Rumor: Next-gen iPhone, 'iPad mini' engineering samples pictured
A pair of reports on Tuesday allege to show an "engineering samples" of Apple's rumored next-generation iPhone and smaller 7-inch iPad, the latter being one of the first mock-ups to hit the web.
In two back-to-back reports, website Gotta Be Mobile claims to have procured what it calls engineering samples of Apple's upcoming iPhone and iPad mini from a "trusted" supply chain source, though the models bear a striking resemblance to molds used by case manufacturers for prototyping.
It should be noted that because the shots have not been verified and the site's provenance is unknown, the photos are presented here for discussion purposes only as AppleInsider cannot vouch for their validity. While the models below are plausible designs they could merely be mockups or prototypes not meant for market. This was shown to be the case in a report from 2011 which revealed the gamble case makers took, and lost, in manufacturing so-called "teardrop design" products based on purportedly leaked 3D models of what would become the iPhone 4S.
While the next-generation iPhone engineering model seems to be in line with the spate of recent parts leaks (1, 2, 3) as well as a complete rendering and comparison video. The device looks to sport the rumored 4-inch screen, rear camera layout and "uni-body" chassis and not much new information can be gleaned from the sample.
Purported next-gen iPhone engineering sample. | Source: Gotta Be Mobile
The alleged iPad mini sample photos, on the other hand, are of particular interest as the orange model is one of the first known physical representations of what the device may look like at launch. If the sample is correct, it seems that Apple will be extending the use of a new, smaller dock connector to the 7-inch iPad that has been widely rumored to be making its debut on the sixth-generation iPhone.
Another change from the current iPad is speaker placement which has apparently been moved toward the center of the device to possibly avoid coverage when holding the unit in landscape mode.
Screen size comparison of purported iPad mini with third-generation iPad.
The plastic "early design sample" bears a striking resemblance to the current full-size iPad and goes against recent reports that the device would take its design cues from Apple's current iPod lineup. Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn is also rumored to be prepping its Brazil factory to build the smaller iPad with production said to start in September.
Bottom of sample looks to hold a smaller, 19-pin dock connector.
While the face of the alleged iPad mini sample is as expected, a side shot of the model's thickness reveals that the production unit could be significantly thinner than the third-generation iPad. A cleaner view of the speaker and dock orientation can also be seen below.
Side-by-side comparison of unit thickness.
Apple is expected to announce a follow-up to the Siri-toting iPhone 4S as early as September and rumors point to an iPad mini launch sometime before the holiday season.
In two back-to-back reports, website Gotta Be Mobile claims to have procured what it calls engineering samples of Apple's upcoming iPhone and iPad mini from a "trusted" supply chain source, though the models bear a striking resemblance to molds used by case manufacturers for prototyping.
It should be noted that because the shots have not been verified and the site's provenance is unknown, the photos are presented here for discussion purposes only as AppleInsider cannot vouch for their validity. While the models below are plausible designs they could merely be mockups or prototypes not meant for market. This was shown to be the case in a report from 2011 which revealed the gamble case makers took, and lost, in manufacturing so-called "teardrop design" products based on purportedly leaked 3D models of what would become the iPhone 4S.
While the next-generation iPhone engineering model seems to be in line with the spate of recent parts leaks (1, 2, 3) as well as a complete rendering and comparison video. The device looks to sport the rumored 4-inch screen, rear camera layout and "uni-body" chassis and not much new information can be gleaned from the sample.
Purported next-gen iPhone engineering sample. | Source: Gotta Be Mobile
The alleged iPad mini sample photos, on the other hand, are of particular interest as the orange model is one of the first known physical representations of what the device may look like at launch. If the sample is correct, it seems that Apple will be extending the use of a new, smaller dock connector to the 7-inch iPad that has been widely rumored to be making its debut on the sixth-generation iPhone.
Another change from the current iPad is speaker placement which has apparently been moved toward the center of the device to possibly avoid coverage when holding the unit in landscape mode.
Screen size comparison of purported iPad mini with third-generation iPad.
