Reasons why leaked photos are not the next iPhone

[ahaley1986]

At this point, there is definitely significant evidence that this phone did come out of Cupertino, but two things just don't add up. First is the design. When looking at Apples (Ive's) design philosophy, there are several inconsistencies.
1) Apple prides itself on its sleek designs and this is the exact opposite. This thing is a brick. Imagine holding this thing with a case on it? It looks like a first gen product instead to a fourth gen. Jobs has said to personally oversee the design process and only selects what he deems as perfect. I suspect the new iPhone to retain and maybe even enhance its already sleek design.
2) When Steve comes onto stage to introduce it, can you imagine him saying, "We made it fatter and less ergonomic, but check out the screen and battery life." I think it would sound more like, "We managed to get double the battery life and include an HD screen, while reducing the thickness of this magical device." Think about it....
3) Imagine using those two buttons for the volume?? When apple does include buttons on its product, they do it very well (current volume rocker on the iphone/ipad) and this would again be a reverse trend.
4) Jobs would never EVER release a product with seams.
5) Since they don't have removable batteries in their entire product lineup, I don't expect it to change with the next iPhone.
6) I heard engadget mention something about microsd. Again, would never happen.

The second issue is that the iPhone is a core part of Apples business. People expect a beautiful product that includes the best technology. They can't afford to take a risk on a feature product line. IMHO, this design would be a disaster for Apple. I for one, would refuse to buy a product that appears inferior to the one I own (3GS). It would be like Apple replacing its unibody Macbook Pro's with Dell Inspirons. Not really a great business decision. With the release of the iPad, I think it can be safe to say that Apple is completely moving in the direction of unibody throughout their product lineup. I don't know how they will accomplish this with the iPhone, but having a streamlined lineup is something that defines the company. 5 years ago, almost every computer and accessory was white. We are in the unibody age now.

I believe this may very well be an actual iPhone 4 (HD) testbed. Look for the iPhone in June to keep its sleek and curved design. Apple will avoid making a brick-like device at all costs. I will be absolutely shocked if Steve pulls this phone out at WWDC.

Who knows, I may be completely wrong....time will tell

 

[BigOrangeSU]

I agree with most of your points but....

MicroSD-Its not a micro sd slot, its a micro SIM slot. I thought I read the same thing the first way through but went back to confirm and realize it was micro sim.

Also Removable Battery-

The picture doesn't show a removable battery. Its just you see it without the back casing with the "guts" shot.

I agree with your points but oyu must correct yourself about the things listed above.

 

[thelatinist]

I do not disagree with most of what you've written here. But your points only serve to suggest that this will not be the final design, not that it is not a real prototype. Consider the clunky iPad prototype we saw in the leaked photos on Engadget. Certainly the unveiled product did not look like the picture, but most people agree that it was a real prototype. Remember, this is a product that's still in testing, with a need for easy access to components and a a design that probably has not yet been finalized.

 

[Anthony T]

I don't think the photos are of the production model that will be released, but it probably is a real prototype. If that is going to be the new design, I'm sure there will be some tweaks to it, to make it look nicer. If they were to keep that form factor, the production model will probably have no seams, be a bit slimmer, etc. That could just be an unfinished model in the beginning stages. I would be VERY surprised if that is the exact look of the next iPhone that is going to be released.

 

[-aggie-]

I do not disagree with most of what you've written here. But your points only serve to suggest that this will not be the final design, not that it is not a real prototype. Consider the clunky iPad prototype we saw in the leaked photos on Engadget. Certainly the unveiled product did not look like the picture, but most people agree that it was a real prototype. Remember, this is a product that's still in testing, with a need for easy access to components and a a design that probably has not yet been finalized.

I would hope they've finalized the design by now. I can't imagine how they'd produce all the iPhones usually up for sale by June/July if they haven't.

 

[iphones4evry1]

Hey, even if these photos are not of the new iPhone,

DUDE!!!! ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE'RE GEEEEEET'N A NEW IPHONE THIS SUMMER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(seriously, why in the helck would someone waste their time making fake hardware (like in these photos) to take a picture and ANONYMOUSLY hand it to the media to claim as an iPhone leak, only to be in the news briefly before people move on to the next news story? Seriously, why would anyone waste their time making fake hardware for that????)

 

[Mlrollin91]

I would hope they've finalized the design by now. I can't imagine how they'd produce all the iPhones usually up for sale by June/July if they haven't.

