Photos show highly suspect 'iPhone 6' dummy with ultra-slim design, rounded edges
A trio of photos posted to Chinese forum on Tuesday claim to show a mock-up or dummy model "iPhone 6" with an ultra-slim design and features that line up nicely with previous rumors and "leaks."
Source: Feng.com
After a dubious computer rendering of Apple's so-called "iPhone 6" made the rounds last week, photos of a similarly suspect dummy model have been posted to Chinese Apple forum Feng.com and spotted by nowhereelse.fr.
From what can be gathered, the black plastic object seen above is supposedly a mold meant for prototyping phone cases. The person who posted the pictures did not offer specific dimensions or include current-generation iPhones for scale and it is unclear if the dummy was fashioned before or after the recent spate of rumors.
The purported mock-up boasts features seen in other recent "leaks" like a silicone-rubber case that was the subject of a side-by-side video comparison with the iPhone 5s, Nexus 5 and Galaxy Note 3. In a follow-up video, it was discovered that the case itself is thinner than the 7.6-millimeter iPhone 5s, suggesting Apple's upcoming handset could be substantially slimmed down.
Finally, the dummy features the rounded edges and longer pill-shaped volume buttons mentioned in yet another rumor from last week, giving it an overall design akin to an iPad mini or the new iPad Air.
The alleged prototyping tool raises red flags with a protruding rear-facing camera and round cutout presumably meant to house an LED flash. This "old style" flash, first seen on a rumored iPhone 6 prototype chassis in March, is particularly curious given Apple's move to the two-color dual-LED True Tone module used in the iPhone 5s.
While the mock-up's veracity is highly questionable, it does give a good idea as to what the iPhone 6 could look like if information from the rumor mill turns out to be true.
Apple is expected to launch the next-generation iPhone lineup in the third quarter and is rumored to be prepping two new models, both with substantially larger screen sizes. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a reliable track record in predicting Apple's hardware moves, the company is looking to debut a 4.7-inch model ahead of a 5.5-inch "phablet" style device this fall, the latter of which may be delayed until late 2014 due to screen supply constraints.
Source: Feng.com
After a dubious computer rendering of Apple's so-called "iPhone 6" made the rounds last week, photos of a similarly suspect dummy model have been posted to Chinese Apple forum Feng.com and spotted by nowhereelse.fr.
From what can be gathered, the black plastic object seen above is supposedly a mold meant for prototyping phone cases. The person who posted the pictures did not offer specific dimensions or include current-generation iPhones for scale and it is unclear if the dummy was fashioned before or after the recent spate of rumors.
The purported mock-up boasts features seen in other recent "leaks" like a silicone-rubber case that was the subject of a side-by-side video comparison with the iPhone 5s, Nexus 5 and Galaxy Note 3. In a follow-up video, it was discovered that the case itself is thinner than the 7.6-millimeter iPhone 5s, suggesting Apple's upcoming handset could be substantially slimmed down.
Finally, the dummy features the rounded edges and longer pill-shaped volume buttons mentioned in yet another rumor from last week, giving it an overall design akin to an iPad mini or the new iPad Air.
The alleged prototyping tool raises red flags with a protruding rear-facing camera and round cutout presumably meant to house an LED flash. This "old style" flash, first seen on a rumored iPhone 6 prototype chassis in March, is particularly curious given Apple's move to the two-color dual-LED True Tone module used in the iPhone 5s.
While the mock-up's veracity is highly questionable, it does give a good idea as to what the iPhone 6 could look like if information from the rumor mill turns out to be true.
Apple is expected to launch the next-generation iPhone lineup in the third quarter and is rumored to be prepping two new models, both with substantially larger screen sizes. According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has a reliable track record in predicting Apple's hardware moves, the company is looking to debut a 4.7-inch model ahead of a 5.5-inch "phablet" style device this fall, the latter of which may be delayed until late 2014 due to screen supply constraints.
Comments
I believe that's an iPod. I also believe that iphone will be the rumored 4.7 and the iPod would be 5.5, provided those are the correct specs according to rumors.
Not sure about whether it is an iPod or iPhone but I did some measuring in Photoshop. I measured my thumb from knuckle to tip, but I have pretty large hands so I reduced the 'guestimate' a bit and this is what I came up with.
Kinda hope we get a 6 that's still a 4" model.
[IMG]http://forums.appleinsider.com/content/type/61/id/42502/width/200/height/400[/IMG]
Or just iPad nano. A 4.7" I think I can live with but I sincerely hope there is a new 4" option and not just last year's 5s/5c. I want a new model 4" phone. Everyone else can have the 4.7"/5.5".
Am I the only one who hopes the next iPhone is NOT this thin? Looks like a cracker.
At this point, AppleInsider has invested soooo much in Ming-chi Kuo's reputation and word, they would literally collapse if Apple didn't sell this monstrosity as the so-called iPhone 6. They would have to use DED's memory hole to protect their brains from the cognitive dissonance.
If Apple does release a large phone, I hope they learn from the competition and don't have rounded edges. The Note 1 had rounded edges and it forces your fingers slightly more open. On a large phone that makes it that much less solidly grasped. I switched from that to the Note 3 and they squared off the edges and serated them. It makes a world of difference and its one of those subtle but important differences I'd expect Apple's attention to detail to catch.
With a smaller phone, 'graspability' isn't an issue. With a larger one it is, but for me it is well worth it for the benefits of a larger screen.
By the way with all of these leaks, who here thinks that there will be an early iPhone release?
I hope so, my contract is up in June and I'm hoping we get it at WWDC. I've had the 4 long enough.
A real iPhone 4 was stolen by Gizmodo. Apple didn’t release it early.
These leaks are from Samsung as they try to manipulate expectations surrounding the iPhone 6.