The plastic "early design sample" bears a striking resemblance to the current full-size iPad and goes against recent reports that the device would take its design cues from Apple's current iPod lineup. Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn is also rumored to be prepping its Brazil factory to build the smaller iPad with production said to start in September.
Bottom of sample looks to hold a smaller, 19-pin dock connector.
While the face of the alleged iPad mini sample is as expected, a side shot of the model's thickness reveals that the production unit could be significantly thinner than the third-generation iPad. A cleaner view of the speaker and dock orientation can also be seen below.
Side-by-side comparison of unit thickness.
Apple is expected to announce a follow-up to the Siri-toting iPhone 4S as early as September and rumors point to an iPad mini launch sometime before the holiday season.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
...
This picture suggests to me that if the dimensions for the panel (1024x768 @ 7.85"), are correct, then the bezels on the side of the mini must be narrower than the current iPad.
Dimensions look right, but the workmanship, even for a mock-up looks too "basement" to me.
The shape looks to be using a 16:9 aspect ratio and not the 4:3 or the 7.85" size. If it's 16:9 or 3:2 I would say it's an iPod model, but if it's 4:3 it'll be an iPad model.
This one look to be about 1cm taller.
If top and bottom bezel stay as wide I am not upgrading.
C'mon Apple, time to get rid of the home button.
NO WAY!!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
The shape looks to be using a 16:9 aspect ratio and not the 4:3 or the 7.85" size. If it's 16:9 or 3:2 I would say it's an iPod model, but if it's 4:3 it'll be an iPad model.
If the normal 3/4" bezels on the iPad were shaved down by a quarter inch on the sides (so 3/4" on top and bottom and 1/2" on the sides), then the panel in this mockup would be within a few millimetres of being the exact right size for a 1024x768, 7.85" panel in the middle.
FAKE !!
I can make better, "engineering samples"
seriously !
With some balsa wood and a whittling knife.
....jeez
A reliable source' stories
Quote:
Originally Posted by BuffyzDead
FAKE !!
I can make better, "engineering samples"
seriously !
With some balsa wood and a whittling knife.
....jeez
The iPad mini looks like a standard 3D model printer output. It is probably very precise but the color makes it look bad on screen.
Perhaps ABSi from www.solidconcepts.com/
I really think we are getting the real deal now.
I think it would be very odd for Apple to have a thinner bezel on the sides than the top and bottom, and, on that notion, doubt the validity of the purported iPad mini shots.
Still, I like the look of the edges: the speaker grills are nice and the taper is perfect.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason98
If top and bottom bezel stay as wide I am not upgrading.
C'mon Apple, time to get rid of the home button.
Let's see how getting rid of the "Start" button works for Microsoft before befuddling the public.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jason98
C'mon Apple, time to get rid of the home button.
I hope so. The home button is the one thing I really hate about the iPhone/iPad.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaun, UK
I hope so. The home button is the one thing I really hate about the iPhone/iPad.
You're kidding right? The Home Button is one of the main features (possibly *the* central feature), of the UI.
iOS itself wouldn't work without it and would need significant re-tooling/redesign etc.
"Rumoured 4" screen"
Does this mean apple won't be following the trend among android developers for huge screens?
http://iphoneunlockingservice.blogspot.co.uk/
That's what he means. He wants a redesign. Because it's getting 'stale'.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gazoobee
You're kidding right? The Home Button is one of the main features (possibly *the* central feature), of the UI.
iOS itself wouldn't work without it and would need significant re-tooling/redesign etc.
I don't like the actual button as I think it spoils the aesthetics of the device and I always catch my thumb on it when I'm using the device in landscape mode.
I would prefer either a capacitive home button or at the very least a button that was flush with the bezel so you don't notice it placed on the long side rather than the short side so you can play games in landscape mode without catching the button.
Then you have a manufacturing error.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstone
I really think we are getting the real deal now.
I don't know if it's real or not, but what makes you say that? Anybody can order a 3d model from one of those places, can't they?