Questionable 'iPhone 6' prototype shows protruding camera, lacks Apple's 'True Tone' flash
New snapshots that purport to show a prototype of Apple's so-called "iPhone 6" have emerged from China, though the device pictured bears some bizarre inconsistencies that call its authenticity into question.
The photos depict a handset slightly taller, wider, and thinner than the iPhone 5s and are said to have come directly from insiders at Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, Apple's longtime iPhone assembly partner. They were originally published on Chinese microblogging site Weibo and first noticed by GforGames.
The two most prominent changes from current models are an iPod touch-style protruding camera lens and the lack of the dual-LED True Tone flash setup found in the iPhone 5s. While the external camera lens may be a trade-off for overall device size, it seems unlikely that Apple would abandon the True Tone system as imaging becomes a more important differentiator in mobile devices.
It is difficult to ascertain the exact size due to the photos' low resolution, though the spacing between the headphone jack and the Lightning port suggests it may play host to a screen somewhat less than five inches diagonally. Schematics included in the images also show iPhone 5c-style speaker holes.
There are some areas where the pictured device does line up with rumors about Apple's next-generation iPhone. That handset is believed to sport a larger display, for instance, and an industrial design reminiscent of the iPad mini.
The photos depict a handset slightly taller, wider, and thinner than the iPhone 5s and are said to have come directly from insiders at Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn, Apple's longtime iPhone assembly partner. They were originally published on Chinese microblogging site Weibo and first noticed by GforGames.
The two most prominent changes from current models are an iPod touch-style protruding camera lens and the lack of the dual-LED True Tone flash setup found in the iPhone 5s. While the external camera lens may be a trade-off for overall device size, it seems unlikely that Apple would abandon the True Tone system as imaging becomes a more important differentiator in mobile devices.
It is difficult to ascertain the exact size due to the photos' low resolution, though the spacing between the headphone jack and the Lightning port suggests it may play host to a screen somewhat less than five inches diagonally. Schematics included in the images also show iPhone 5c-style speaker holes.
There are some areas where the pictured device does line up with rumors about Apple's next-generation iPhone. That handset is believed to sport a larger display, for instance, and an industrial design reminiscent of the iPad mini.
Comments
It's either completely fake or a new revised iPod Touch.
Steve would never have had the camera protrude.
No, seriously, he wouldn’t have. He would have waited until they could engineer an optical zoom that would remain flush with the case before putting it in a shipping product. Not sure of Apple’s game here.
And how can it be said that it’s taller, wider, or thinner from these images? There’s absolutely no frame of reference.
The iPod touch has a single panel back. It wouldn’t need separation.
The iPhone doesn't need to be any thinner. If depth room can be saved internally, please make the battery larger. I'd rather have 2 days of charge.
And how can it be said that it’s taller, wider, or thinner from these images? There’s absolutely no frame of reference.
I guess because the headphone jack and lightning port are known points of reference: "It is difficult to ascertain the exact size due to the photos' low resolution, though the spacing between the headphone jack and the Lightning port suggests it may play host to a screen somewhat less than five inches diagonally."
Why is the design factory looking at iPhone schematics in Microsoft Word on Windows XP?
The design is way too similar to the 5s. Johnny Ive and the team are not gonna release something with the same design 3 years in a row.
This is the real thing, I feel it. Looks very thin.
The white parts are probably for a test model only.
Steve would never have had the camera protrude.
No, seriously, he wouldn’t have. He would have waited until they could engineer an optical zoom that would remain flush with the case before putting it in a shipping product. Not sure of Apple’s game here.
And how can it be said that it’s taller, wider, or thinner from these images? There’s absolutely no frame of reference.
The iPod touch has a single panel back. It wouldn’t need separation.
Of course there is a reference. The Lightning port and headphone jack. It seems 1-1.5 mm thinner than the iPhone 5.
I agree. Apple would never use MS Word, on the now unsupported XP for crying out loud, for prototype drawings¡
How about this is the new iPhone 6c design? Based on the single speaker and the lack of True Tone Flash, it is very similar. Maybe Apple decided to do away with the plastic case and use an all metal design.
I want to see the sapphire glass.
This is the real thing, I feel it. Looks very thin.
The white parts are probably for a test model only.
Previous leaked photos of prototypes show that Apple does not use different colors for test units. They use the same materials as what the final product is meant to have. It's actually important in determining color, wear, design, etc.
I don't understand the interest in seeing the sapphire glass. It would look the same, as it is glass. Its function is to permit light to pass through. The difference would be in durability and other performance measurements that would not be visible.
Anyhow, this is a fake. Fortune 100 manufacturers don't use MS Word to create engineering schematics. They use high-end CAD programs like ProEngineer, AutoCAD, etc.
Foxconn needed to open a Word file, and a PC clone running a pirated copy of Windows XP is in fact, the standard workplace configuration in Taiwan.
When I meant that I wanted to 'see' sapphire glass, I just meant I wanted the iPhone to have it... I had thought people would tell me what you said.
The lack of true-tone flash is dubious, but I don't see any obvious indication that it's a fake. It's still very early for mass production, maybe they are doing some tests for build only, before looking at materials.
Well, if it's fake I'd be happy about it, that protruding camera looks terrible.
Foxconn didn't design the iPhone.