'iPhone 4GS' Case and Detailed Parts Video

[ziggyonice]

I never understand why people ruin the design of the iPhone by sticking plastic around it. Utter madness.

Because AppleCare doesn't cover accidental damage.

I went a long time without a plastic case on my iPhone, until it took a stumble and suffered some injuries. If that AT&T accidental damage insurance is true, I might get that in addition to the phone.

 

[bcotten]

for all the haters

to all the douches way back when this thing was first leaked who swore up and down that anyone who believed it was real was an idiot... and all those who said you'd never buy one in a million years..

as soon as this thing is confirmed by Steve, I'm going to call you out. by name! enough with being an ****** already.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

I really liked the other iPhone 4 protoype. It has wider holes for the speaker/mic on the bottom and lacks the ever so hated screws. The camera lens on the back seems larger as well. Maybe the prototype shown in this video is the "back-up" iPhone 4 prototype that we've seen so often these past few weeks. We are possibly getting the worse of the two for production reasons, similar to the 3GS situation last year.

The wide holes for the speaker / mic may not make much of a difference if the physical hardware is the same size. As for the camera lens it may merely be the surround which makes it look larger - bit like a visual effect purely cosmetic. As for the 3GS I was shocked when the physical design didn't change - it's been long overdue.

 

[kockgunner]

It may be but IR was pulled years ago as it can't compete against wifi / Bluetooth. I heard the new iPhone would incorporate some sort of RFID technology, but have heard no more about this.

Yet all Apple's computers have them . As for the seams, I was thinking they might be for latching accessories on too, but it seems like the seams aren't actually indented. It looks like there is black plastic separating the metal surround.

The volume buttons do look strange – like the battery tester button on the side of Macbooks.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

Again, if this is a hard plastic case I doubt that those buttons will "retain full functionality".

I'd say it's some sort of silicon / rubber combo that's flexible but a tight fit for the buttons.

 

[aiqw9182]

I'd say it's some sort of silicon / rubber combo that's flexible but a tight fit for the buttons.

Well, until you physically prove this I'm not believing anything you say.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

Yet all Apple's computers have them . As for the seams, I was thinking they might be for latching accessories on too, but it seems like the seams aren't actually indented. It looks like there is black plastic separating the metal surround. The volume buttons do look strange – like the battery tester button on the side of Macbooks.

I thought the seams (based on video) were actually cut into the aluminum as they are not that wide - unless someone can verify otherwise. The volume buttons are a big departure as the previous iPhones had rocker switches that visually looked like one button. The circular buttons could be a design cue for future iPhone designs.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

Well, until you physically prove this I'm not believing **** you say.

Use logic - iPhone has separate volume up and down buttons so for a purple case to cover them as visualized it would have to be a silicon / rubber case - to keep functionality and protection.

 

[Justinf79]

I'm still not convinced this will be the exact final design. It's not ugly, but has room for improvement.

 

[ArmCortexA8]

Since the buttons on the side protrude from the aluminum casing the case cover shown must be made of silicon / rubber to be able to cover the buttons without impeding their functionality.

 

[rkswat]

I don't believe the edge casing video. Jony and Steve won't allow for screws at the bottom. Period.

Man am I sick of reading this stupid argument. A simple look at 3g and 3gs will tell you screws are very much apple.

The case show is obviously a flexible material so the buttons can be covered and still used. Suck it up suckers..... screws and round buttons are part of the new iPhone.... don't like it don't buy it I'm sure apple wont shed a tear for you.

 

[aiqw9182]

Since the buttons on the side protrude from the aluminum casing the case cover shown must be made of silicon / rubber to be able to cover the buttons without impeding their functionality.

Yes it's like a lug / grummet fit that goes straight over the buttons yet full functionality remains in place. The might be caps but these could fall off, so I think these are part of the whole case.

So which are you assuming here, the case is rubber or that the buttons protrude? You keep on changing your story, again, you have no information. You are assuming multiple things and stating it as facts, post to a link that shows exactly what the case is or don't respond.

 

[MadMacxxx]

Use logic - iPhone has separate volume up and down buttons so for a purple case to cover them as visualized it would have to be a silicon / rubber case - to keep functionality and protection.

