More parts claimed to be for Apple’s next-generation iPhone reveal what many reports have claimed for some time: that Apple’s next iPhone could look identical to the iPhone 4 with only a few changes to its internals.
Components passed on to iDownloadBlog, apparently destined for Apple’s next iPhone, reveal the new device’s rear panel and a redesigned flex cable — both of which point to subtle changes within the new iPhone.
Let’s start with the rear panel. At first glance, this looks identical to that currently found on the CDMA (Verizon) iPhone 4, which indicates there may be some changes to the device’s logic board. Of course, the Verizon iPhone does not have a SIM card slot, and so its logic board is slightly different to that found in the GSM (AT&T) iPhone 4.
According to sources for iDB, the panel could also be part of the antenna:
Our source told us that there is word among suppliers that this back may in fact by part of the device’s antenna, which would defy all rumors of a redesigned antenna design. Apple is a company that throws curve balls all over the place to maintain secrecy, so decrypting everything proves to be very difficult.
The panel is also identical to that leaked last week, though it lacks the ‘N94’ moniker, and maintains the same location for the camera’s LED flash; quashing rumors these two components are to be separated in the new device
As for the flex cable, it might be incredibly boring to look at, but it gives away a lot more than the rear panel. According to the report, the proximity sensor and ambient light sensor have been removed from this particular component.
This would indicate either a change to the way in which the sensors are wired up to the device, or a change to the display itself. If you choose to believe in the latter, this backs up rumors that claim the device will boast a larger screen and a thinner bezel.
The source for these parts also mentions an interesting move that Apple could be looking to make with future iPhones:
Our source did indicate that Apple may be working on a special paint to blend sensors with the device’s color. This paint would need to allow light through for the device’s display senors [sic] as well. We find this speculation to be probable, as the iPhone 4S will most likely be an incremental upgrade with different design aesthetics and internals.
As with all leaked components, it’s hard to determine the authenticity of these, and what they mean for the iPhone. While they may be genuine Apple components, they could be from early prototypes that have completely changed along the way. And, of course, with rumors that there will be both an iPhone 5 and a cheaper version of the iPhone 4 this fall, it’s not easy to guess which device these parts could be related to.
