In case you haven’t already had your fill of speculation about Apple’s next iPhone, iLounge claims to have received new information about Apple’s upcoming device, which is rumored to feature a 4-inch screen, a slightly taller and thinner design, a metal back, and a new smaller dock connector.
From iLounge:
What we’ve learned: the new iPhone will indeed be longer and thinner than the iPhone 4 and 4S. Approximate measurements are 125mm by 58.5mm by 7.4mm—a 10mm jump in height, nearly 2mm reduction in thickness, and virtually identical width. According to our source, Apple will make one major change to the rear casing, adding a metal panel to the central back of the new iPhone. This panel will be flat, not curved, and metal, not ceramic.
The report also suggests that Apple will likely use Gorilla Glass 2 for the next iPhone, which is significantly thinner and stronger than the Gorilla Glass used in the iPhone 4 and 4S.
Previous reports have already suggested that the next iPhone may feature a thinner design, as well as a metal back rather than glass. It’s also been suggested in the past that Apple could include a larger 4-inch screen in the iPhone by slightly increasing the height, while leaving the width the same. A smaller dock connector has also been rumored in the past.
So, if all of these details have already been rumored, what makes today’s report significant? Track record. iLounge has had relatively high success in their predictions about Apple products, having correctly predicted most of the details about Apple’s 3rd-gen iPad.
There are a few bits that are quite unclear however, such as the smaller dock connector. Why would Apple move away from their current 30-pin connector? Could it be to add Thunderbolt support (and what would they even gain from this)? Is it necessary to make the device thinner?
As expected, there are still many lingering questions about Apple’s next device, and nothing is certain until Apple confirms it themselves. Even so, I’d say this rumor is anything but far fetched. As for the release date, Apple is widely expected to release their next iPhone sometime this fall.