Since the buttons on the side protrude from the aluminum casing the case cover shown must be made of silicon / rubber to be able to cover the buttons without impeding their functionality.

Completely agree, and totally simple to understand.

So which are you assuming here, the case is rubber or that the buttons protrude? You keep on changing your story, again, you have no information. You are assuming multiple things and stating it as facts, post to a link that shows exactly what the case is or don't respond.

How are you failing to realize such a simple concept? The buttons protrude from the side of the device. If the case wasn't made of a flexible material, like rubber or silicon, how would you be able to depress the buttons? Hard plastic would prevent you from being able to press the buttons because the material wouldn't allow for it. You don't need official "information," just use common sense. If you put a hard plastic case over your TV's remote, could you press any of the buttons down?

 

[aiqw9182]

Completely agree, and totally simple to understand.

How are you failing to realize such a simple concept? The buttons protrude from the side of the device. If the case wasn't made of a flexible material, like rubber or silicon, how would you be able to depress the buttons? Hard plastic would prevent you from being able to press the buttons because the material wouldn't allow for it. You don't need official "information," just use common sense. If you put a hard plastic case over your TV's remote, could you press any of the buttons down?

Lol? That's what I'm saying, the case is retarded because according to those pictures it looks like a hard plastic case over the buttons so you can't press them. This guy has made two assumptions, one of which is that its a soft material and the other is that the buttons stick out. Make up your god damn mind or post some information on what it's actual made of and how it functions.

As someone mentioned above there are cases with camera holes for iPod Touches, it's not something new to have a case with the wrong or missing functionality.

 

[quagmire]

In the video, there is some black piece of material that leads to the seam on the top of the case. Is that for structural integrity? Or is there a different function?

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

It'd be so funny if the new iPhone looked completely different! Smart decoy Apple

 

[bennifer3000]

Looks great. Cannot wait.

The only thing that bums me out is the shape. The 3GS feels awesome.
Somewhat curious why they went with the flat design. Ahh well.

 

[andyorkney]

Seams; thermal expansion gap?

The new iPhone HD (I think that's what's Steve n crew will name this one) is apparently unibody constuction like all the high end portable aluminium devices produced by Apple recently. Aluminium and glass/ceramic are sure to have different expansion coefficients, the seams I'd argue allow for the expansion & contraction of the aluminium block without cracking the glass/ceramic screen and back. If there where no silicon/rubber in the seams then it might also be possible that the channels would be to allow for better sound quality while using the internal speaker, with the speak being able to drive more air and hence increased volume & base potential. The round buttons are essential, camera functions will be on these buttons for sure, onscreen button really is a cludge for a camera. I for one like the design, and can see Jonny Ive all over it!

 

[MadMacxxx]

Lol? That's what I'm saying, the case is retarded because according to those pictures it looks like a hard plastic case over the buttons so you can't press them. This guy has made two assumptions, one of which is that its a soft material and the other is that the buttons stick out. Make up your god damn mind or post some information on what it's actual made of and how it functions.

As someone mentioned above there are cases with camera holes for iPod Touches, it's not something new to have a case with the wrong or missing functionality.

This guy's assumptions are based on the fact that despite your personal perception that the materials in the photo resemble hard plastic, in order for the buttons to retain functionality, the case would have to be made of a soft material, or have cut outs. Because I understand this, I also think that the cases must be made of silicon. However, if the design is made of hard plastic, then this rendering isn't accurate because it shows the buttons underneath the case material, and that wouldn't allow proper use of the buttons.

We're talking about how the case would need to be designed to allow proper functionality of the volume buttons, not whether or not there will be buttons on the side or if they'll look like that. This is different debate than the ipod touch cases made with camera holes.

 

[Icaras]

All previous iphone's have had a dual ended rocker switch for volume up and down on a pivot, which makes volume adjustment more tricky, so I think separate switches / buttons are a better idea on the new iPhone plus it fits in with the aluminum / glass design of the phone. I thing plastic chrome buttons like on the 3GS would look too out of place.

You are aware that this is based entirely off your opinion, right? My experience on the volume rocker is that I do not have any of the troubles or issues you pointed out. I personally have no problems finding my way between "up" and "down" on the rocker, and I'm a little confused as to how making separate buttons will remedy this to those who do find it difficult to discern between two opposite directions on their thumb.

