Apparent Next-Generation iPhone Gets a Thorough Hands-On

[armoguy94]

These leaks really sucks for Apple!

 

[acfusion29]

I want it!

And all of you that are saying you don't want it, will get one. Stop lying to yourself

 

[broncopde]

Unfortunately, Gizmodo was not able to see the phone in action, as it appears to have been remotely disabled by Apple. The report does, however, lay out a through description of the device and a number of arguments as to why this almost certainly is a legitimate next-generation iPhone. While certain aspects may be tweaked prior to launch, the overall feature set of the next-generation iPhone certainly appears to be included in this device.

To me it is almost certainly a legitimate next-generation iPhone prototype. And yes, as far as features that can tell us quite a bit IMO. But as far as the enclosure goes (which I'm not a fan of, looks way too much like the Samsung Instinct), I don't think it necessarily makes it likely that this will be the actual enclosure released.

 

[Disc Golfer]

Hey, a better camera with a flash, now even more people can watch even more of concerts though their cell phone screens hoping to snap that perfect shot in the dark. Goody.

 

[ouimetnick]

This is probably the biggest leak in Apple's history. Steve will be murdering the employee.

 

[Ambrose Chapel]

i really like it, and, as my 3G contract is due to expire, plan to get one

i don't believe the story, though. i just can't believe that anyone would 1) take the phone off campus, and 2) lose it at a bar. it just seems too implausible that anyone with access to a prototype would be so careless. i wonder if it was stolen? that whoever has it was apparently going to charge people for hands-on time makes me very suspicious...

anyway, i can't imagine anyone in cupertino is in a good mood today.

 

[BruiserBear]

I don't believe this "bar" story for a second. This has to be Apple wanting to get the info out there earlier than normal to counter the gaining momentum of their competitors, who are putting out new phones on a very regular basis.

I have to say this update seems like a small one. I feel almost no pull to upgrade from my 3GS.

 

[Cobra2001]

I'm most excited about the potential functionality of the phone. As seam here or there is not a big deal and by the time the phone comes out, who knows, the casing could be cleaned up a little more. Besides a lot of people put cases on their iPhones anyway.

Can't wait until June

 

[PutzMan]

I'm now waiting for all of the people yesterday who (1) said it was fake; (2) said they would never buy it; to suddenly change their minds and admit their love for it.


I personally love this design. Makes a distinct change, but looks a lot more like the rest of the Apple line. Bring it.

 

[michaelvoigt]

lack of CPU details is fishy

The fact that this prototype has been disassembled and endless pictures taken with no CPU details is fishy! quite fishy. WHAT CHIP is powering this phone?

I think they found this phone has a old ARM processor and not the new A4 chip. It doesn't take a genius to determine that if this phone doesn't have a new A4 chip that it probably isn't the next iPhone. If I was enjoying my 15 minutes of fame from this phone I might also hold back the photo and information if it was using a old CPU...

I'm leaning towards this being a old prototype phone that wasn't release and never will be. The new style and design might carry on but this hardware might not.

 

[bandalay]

Imagine if this is "it", the final design…

Wonder if Steve-o would insist on a new case design just to save face?

Kinda hard to believe Apple would let final case design into the field before launch day. Electronics/software maybe…

I kinda dig it - I've longed for the silver cigarette case look since the first one came out. The ceramic back screams Ive, and the square design is pure retro homage, classic - and away from the inflated rounded rectangle.

 

[kdarling]

C'mon Gizmodo. We all know you're technically clueless.

How about giving the phone to some engineers, so they can disect the chipset before it has to go back to Apple?

 

[Ilzen&Mac]

I'm sorry, but to me it looks like a crap. It actually reminded me my nokia n81 phone wich I had 3 years ago with it's cheap plastic design with those rounded buttons and brown sides. I also don't understand why would Apple get rid of it's unique metal frame that even nokia nowadays puts in it's every new product (but for they are cheap plastic there).
I really hope these photos are either fake or 10 years old prototype, because to me this iPhone looks a huge step backward, especially for apple

 

[amac4me]

Maybe it's a device to throw people off.

 

[Telp]

Was Mr Ive on holiday when it was designed?

I was thinking the same thing. This thing is ugly. I hope I have to eat my words and that it looks better in real life...but if that's what it is...

 

[richard.mac]

Let see how everybody that said that if this is the real deal they are not getting this "Hideous" "Non-Apple design" phone!!

these are much better photos than mr blurry cam before and gives a much better perspective on its design which is pretty nice. much more solid and professional looking.

but i dont like how the sim tray is on the side, i wouldve found some way to put it back on the top but supposedly the case is pretty tight for space.

 

[mckvakk]

Seems like they have borrowed quite a few design elements from old nokia phones.

It's not ugly, but i think it's a design that needs to grow on you..

But why the front facing camera? Who uses that anyways? Many manufacturers have skipped this because noone ever uses it..

Oh, and i'll probably get one

 

[spazzcat]

Seeing it next to the current iPhones, its not as bad as I thought, but I'm still not sure I like it. Maybe its just a test design...

 

[jaw04005]

Being a prototype, it was likely wiped by Apple's corporate remote wipe feature and not MobileMe. Therefore, they know which employee lost it.

You know Jobs has to be furious.

 

[carlosbutler]

crikey apple either design this on a budget or have taken a completely different, and in my opinion, rubbish turn on design. this phone sucks!

 

[Jeremy1026]

This is the most convincing post yet. I'm beginning to think this might be the real deal.

 

[SatyMahajan]

Steve: So, Tim, it looks like we still have a large inventory of 3G and 3Gs iPhones. We need a way of clearing them out before the June launch.

Tim Cook: No problem, Jonny, can you make a really ugly looking temporary casing? We'll put some of the new stuff in there and leave it in San Jose for the rumor mill to spin it. This will throw off people waiting for the new iPhone and they will buy the current iPhones.

Jonny Ive: No problem. I see what you're getting at Tim, we'll make a magical, beautiful device, but make it not so beautiful that it makes people want the current one instead. Bloody brilliant mate.

Phil Schiller: And we can put a 80GB SSD in there to throw people off.

Steve: Make it so.

And thus, the iPhone 3G and 3Gs were sold like hot cakes from April through June.

 

[Eltorero]

Let's hope this is just a prototype design or an ugly design on purpose for the case that someone would drop it, like happened now

 

[Cloudsurfer]

Absolutely wonderful design. It has a certain classy and professional look to it. I would buy one in a heart beat!

Oh and I'm sure someone at Apple lost his or her job now

 

[sphoenix]

That looks awful. Very un-Apple like. If any cosmetic changes are implemented, it'll be a fresh aluminium iPad-like design.