While a number of leaked photographs and design schematics of the next-gen iPhone have already surfaced (most of which agree in terms of design), 9to5Mac shares a pair of photos published by Gotta Be Mobile, showing a so-called “engineering sample” of the next-gen iPhone.
According to the report, the sample was obtained from a Chinese factory, and features a form factor that, once again, agrees with previous leaks. It’s unclear exactly what the purpose of the “engineering sample” might be – it’s a solid piece of metal in the shape of the supposed iPhone 5, but has no functional parts.
The sample is also reportedly slightly taller than a current iPhone 4S and the same width, lending support to the notion of a next-gen iPhone with a 4-inch screen and slightly taller build.
Of course, it’s quite unclear whether or not the sample is genuine, or what purpose it is intended to serve if it is – but whether or not this is the real deal (9to5Mac speculates that it may be a case maker’s mold), it certainly does make things interesting!