This Could Be What Apple's iPhone 5 Looks Like

[MacRumors]

Last month, we saw a leak of the design specification which claimed to be for the iPhone 5. Chinese case manufacturers seem to be betting on that design as they've already started producing cases based on that design document. We'd even requested and received some early renders based on the case designs.

Given how predictive the case designs have been in the past, we commissioned CiccareseDesign to create high quality renderings made as closely as possible to the original leaked case designs. Measurements were taken against the original case design leaks, and then imported into 3D modeling software.




The designs show manufacturers what areas need to be open or exposed for cases, but reveal little else. In the past, this has caused some misunderstandings about future features. iPad 2 cases seemed to suggest an extra port at the top of the device, but that turned out to be a space for a microphone hole. Similarly, there are a few areas on the iPhone 5 case designs that are open to interpretation. Click on the images for a larger view.




The elongated hole for the home button has suggested that the home button may itself also become more oval in shape. That is the direction our designer took as well. It's also possible, however, that the home button will retain its round shape and Apple has simply allowed extra space for swiping across the home button in a left to right or right to left manner. These's been some speculation that Apple could allow such a gesture for users to quickly switch between multitasking apps.




The exact screen size is another aspect that was hard to determine on the design drawings alone. Our renderings have enlarged the screen size to the space shown on the case designs. But, Apple has introduced a "swipe down" from the top of the screen notification system in iOS 5 that could benefit from some extra finger-space near the top of the screen in order to properly register. So, it may be that the screen isn't quite as large as depicted by the cases, and simply Apple allowing for extra space for these swipes. The representation here, however, does show a 4 inch screen which preserves Apple's current screen ratio. Rumors have suggested that Apple may be enlarging the screen size in the upcoming iPhone models.





The back of the device has tapered edges which makes it look much closer to the iPod touch. As well, there had been rumors that Apple would be abandoning the glass backing of the iPhone 4 and instead moving back to an aluminum design.

The final dimensions of the new design are calculated to be: 4.33" x 2.36" and .27" thickness at the top and .21" at the bottom In comparison, the iPhone 4 dimensions are: 4.5" x 2.31" x .37". So the new design is actually shorter than the existing iPhone 4, but slightly wider and thinner.

Assuming the leaked case designs are accurate, the iPhone 5 should be close in appearance to these renderings. The iPhone 5 is expected to be released in September or October of this year.

Article Link: This Could Be What Apple's iPhone 5 Looks Like

[ImNoSuperMan]

I havent bought an iPhone since 2g (mostly coz apple waits almost a year before releasing it here) but if it looks anything like this, I'll HAVE to find a way and get this thing any which way possible

[7o7munoz7o7]

I hope this is not what it really will look like......because if so im going to spend a lot of money to get that damn phone out of contract!!!!!!!

[MIDI_EVIL]

Wow, hopefully.

Beautiful.

I'm fed up with the lack of innovative Apps on Android...

[ABG]

Nice. Let's hope

[troop231]

Yay! I was wondering when we we're going to get another iPhone 5 rumor, it's been almost a week! So excited for the new design if it turns out to be true.

[Carlson-online]

if it had the same backas an ipad2 - awesome!

[wtmk81]

Looks good, if that's what it is sign me up.

[mostlydave]

I'll take one of each color to replace the 2 currently on my plan!!

[b-rad g]

If this is what the next iPhone is, then I'll be an early upgrader for sure!!

[nerdo]

Sexaaay, would even pay full price if this is real. If this doesn't get them pas EXXON, I dunno what will.

Let's hope the iPad3 is going to be this cool looking too. Edge to edge screens are so cool, poor people in SciFi land got another thing made reality in their lifetime.

Only thing that does surprise me is that Apple has not come up with a touch surface on the back of any of the devices. Perhaps in the real world it is not practical.

[Chupa Chupa]

What's the chance that what these unauthorized case makers think is the next iPhone is really the next iPod Touch? Now, I know what you are thinking -- there is a speaker on the front of the case. VOIP Phone.

[Burke Hamblin]

I still don't get why they'd taper it on one side, but these renders are consistent with the "Apple reduction" that occurs with each successive device generation.

As long as it's relatively light, speedy, and durable (and hopefully with 64 GB option), I'm in to upgrade from my chattering 3GS.

[Blue Sun]

I'm really liking that larger screen... if thats what the new iPhone is going to look like, bring it on!

[Dr McKay]

I really don't like the look of that Home button, and I hope Apple loses their obsession with "Thinner & Lighter" on their phones.

If it gets too light it'll just feel cheap, I'd prefer to have the thickness of the iPhone 4 and have a better battery inside.

I do love the idea of a bigger screen though.

[TheSuperSteve]

I'm sorry but that looks absolutely hideous.

[fkhan3]

Nice work! I'll take one

[ri0ku]

That looks hideous :S and I really doubt the home button will change at all.

[ELScorcho9]

I don't think they're going to put a 4 inch screen. Maybe the extra screen space is for those LED lights that go near the edge of the screen. Wasn't there a patent for something like that not too long ago?

[dalvin200]

that is gorgeous! *faints*

[aeaglex07]

really nice, elegant design.

Can't wait!

[Zepaw]

Wouldn't your hand/thumb keep hitting the screen? Visually I like it but I feel like I would register a lot of accidental touches if I don't hold it carefully.

[baleensavage]

As long as they don't go back to a shiny metal back on the iPhone, it looks nice, though I like the iPhone 4 design a little better than the tapered iPod design.

[tcphoto]

It looks great, a smaller version of the iPad2 with metal back. I am eligible for an upgrade and ready to enter my CC number!

[ablack774]

That design looks really nice. Hopefully it looks something like this.

One question though, Why in all the mock ups is the home button oblong? I think that the home buttons look in the mockup is horrible, if it were round as usual it would look amazing!