Next-Generation iPhone With 'Radical New Case Design' Coming in August?

[MacRumors]

BGR reports that it has received word from a reliable source indicating that the next-generation iPhone will indeed be a significant departure from the existing iPhone 4 form factor, bringing a "radical new case design" for the handset. According to the source, Apple may be preparing for an event in early or mid August to introduce the next iPhone, which would become available in the last week of August.

While Apple has indeed been giving some developers access to a device known as the iPhone 4S -- an iPhone 4 with upgraded internals -- BGR has independently confirmed that the next-generation iPhone will not merely be an upgraded iPhone 4 as had been previously rumored. We have been told by a reliable source to expect a radical new case design for the upcoming iPhone. We have not been given any additional details surrounding the design of the new iPhone case, though.

BGR's claims contradict a number of other reports that have claimed that Apple's next iPhone will appear nearly identical to the iPhone 4, with most improvements confined to the internals of the device. Several reports have also suggested that the new iPhone won't appear until the September-October timeframe, in line with the company's iPod-focused media event traditionally held around that time.

While BGR has demonstrated solid sourcing for Apple's iOS updates and offered some accurate information from Apple's retail store operations, the site has been less accurate with other recent claims. Recent misses include Back to School promo details and claimed MacBook Pro details.

Article Link: Next-Generation iPhone With 'Radical New Case Design' Coming in August?

 

[Bloodiron]

Bring. It. On.

 

[NoNothing]

Be cool if...

The iPhone 4 became the "new" $49-$100 unit. I know. Won't happen...

 

[MacBoobsPro]

SJ has a hard on for curved glass. What's the betting?

 

[alakazzam]

Love it! iPhone rumors going to go bonkers for the next few months

 

[HarryKeogh]

Steve looks diesel on stage in that pic.

 

[Sc24evr]

I wonder how much it will cost for those of us that already have the iphone 4

 

[longofest]

I really feel skeptical about this. Don't pin your hopes on this one. There seems to be simply too much concensous on more of an iPhone 4S revision.

 

[tcphoto]

I will be eligible for an upgrade in two days and am prepared to skip a bump in specs and wait for the redesigned iPhone. It is encouraging to hear that the next version may be my next phone.

 

[spencers]

Highly doubt this will happen.

 

[OasisNYK]

I really feel skeptical about this. Don't pin your hopes on this one. There seems to be simply too much concensous on more of an iPhone 4S revision.

I think the issue is Apple is letting way too much time go by between revisions so a spec bump might not be enough to keep the momentum going.

Given their history the 4S seems more likely but if you are a company in a war with Google that's probably not the best choice IMHO after leaving your previous hardware unchanged for over a year.

 

[Reason077]

I wonder how much it will cost for those of us that already have the iphone 4

It's going to be available 40% discount if you already own an iPhone 4 and want to extend your contract.

I heard this from my sister's friend's boyfriend who works at an Apple store, so its most likely true.

 

[WannaGoMac]

Lately hardware is less and less interesting, rather the software updates are usually more interesting.

With that said, the android hardware really is great. I would LOVE a larger screen iphone -- 4"

 

[jackc]

How radical can it really be? It's a box with a screen.

 

[akatsuki]

I can only hope they really go all in - the Nexus 4G rumors are pretty insane on the spec list, too bad the software sucks.

 

[ericinboston]

radical new case design != radical new phone.

 

[lazyrighteye]

I really feel skeptical about this. Don't pin your hopes on this one. There seems to be simply too much concensous on more of an iPhone 4S revision.

Agreed.
With the Feb addition of the VZW iPhone 4 and the white iPhone 4 having "just" been made available, I would find it very surprising if Apple rolls out a completely new hardware design come late summer/fall. I've seen crazier, but it just doesn't feel right...

 

[d0minick]

Larger screen and rounder back anyone

the i4 is hell to hold it for a while.

 

[Slurpy2k8]

I like how theres been a universal assumption and agreement that the next phone will be 'identical' physically, and in other ways just a slight bump to the iPhone 4, based on... absolutely nothing. Everytime theres a consensus online about a future Apple carpet, it usually turns out completely wrong and the rug gets pulled from under them. Where did this 'consensus' come from? Its 1 or 2 unsubstantiated rumors, which all the tech blogs then repost and validate, then before you know it its 'fact'. We should know by now to expect the unexpected. Apple is good @ keeping secrets. Many of the new iOS5 features came out of left field, iCloud contained more than any rumor Id ever read about it, etc.

 

[HelveticaNeue]

Like the article says, I have faith in BGR when he pegs iOS update release dates but I don't find his hardware information holds water.

I really love the hardware on the iPhone 4 and kinda doubt that Apple would change it so quickly. However, if they do one thing's for sure: it won't be thicker.

 

[840quadra]

I think the issue is Apple is letting way too much time go by between revisions so a spec bump might not be enough to keep the momentum going.

Given their history the 4S seems more likely but if you are a company in a war with Google that's probably not the best choice IMHO after leaving your previous hardware unchanged for over a year.

Changing too much, too often, can also be a killer combination. Apple has a history of showing some reserve in their design changes. Familiarity, and ease of use also help sell units too. I don't envy their position in the marketplace, they have a much harder balancing act to deal with than their Android competitors.

 

[liquid stereo]

iPhone 4 is a brick

The iPhone 4 is a stylistic dead end. I would be surprised if the person who came up with its design ever does anything again. Its a brick. It doesn't feel nearly as nice as the 3G/3GS. And its a brick.

The next iPhone will most likely be a "descendant" of the iPhone 3.

 

[igazza]

Radical new antenna design more like it.

 

[Dr McKay]

1.17mm thinner and 0.6g lighter!

Powered by our new ultra-thin "Hummingbird" battery, which can power the phone for a full 17 minutes without charge!

 

[motohooligan]

It's going to be available 40% discount if you already own an iPhone 4 and want to extend your contract.

I heard this from my sister's friend's boyfriend who works at an Apple store, so its most likely true.

My uncle's dog's cousin's best friend's owner who cleans toilets next to an apple store said all new iPhones will be free...