"iPhone 5" Back Cover Hands-On Video

[charlituna]

Seems very plausible, considering all the other rumors...

yep it is plausible that
1. somehow this person got a real backplate intended for actual production which has perhaps already started in order to have enough product for a huge launch sweep like the new iPad had
2. somehow this person got a prototype backplate that was produced in a very limited run that will end up being yet another rejected design
3. this person has seen on the rumors, creates unofficial back plates already, mocked this up from the rumors and is trying to pass it off as legit.

 

[Blorzoga]

I agree with what the other MR members are saying, it looks a lot better in the video than it does in the Photographs. Almost as if the color differences of the back plates aren't that extreme?

Have you seen these photos? Pretty convincing.
http://winfuture.de/screenshots/Angebliches-iPhone-5-Gehaeuse-7549-1.html

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Changing the dock connector would essentially make buying a new iPad, iPod, or iDevice accessory pointless.

Not only that but it would piss off hundreds of millions of people with iDevices who have money invested in accessories.

Apple would essentially kill the entire iOS ecosystem.

The entire ios ecosystem that will be able to make and sell new docks. Yeah, they're really pissed.

 

[charlituna]

If thats fake, thats an impressive fake.

Many of those fakes are very impressive. They even fool legit Apple techs from time to time. Especially front assemblies.

 

[Jerry-macrumors]

All good points, especially regarding the ergonomics of the bottom headphone jack while holding in your hand. Having it on the top never made much sense. Having more space for ads on the screen, though, I would have to disagree is an improvement from a consumer's perspective.

I agree with you. But either way they will just keep throwing those adds up there. At least with a longer screen we'll be able to see more of what we are doing on our free apps. Or maybe the plan is to make the adds bigger...

 

[sdtaco]

blah

 

[Blorzoga]

It is fake. Where is the headphone jack in the vid? Are they doing away with it?

Where have you been? It's on the bottom, silly.

 

[tigress666]

Several thoughts here:

First, it does seem that there are a lot of leaks for it to be releasing in October. But some one did point out if it does change screen sizes they have to give developers enough time to change their apps. Thing is, because of that, I think we'll know when the developers get their hands on iOS6 if there is a change in screen size... so it's not something they would be able to hide really after they introduce iOS6 to developers.

Second... I really hope if they change the connector there will be converters to let the old connectors work. I don't have much but the one thing I do have is something we added to my car radio that would be really hard for me to change out... that alone might have me wondering if I should just get a 4S.

The other thing is I wish I could get my hands on at least a 3D mock up (I know, not going to happen) to see how well it would fit in my purse (Which is already tightly packed). Thinner is better, but longer is not (and honestly, I really don't like the longer aspect ratio. If they had to make the phone bigger I wish they kept the same aspect ratio. Longer really doesn't help in landscape mode and just makes it awkward looking unless you are watching movies, which is not my main use of my iphone). It's another consideration I'd have between deciding between a 4s and it (and the problem is I'm counting on the subsidy and I need at least 32 GB and I'm planning on getting 64 so I can't wait until after it is released cause they'll make the 4s an 8GB (or maybe 16GB now) only. So I'll have to decide in the short time between when they announce the new iPhone and when they put it out.

Fourth, the back I like the looks of *shrug*. Didn't think I would but I think it looks fine like that (in fact the two tone probably helps to break it up. IF it was one color it would look abnormally long imho).

 

[verniesgarden]

yep it is plausible that
1. somehow this person got a real backplate intended for actual production which has perhaps already started in order to have enough product for a huge launch sweep like the new iPad had
2. somehow this person got a prototype backplate that was produced in a very limited run that will end up being yet another rejected design
3. this person has seen on the rumors, creates unofficial back plates already, mocked this up from the rumors and is trying to pass it off as legit.

of all three scenarios, the first one is the most likely, simple to accomplish

 

[tigress666]

Umm replace the battery (since I actually use my phone for more then 6 months unlike most people.)

Fix components if phone became broken, i have needed to have this type of stuff done on my 4. And it doesn't make sense to not have a way to actually open up a phone without ripping it apart by it's glue

Exactly. My roommate's 3G digitizer (I think that's what it is called, the touch part of the touch screen) died and he replaced it for like less than 50 bux (compared to the 200 Apple wanted to "fix" his iphone).