I completely agree with that, but what if its a prototype that was actually made months ago? There is always that possibility that it now leaked out into the public, and Apple has already made their changes to it.

 

[na1577]

1) Apple prides itself on its sleek designs and this is the exact opposite. This thing is a brick. Imagine holding this thing with a case on it? It looks like a first gen product instead to a fourth gen. Jobs has said to personally oversee the design process and only selects what he deems as perfect. I suspect the new iPhone to retain and maybe even enhance its already sleek design.
2) When Steve comes onto stage to introduce it, can you imagine him saying, "We made it fatter and less ergonomic, but check out the screen and battery life." I think it would sound more like, "We managed to get double the battery life and include an HD screen, while reducing the thickness of this magical device." Think about it....
3) Imagine using those two buttons for the volume?? When apple does include buttons on its product, they do it very well (current volume rocker on the iphone/ipad) and this would again be a reverse trend.
4) Jobs would never EVER release a product with seams.
5) Since they don't have removable batteries in their entire product lineup, I don't expect it to change with the next iPhone.
6) I heard engadget mention something about microsd. Again, would never happen.

1) It's ugly in your opinion. Maybe not in Steve Jobs' opinion.
2) There is no proof that it is thicker than the older iPhones. If anything, it's thinner; look at the headphone jack.
3) I agree.
4) Never say never.
5) People are assuming that the battery is removable.
6) MicroSIM, not SD.

I do not disagree with most of what you've written here. But your points only serve to suggest that this will not be the final design, not that it is not a real prototype. Consider the clunky iPad prototype we saw in the leaked photos on Engadget. Certainly the unveiled product did not look like the picture, but most people agree that it was a real prototype.

That wasn't an iPad prototype, that was a pre-production device bolted down to a table. The iPad there was the same one that Apple announced later that day.

 

[sh0nuff]

Seems like it is a preproduction model. The XXGB on the back denotes that its clearly not a production model.. also the seams could be on prototypes as they are made to be taken apart, reconfigured, and reassembled. no sense making that process difficult..

 

[AppleFreak89]

The MicroSim slot seemed really interesting considering that is what is being used in the 3G version of the ipads...

 

[Tonytownsend]

It has to be new design. What else are they going to do add a flash and front facing camera and call it 4G. Plus I doubt they will call it 4G. Being that ATT has no 4G Network and that would defeat the purpose of calling it 4g Iphone.
Plus this design looks like it will be harder to scratch (current plastic covers suck!)

 

[walangij]

I bet that if this is the new phone, it will FEEL better in hand than anything in the market. Even with its looks, I kinda like it. To me it looks futuristic in a retro kinda way.

 

[doubleatheman]

I do have a really hard time belivig the battery would be removable. iPod Shuffle, nano, classic, touch, macbook, iPhone, iPad.... None have ever had a removable battery.

Has the non removable battery really been an issue with the iPhone? (fore some yes, but most people probably don't care? right?

Not to say that Apple cant change its ways, but I can see flash (adobe) on the iphone before a removable battery.

 

[tadad1]

I do have a really hard time belivig the battery would be removable. iPod Shuffle, nano, classic, touch, macbook, iPhone, iPad.... None have ever had a removable battery.

Has the non removable battery really been an issue with the iPhone? (fore some yes, but most people probably don't care? right?

Not to say that Apple cant change its ways, but I can see flash (adobe) on the iphone before a removable battery.

They could be looking ahead at possible legislation changes in the EU.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10060066-37.html

 

[doubleatheman]

They could be looking ahead at possible legislation changes in the EU.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10060066-37.html

So the EU wants a removable battery and a USB charging slot.... I have an extremely hard time seeing Apple wanting to conform to both of those requests.

If the iPhone went to a USB cord, it would be ok for me. I don't have any investments in iphone docs or accessories that plug in.

Removable battery: If it makes the device have seems and look cheap... I am not for it.

 

[Tonytownsend]

Removable battery: If it makes the device have seems and look cheap... I am not for it.

That comment is so stupid Im sorry. I Just dont see how the battery coming out makes something look cheap. Quit being ignorant.
I guess they should solder your battery to your Kia so it looks more expensive.

 

[doubleatheman]

That comment is so stupid Im sorry. I Just dont see how the battery coming out makes something look cheap. Quit being ignorant.
I guess they should solder your battery to your Kia so it looks more expensive.

