According to scans posted by Apple.pro from a Chinese-language newspaper (via MacRumors), the next-gen iPhone‘s outer enclosure could measure in at just 7.6mm in thickness – roughly equivalent to the iPhone 4S with its back panel removed (as noted by iDownloadBlog).
The newspaper reportedly obtained one of the supposed next-gen iPhone enclosures that have been appearing in recent weeks, and took a number of precise measurements, noting that the casing is significantly larger than the iPhone 4S.
According to the report, the exact measurements came in at 58.6 mm in width, 123.83 mm in height, and just 7.6mm in thickness. Also especially interesting is that those dimensions very closely match specifications that were reported by MobileFun in June.
One manufacturer we spoke to said that he was sure that the leaked images were accurate – so sure that he was already preparing to construct iPhone 5 cases and he’d be willing to ship replacements for free if they turned out not to be perfect. He enumerated three big changes from the old iPhone 4S to the iPhone 5:
1. The phone is much bigger, measuring 58.47 mm wide, 123.83 mm high and 7.6 mm thin. The screen is 4″.
2. The earphone jack has been relocated to the bottom of the phone.
3. The dock connector is much smaller, similar in size to micro USB.
While it’s true that this information doesn’t come from the most credible of sources, it does closely match the specifications that most media outlets expect Apple to unveil in their next iPhone, which makes it worth noting.
Apple’s next iPhone is rumored to feature a taller 4-inch screen, thinner design, and a two-tone metal rear casing, as well as a smaller dock connector, relocated FaceTime camera, new smaller nano-SIM, and LTE support, and is expected to be announced on September 12.