If you are handy with fixing things, being able to take it apart is a good thing because you aren't guaranteed it will last the 2 years of a phone contract (the warranty is only good for one and like this person said, some of us hold our phones for at least as long as the contract. Hell, there are many people who don't even feel the need to upgrade when their contract is up. I could get a 4S now but I'm waiting).

And honestly, I'd say most people wait the 2 years of their contract to upgrade phones, not 6 months to a year (you gotta remember most people on here are techies so they are probably much more likely to upgrade quicker). So for most people being able to fix the phone themselves is a good thing.

 

[charlituna]

Can't move it unless they've got something else to replace it with, or else investors will throw a fit.

Sure you can. The investors don't care how the money is made so long as it is made. And even releasing the iPhone in Q3 (that's fiscal as that is the only calendar Apple cares about) can invoke high numbers in Q4 as it did for 4 generations of the iPhone. Apple made the switch because they wanted to line up releasing the new iOS version with the hardware AND give developers enough lead time to have their updates ready to launch asap when the iOS launched. Not because of needing a product in that quarter.

Oh and for the record, Apple's Q1 starts in Oct.

 

[charlituna]

This proposed iPhone 5 design is not a change for the better. It is a change for the sake of change and is very un-Apple like in my opinion.

We haven't heard the reason behind the change (if it is real). once we hear that then we'll know if it is a change just to change. Which I agree is very unApple

What is very Apple is sticking to a design they feel works and focusing on the internals. Which is why I suspect that the next iPhone will look exactly like the iPhone 4 and 4s, same with the next MBPs, Mac Mini and iMacs. Any physical change will be due to the needs of the internals, not the external. If they can find a way to fill that need without an external change they will. Even if it disappoints those folks that seem to believe that Apple is somehow legally or morally mandated to redesign their stuff every 2-3 years.

 

[tigress666]

All you geniuses complaining.about the 2 tone back realize that the original iPhone had a 2 to e back, right?

Yeah, and honestly it was really ugly.

That being said the two tone on this "new" one (if it is the final product) is far better done. The one on the original iphone and the iPad 3G looks butt ugly imho (like they couldn't come up with anything better).

 

[tdream]

Can we just hire hitmen and gun these people down. I mean it takes all the fun out of the release. We knew everything about iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S, and the new iPad. Apple needs to crack some heads.

 

[Xenc]

Can we just hire hitmen and gun these people down. I mean it takes all the fun out of the release. We knew everything about iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S, and the new iPad. Apple needs to crack some heads.

Is someone forcing you to browse Apple rumour websites? It's easy to avoid news like this. Even if you want to keep visiting MacRumors, you don't have to read every story in detail.

 

[dnferreira]

And don't know if this is really the new iPhone, but IMO this design is a little bit against Jony Ive's design concept of simplicity/functionality above all things. I don't think it is a bad looking phone, I just find it "designly complicated".

DNF

 

[Blorzoga]

We haven't heard the reason behind the change (if it is real). once we hear that then we'll know if it is a change just to change. Which I agree is very unApple

What is very Apple is sticking to a design they feel works and focusing on the internals. Which is why I suspect that the next iPhone will look exactly like the iPhone 4 and 4s, same with the next MBPs, Mac Mini and iMacs. Any physical change will be due to the needs of the internals, not the external. If they can find a way to fill that need without an external change they will. Even if it disappoints those folks that seem to believe that Apple is somehow legally or morally mandated to redesign their stuff every 2-3 years.

I think you're referring to the iphone4 to 4s change.

 

[charlituna]

Chill out everyone - fake or not, only one company knows whats real or not - thats Apple. They are smart enough to know theta the next iPhone will need to be appealing in order to keep the steam roller going.

But that doesn't require a new external design. They want to give folks a reason to upgrade other than their Apple Care is done and their contract is up so they can. There's several ways they can do that.

One is a new flashy external design.

Another is something new and flashy in the software that needs more kick than that old 3gs can give. Like if the rumors are true and they are doing a total revamp of Maps to in-house software. It might have some flashy 3D or such that lures people in but can't be run on anything less than a 4s. And if you are going to pay $99 for a 4s why not just save a little bit more cash and pay $199 for a 6th Gen. People do think like that and don't care about the outside of the phone as much.

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I think you're referring to the iphone4 to 4s change.

If I was referring to that then that's what I would have said.

 

[KoolKid]

About the two tone colour. Maybe it's a prototype, not yet finished!

 

[charlituna]

the new iPhone won't use the nano sim,
just saying

theres not enough time to get all the phone networks worldwide on board,
maybe next year

Unless they are changing the numbering systems there's really nothing the carriers have to worry about. It will be a seamless move for them.