Yikes, calm down.

Seems look cheap to me IMO!! and the fact that the case needs a way of clicking/sliding on and off probably means a built in divot or raised bump for you to slide the cover off. Or the phone needs to be a tiny bit more chunky to accommodate the rear cover attachment mechanisms be it a plastic click slot or what not. Normally its all one piece, now they have to design it to be more than one and all the parts that are used to connect the two pieces.

Rumor threads are prone to opinions and preferences. So take what I say with a grain of salt, eh?

 

[Tonytownsend]

Im very calm. Sorry If offended you. I type faster than I think sometimes

 

[Opstech]

It has to be new design. What else are they going to do add a flash and front facing camera and call it 4G. Plus I doubt they will call it 4G. Being that ATT has no 4G Network and that would defeat the purpose of calling it 4g Iphone.
Plus this design looks like it will be harder to scratch (current plastic covers suck!)

It's 4G for 4th Gen iPhone

 

[Tonytownsend]

It's 4G for 4th Gen iPhone

Wrong
G is the generation of tele standards and technology for mobile networking. G means Generation.
If the fourth generation Iphone I must have missed one generation. I would be stupid to release a 4G iphone on a 3g network.
and a 5g iphone on a 4g network. come on

 

[macswitcha2]

I do not disagree with most of what you've written here. But your points only serve to suggest that this will not be the final design, not that it is not a real prototype. Consider the clunky iPad prototype we saw in the leaked photos on Engadget. Certainly the unveiled product did not look like the picture, but most people agree that it was a real prototype. Remember, this is a product that's still in testing, with a need for easy access to components and a a design that probably has not yet been finalized.

Exactly what i was going to say....seems like the look could be simply for testing.

If anything, it reveals maybe some Apple secrets on how they develop their products. Perhaps they start with something bulky and work their way to slick devise.

 

[Carniphage]

Who knows, I may be completely wrong....time will tell

This device is following-on from Apple design language appearing in the iPad and other recent products.

Apple's trademark materials are now glass and aluminum. The exposed surface of this device is *entirely* glass and aluminum. No chrome, no plastic. No more scratches.

The volume rocker buttons are similar to the battery button on a MacBook Pro.

This new design is *thinner* than the 3GS.
There is no removable battery. Just a dumb theory that has not been thought out.

The whole thing could slip into a plastic case which would then look exactly like the current generation of products.

We know it is the real-deal because it appears in 3 month old photographs, known to be legit.

The only mystery is the presence of un-Apple-like seams. I wonder if they are staying?

C.

 

[siurpeeman]

So the EU wants a removable battery and a USB charging slot.... I have an extremely hard time seeing Apple wanting to conform to both of those requests.

apple already agreed to move to (micro) usb, so why not the battery?

Wrong
G is the generation of tele standards and technology for mobile networking. G means Generation.
If the fourth generation Iphone I must have missed one generation. I would be stupid to release a 4G iphone on a 3g network.
and a 5g iphone on a 4g network. come on

people say 4g iphone to represent the fourth generation device in the product line similar to how people refer to a 2g or 3g ipod touch. first generation iphone was the original, second being the iphone 3g, and the third generation is the current 3gs. the fourth generation would be the upcoming iphone expected this summer.

 

[Opstech]

Wrong
G is the generation of tele standards and technology for mobile networking. G means Generation.
If the fourth generation Iphone I must have missed one generation. I would be stupid to release a 4G iphone on a 3g network.
and a 5g iphone on a 4g network. come on

In reference to the macrumors site, https://www.macrumors.com/2010/04/18/iphone-4g-to-have-glass-ceramic-back-user-removable-battery/ , they talk about the next Generation iPhone (4th). This would be the fourth Generation coming out.

1st Gen, iPhone Aluminum Case, Edge Service
2nd Gen, iPhone Plastic Case, 3G Service
3rd Gen, iPhone 3Gs Plastic Case, 3G Service
4th Gen TBA, (Engadget Photos) 3G Service

I hope this helps you from reposting regurgitated and unnecessary comments. Know your stuff before you post.

 

[VulchR]

To me the clincher is the apparent lack of micro-USB. As noted above, Apple have agreed to this and it would give them more space in the phone. The Mophie Juice Pack Air already uses a micro-USB cable and it works fine syncing the iPhone with iTunes. I expect that Apple will adopt this new standard earlier rather than later. Of course, I could be wrong....