Both the components from last week, which featured a back panel, and this week, with the front LCD, show a design unchanged from the current iPhone 4. Reports have been conflicted as to whether Apple's fifth-generation iPhone will look similar to the iPhone 4, or if it will feature a new design.
Some speculation has suggested Apple will update the iPhone 4 to a model dubbed the iPhone 4S. The new hardware could serve as an entry-level model, much like the 8GB iPhone 3GS sells alongside the current iPhone 4.
However, one report last week from Reuters cited anonymous sources who indicated a fifth-generation iPhone will have a design largely identical to the current iPhone 4. Those sources reportedly said the handset will have a slightly bigger touchscreen, along with a better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera.
Further confusing matters, a number of third-party cases have appeared in China showing a fifth-generation iPhone with a new design. Those cases show a handset with angled sides and a flat back, similar to the structure of the iPad 2.
The details come from an LCD display and digitizer component obtained by MacPost. The LCD component is labeled as "N94 EVT 1," which indicates it is an iPhone prototype that was in the Engineering Verification Testing phase.
The component carries a manufacture date of March 3, 2011. That indicates the prototype is older than the "EVT2" handset that was pictured last week, which carried a manufacture date of June 7, 2011.
Both the components from last week, which featured a back panel, and this week, with the front LCD, show a design unchanged from the current iPhone 4. Reports have been conflicted as to whether Apple's fifth-generation iPhone will look similar to the iPhone 4, or if it will feature a new design.
Some speculation has suggested Apple will update the iPhone 4 to a model dubbed the iPhone 4S. The new hardware could serve as an entry-level model, much like the 8GB iPhone 3GS sells alongside the current iPhone 4.
However, one report last week from Reuters cited anonymous sources who indicated a fifth-generation iPhone will have a design largely identical to the current iPhone 4. Those sources reportedly said the handset will have a slightly bigger touchscreen, along with a better antenna and an 8-megapixel camera.
Further confusing matters, a number of third-party cases have appeared in China showing a fifth-generation iPhone with a new design. Those cases show a handset with angled sides and a flat back, similar to the structure of the iPad 2.
Comments
a lot of people who are expecting a redesign will be VERY disappointed...
You mean all of the people expecting a redesign.
Given Android's market dominance and the vast array of Android handset designs available Apple would very foolish not to introduce something visibly new.
Said in 2008, 2009, and 2010. No different today.
a lot of people who are expecting a redesign will be VERY disappointed...
I like the iPhone 4 design and would love to see it retain the same form factor for the fact that I have accessories that I can use on it. It would be great, though, if the back isn't made of glass like the current iPhone 4.
Aside from that, Apple will upgrade the internals to A5, better camera, more RAM and storage, more features, etc... That's all I expect. I'd love to be able to use my old accessories on it.
Given Android's market dominance and the vast array of Android handset designs available Apple would very foolish not to introduce something visibly new.
You'd think so... but Apple is still growing quarter after quarter.
Apple sold 20 million 3.5" iPhones last quarter...
But, like you, I'm hoping for a larger iPhone.
Given Android's market dominance and the vast array of Android handset designs available Apple would very foolish not to introduce something visibly new.
Is that unit share of OS market dominance where you have to include all devices from all vendors from Android but then for Apple, a single vendor, you have exclude all their devices except their iPhone? I guess when you put it that way Android is bestest¡
bells and whistles
less bells and whistles
One interesting data point: Element Case, who makes aluminum iPhone cases, is currently offering a trade-in-your-old-case-and-get-50%-off sale.
To me, this means that they're trying to blow out their current inventory before something new hits...
2 models
bells and whistles
less bells and whistles
iPhone.
iPod touch.
Already have that. Next.
I don't see any reason why Apple would want to substantially change the exterior design of the iPhone this year. The current design is fabulous.
I like the current design, too. And yet, whenever Apple releases a new design for any of their products, they somehow make the previous one look outdated. It's pretty amazing actually.
Anyway, the iPhone 4 doesn't feel "old" to me. It came out only 13 months ago, and it launched on Verizon since then, so I feel like it's still "new" to a lot of people.
Could be wrong though...and I'd like to see a 4inch iPhone...but it just doesn't seem likely.
The first iPhone design lasted three years. I expect the current iPhone design will also last two to four years.
The first iPhone casing lasted one year. Even less if you consider it was sold out for a good 6 weeks before the iPhone 3G with the new design went on sale. The iPhone 3G and 3GS kept the same casing.
I don't see any reason why Apple would want to substantially change the exterior design of the iPhone this year. The current design is fabulous. At most, I guess it might perhaps become a half millimeter or so thinner. The first iPhone design lasted three years. I expect the current iPhone design will also last two to four years.
The first phone lasted 1 year. The 2nd phone lasted 2 years. The 4th phone exists now.
I see a few reasons they'd change it.
1. iPhone 4 users get something worth upgrading for. I am addicted to the iPhone and I feel no desire to upgrade if it's just a boosted up iPhone 4.
2. accessory sales. By keeping the same design, people keep the same cases, and other components.
3. although it has calmed down (and I never had any issues), there are many potential customers out there who associate problems with the physical design of the phone, with the antenna.
4. People are going to wonder what Apple has been doing in those offices for 15 or 16 months if they just throw out a carbon copy of what we already have.
The goal of any company should be to make as much money as humanly possible. That's the only reason any company exists. If they don't take into consideration the things mentioned above, they are throwing millions of dollars down the drain. I should've been Steve's replacement.