Schematic Purportedly Shows Next-Generation iPhone Front Panel Design with 4-Inch Display

[MacRumors]

Earlier today, Japanese blog Macotakara pointed to a blog post [Google translation] from repair firm iLab Factory showing what is claimed to be a design schematic for a next-generation iPhone front panel part. The schematic appears to correspond closely with part photos that leaked yesterday, showing a taller display and a shift in the position of the FaceTime camera to above the device's earpiece.

But while iLab Factory's version of the schematic has had many of the details blurred out, another source has provided MacRumors with a complete version of the schematic including measurements for several of the important features on the panel. The schematic appears to have been originally posted by Cydia Blog.

Click for larger

Most notably, the "active area mask" corresponding to where the device's display will be attached measures 90.1 mm (3.55 in) high and 51.42 mm (2.02 in) wide. This corresponds to an opening measuring approximately 4.08 inches diagonally, but iPhone viewable display areas have historically measured slightly smaller than their corresponding front panel openings. Consequently, this part would seem to nicely accommodate a display measuring 4 inches diagonally at an aspect ratio of roughly 16:9, in line with rumors of and evidence for a taller screen that maintains the width of the current model.

The schematic does not show an exact total height for the part in question, but calculations based on pixel counts and the known height of the display mask area suggest that the overall height of the part is roughly 122 mm, approximately 7 mm taller than the overall height of the iPhone 4S. With yesterday's leaked photos suggesting that the design will see a similar treatment to the iPhone 4/4S with metal edges of the device extending out further than the front panel, the overall device height and width on the next-generation iPhone would measure slightly larger than seen on this part.

Article Link: Schematic Purportedly Shows Next-Generation iPhone Front Panel Design with 4-Inch Display

[barryl85]

Looks legit

[Widashy]

What is this? Rumor Day

[powers74]

Holy #^*%balls!

[GeekLawyer]

Yeah, I'd say the details are falling into place.

Only question, really, remaining for me is June/July or September/October?

I always believed the fall, but with so much news slipping by, could it be earlier?

[basesloaded190]

Still don't really believe this.

Especially when Tim said: "We're going to double down on secrecy on products. I'm serious."

[timirving]

Personally I like this. I don't want my phone to be much bigger than it is right now. I have friends with android phones and some of their phones seem way too big.

[samac92]

Originally Posted by basesloaded190

Still don't really believe this.

Especially when Tim said: "We're going to double down on secrecy on products. I'm serious."

"We're going to double down on secrecy on products. I'm serious."

[Widashy]

Originally Posted by GeekLawyer

Yeah, I'd say the details are falling into place.

Only question, really, remaining for me is June/July or September/October?

I always believed the fall, but with so much slipping by, could it be earlier?

This time all rumors are consistent with each other. The resolution, screen size, leaked panels and now the schematics.

EDIT: Although leaked parts are showing up but wall street reported only a month ago about 4" screen sized iPhone, so it is safe to assume it's still in testing phase.

[Ciclismo]

Consequently, this part would seem to nicely accommodate a display measuring 4 inches diagonally at an aspect ratio of roughly 16:9, in line with rumors of and evidence for a taller screen that maintains the width of the current model.

Top candidate for "Most awkward sentence of the week" award.

[basesloaded190]

Originally Posted by samac92

"We're going to double down on secrecy on products. I'm serious."

So starting yesterday they are?

[Jayse]

I'll swallow my iPhone 4 if that is made...

[charlieegan3]

Originally Posted by basesloaded190

Still don't really believe this.

Especially when Tim said: "We're going to double down on secrecy on products. I'm serious."

Does seem a little odd doesn't it?

Maybe all these pictures being leaked are fake? (hope not)

[Ciclismo]

Originally Posted by Widashy

What is this? Rumor Day

The site is called "Mac Rumors", not "Mac facts, as confirmed by Apple as well as an independent Swiss testing laboratory".

[Santabean2000]

I hope it comes soon... the Samsung Galaxy S3 looks sweet...

Will be an interesting comparison.

[bbplayer5]

Please take my money already.

[charlieegan3]

Originally Posted by Jayse

I'll swallow my iPhone 4 if that is made...

you might end up having to do that...

[davidgnomo]

... uhm, I have learned to know well when the day is gonna be poor of good rumors ... and this is one of those days !

[powers74]

Originally Posted by charlieegan3

Maybe all these pictures being leaked are fake?

How hilarious would that be?!

[dagamer34]

The design is fine but part of me wants that 3GS->iPhone 4 leap, and this don't feel like it.

[lifeguard90]

Eheh. Can we get some mac attention

[ugahairydawgs]

So....doubling down on secrecy starts tomorrow?

[charlieegan3]

Originally Posted by Ciclismo

The site is called "Mac Rumors", not "Mac facts, as confirmed by Apple as well as an independent Swiss testing laboratory".

I don't think he is complaining, just commenting on the number of "rumors"/stories out today.

[M-O]

same width and only 7mm taller? not bad.

[charlieegan3]

Originally Posted by powers74

How hilarious would that be?!

Would be a 1st for sure.

Decoy rumors!