And as I continue to reiterate: I still believe the clumsy large buttons are hideous and extremely un-Apple like.

It's a "prototype" in every sense of the word.

 

[aiqw9182]

This guy's assumptions are based on the fact that despite your personal perception that the materials in the photo resemble hard plastic, in order for the buttons to retain functionality, the case would have to be made of a soft material, or have cut outs. Because I understand this, I also think that the cases must be made of silicon. However, if the design is made of hard plastic, then this rendering isn't accurate because it shows the buttons underneath the case material, and that wouldn't allow proper use of the buttons.

We're talking about how the case would need to be designed to allow proper functionality of the volume buttons, not whether or not there will be buttons on the side or if they'll look like that. This is different than the ipod touch cases made with camera holes.

This guys multiple assumptions are based on a 500x300 picture to which he just THINKS that he is correct without providing any information to back up his statement. I'm not arguing in order for the buttons to remain functional it needs to be made of a soft material. That's why I made a comment about it in the first place. The material does not look soft. I'm basing everything on what I can physically see, I'm not magically making **** up as I go as to what the case could be like you two are doing.

 

[NightFox]

Seams=slide-out keyboard.

(time for a new rumour!)

 

[MadMacxxx]

This guys multiple assumptions are based on a 500x300 picture to which he just THINKS that he is correct without providing any information to back up his statement. I'm not arguing in order for the buttons to remain functional it needs to be made of a soft material. That's why I made a comment about it in the first place. The material does not look soft. I'm basing everything on what I can physically see, I'm not magically making **** up as I go as to what the case could be like you two are doing.

So despite knowing what needs to be in place to allow those buttons to work, you would rather disregard the possibility that these are just poor 500x300 renderings, and argue that because the material looks like hard plastic to you, that they must be made of hard plastic? And we're wrong for simply stating that no matter what the photo shows, the material would have to be soft? They look like silicon to me. How do you define what looks like hard plastic, and what doesn't, in a 500x300 prototype rendering? What criteria needs to be met? At this point, it seems like it's just a matter of opinion. Opinions aside, given what we know about hard and soft materials, we know that in order for those buttons to sit beneath the case material and still function correctly, the case would have to be made of a softer material, no matter what those photos show. We're not "making up **** as we go," we're simply applying a little logic.

 

[Icaras]

Based on his opinion, he feels that it may be the next logical step for Apple to separate the buttons. Do you see the problem with this?

Stating my opinion is just as meaningless as him stating his own, because in the end, we both don't have a clue as to what Apple will do.

It is however, rather pointless to debate on a future modification and insist that it improves upon the user experience, when it is in fact, only based soley on opinion alone with no valid cause for change.

As for my remark on the large buttons, I am basing this off Apple's design history and current product line up. And from these facts, It is in my best guess that we can safely assume that they will not use these type of buttons. At least I have foundation for this quibble. In contrast to the volume rocker, where he just said it doesn't work for him. Quite a difference here.

 

[aiqw9182]

So despite knowing what needs to be in place to allow those buttons to work, you would rather disregard the possibility that these are just poor 500x300 renderings, and argue that because the material looks like hard plastic to you, that they must be made of hard plastic? And we're wrong for simply stating that no matter what the photo shows, the material would have to be soft? They look like silicon to me. How do you define what looks like hard plastic, and what doesn't? What criteria needs to be met? At this point, it seems like it's just a matter of opinion. Opinions aside, given what we know about hard and soft materials, we know that in order for those buttons to sit beneath the case material and still function correctly, the case would have to be made of a softer material, no matter what those photos show.

Mmm, smells like bull ****.

Obviously I know what needs to be done in place for them to work, or again I wouldn't have commented on it. Pay attention so I don't have to repeat myself, class is in session.

I'm assuming things that I can physically see and differentiate. You are basing things that aren't concrete and you provide no evidence for. First your buddy thinks the buttons have caps on them then he thinks that the case is made of soft material. The side you are defending holds no grounds. That case does not look like silicon and it doesn't look like rubber. What is hard plastic? Plastic that snaps and doesn't bend.