 

[jamesdvb]

This is undeniably real.... I am still just shocked and disapointed that apple is changing the resolution and even the aspect ratio!! Why?!! Why purposely fragment your OS. Also, I am disapointed that they are keeping the near same design as 2 years ago. With all that said, come June 11th I will absolutely love this phone and think its perfect in every way and I'll buy it ASAP

So, in the same paragraph, you're complaining that they're changing things (screen resolution and aspect ratio) while also saying you're disappointed that they are keeping near the same design? Make up your mind!

The new design will be thinner, have a larger screen that's 16:9 aspect ratio (which better matches up with HDTV and movie content without letter boxing), have a smaller dock connector, more room in the bottom for better speakers, and put the headphone jack on the bottom where it makes sense. Many people put the phone in their pocket upside down. Hold your phone as if you're using it, then stick your hand in your pocket in a natural way, and voila, it's upside-down. Also, if it's laying on a desk/table and you're using it, the headphone jack makes sense on the bottom, facing you.

 

[Bistroengine]

This doesn't seem real because the back has this two tone matt/shinny finish which I cannot imagine apple doing. Also they got rid of the 30 pin dock port which might happen but see how they have been using the same port for so many generations, I find it highly unlikely they'll change it.

The engineering, size etc all seems very plausible, but what gives with that two-tone back - glass/plastic and aluminum?

This is something I couldn't figure out on the earlier videos - it looks quite naff and 'unApple'. That's not to accuse it of being a fake video, just that the design is quite jarring, and not what we'd typically expect.

It is similar to the iMac and iPad in the dual use of material, but the the actual glass top and tail....

I know I'm probably judging too soon, and I know I'll be the first to preorder it, BUT that backside is really putting me thru it! It looks like a detachable plastic back, found on most Androids.

Wow, that's a pretty ugly back...

Here's my theory on the back. If you look closely at the inside of the case there is a pattern in what looks like a metal plate. Also, those plastic breaks in the side pieces that separate the internal antennas line up perfectly with the matte finish area of the back side. I think Apple is now using the entire back plate in addition to the sides as an extended antennae. The difference in color we see is most likely a change in materials used to boost antenna performance. After the fiasco with the iphone 4 antennae there's no doubt the engineers went back to the drawing board on this one.

 

[charlituna]

Why does the new part have these screw holes if the back is not removable. Thats why i think this is fake.

You are basing your logic on the notion that the back is not removable. Perhaps it is, thus the screws. It could be possible, although why they would I don't know, that they still attaching everything to the front plate and that would pop out like the 3g/3gs display did.

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I'm a little surprised about the big aluminium / metal back especially after the New iPad overheating fiasco. If it is running the same or upgraded processer wont it produce ALOT of heat? I know that the metal will be used as the heat sink of sorts but that caused the issue on the iPad (didn't it?)

a few random cases yes but most folks haven't really had a major heat issue with their iPads. it does get noticeably warmer but not some kind of flaming hot. And generally it only gets that heat if you are charging it for a long period, playing some kind of processor heavy game or such

 

[paradox00]

Second... I really hope if they change the connector there will be converters to let the old connectors work. I don't have much but the one thing I do have is something we added to my car radio that would be really hard for me to change out... that alone might have me wondering if I should just get a 4S.

If the dock is redesigned, this will definitely happen. Either through Apple or someone else, probably both. There's too much money to be made there to leave alone.

 

[GQB]

What makes it easier to pull the phone out of your pocket with the jack on the bottom? The phone with the jack in use would presumably be upside down then, rather than right-side up. I would never presumably put my phone upside down and that is one of the most annoying features of the iPod Nano/Touch, for my tastes.

Seriously?
'upside down' is relative to use. To put a phone in your pocket (by your definition) 'right side up', you have to
1) flip it around in your hand (unless you've figure out how to put your hand in your pocket wrist first) and
2) proceed to use it from the top (wrong end) if you actually do use it while in your pocket.
3) flip it back around when you take it out of your pocket.

On the other hand if you simply put your hand into your pocket with the phone pointed down (natural position), you just let go.
I really wonder how some people here passed the licensing test for using human hands.

 

[mytakeontech]

While it may be good looking and fine for many, I think I don't see any reason for me to upgrade. My 4s looks great and works great.

I know the iP5 will be more powerful and add few hardware features but I think 4s is good enough for any needs I have.