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iPhone 5 to Get Aluminum Backing, Redesigned Antenna?

Compile 'em all, right, but I suppose there is still a school of thought that believes that the iPhone 4 design was a fail, and the assumption is that it will be replaced sooner rather than later.

I think iPhone 4 design could serve them for another while yet.
 
Apple has been developing a new metal resin for the next laptop redesign so it doesn't make sense they would go back to aluminum for the iPhone when they're moving away from it for laptops. It's possible they will change to a new material with the only question whether they keep the flat back or return to a curved on like the iPad. Rumors here had the new iPad having a flat back like the iPhone4, but they kept the curved format and I have a feeling that's how the iPhone5 will be. It will be thinner and adding a curved back will make it easier to hold in the hand.

It doesn't make sense that they would redesign the antenna again. They've seem to have gotten it down pat with the Verizon model. One thing they could do is double up the antenna, like Verizon requires. That would help AT&T phones with weak signals, especially indoors.
 
Aluminum is the sexiest thing Apple did to its products whether you like it or not....

this mockup or the iPhone 4 with Aluminum backing or a whole new design with Aluminum backing I'M IN!
 
It looks to much like a new cheap ipod touch unlike the solid build of the first generation ipod touch. Hoping it wont easily scratch. Is it just me or the thinner these phones get the more delicate they seem to become.
 
Kissaragi said:
Would be a shame, the iphone 4 is the most beautiful gadget ive owned.
Click to expand...

And they can't take that away from you man! :D

I actually always like it when the replacement doesn't match the product I currently own. Saves me having to upgrade!
 
Hmm, really can't decide if this would be good or bad? I like my iPhone 4, not sure if going back to alloy is going back a step? I saw a workmates iPhone 4 last week after they had dropped it and the front scren was cracked with some bits missing, the back was fine???!!! Looked nasty though. So I guess with only one side being glass it will make the phone tougher.
Just don't make it any bigger Apple!!!!.....
 
I hope it's not true, I love the current design, they should do atleast one more release with the current design before they move on.
 
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A couple of things.

A metal case back doesn't completely eliminate the possibility if an external antenna. It might not be of the current type but there is more than one way to skin a cat. Speaking of antennas, iPhone 4 has one of the best performing antennas going.

Second apple has a limited range of design possibilities in the flat candy bar approach to a phone. Thus materials and processes will be revisted. If Apple does go with a metal back it could very well be for a new format that goes beyond the Candy bar approach.
 
callme said:
Not going to happen, one small point.

With an solid aluminium back there is no signal path for antennas.
The original iPhone had a large platic panel to allow for the antennas to send / receive.
Click to expand...

Exactly!

The only way this is even halfway true is if they use their new liquid metal patents to make a metal back that allows signals to pass through. I don't think Apple's going to go back to the partially plastic back look.
 
This seems like a case of form over function. the current iPhone design is absolutely gorgeous but it is extremely fragile, scratches easy, has the painting problems and may or may not have a certain antenna problem.

An iPhone with an aluminum back should be much sturdier and not chip/crack nearly as easily. It will also not have any painting problems and should get rid of any problems due to having an exposed antenna.

Hopefully they can find some new way to get both form and function (maybe with liquid metal, gorilla glass or some other new technique), but if not than something is going to have to give.

Putting the antennagate controversy aside, would you rather have a better looking put much more fragile iPhone or a more durable but plainer looking iPhone?
 
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised the iPhone 5 will be like this:

1) It goes to a 4" display.
2) It will look like a thicker version of the 4G iPod touch, but instead of shiny aluminum back it will have a brushed aluminum back. A Liquid Metal brushed metal look back may not be far-fetched.
3) It will have both black and white fronts surrounding the 4" display.
4) There will be two antennas, one for cellular network connectivity that works with both GSM and CDMA and one for Wi-Fi and near-field communications (NFC) connectivity. The cellular antenna will be on top of the case and the Wi-Fi/NFC antenna will be on the bottom of the case (based on holding the iPhone 5 in portrait orientation).
5) It will keep the current VGA-resolution camera sensor in front for Facetime and the five-megapixel camera sensor in back with digital auto-focus and LED flash.
6) Apple will include an adapter for the 30-pin iPod/iPhone connector so you can connect a Micro USB cable for device charging purposes.
7) If possible, the iPhone 5 will be offered in 16, 32 and now 64 GB versions.
 
This will not happen. Every step back is a step in the wrong direction. First - the screen will not be bigger second the aluminum back was dropped BECAUSE of the bad reception.

I would be glad if rumors could be investigated before they are posted on the first page because this one is as stupid as the 2 year old photo of the wanna be light peak connector in a USB housing.
 
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I'm gonna start pretending with my iPod Touch 4!!
 
SactoGuy18 said:
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised the iPhone 5 will be like this:

1) It goes to a 4" display.
2) It will look like a thicker version of the 4G iPod touch, but instead of shiny aluminum back it will have a brushed aluminum back. A Liquid Metal brushed metal look back may not be far-fetched.
3) It will have both black and white fronts surrounding the 4" display.
4) There will be two antennas, one for cellular network connectivity that works with both GSM and CDMA and one for Wi-Fi and near-field communications (NFC) connectivity. The cellular antenna will be on top of the case and the Wi-Fi/NFC antenna will be on the bottom of the case (based on holding the iPhone 5 in portrait orientation).
5) It will keep the current VGA-resolution camera sensor in front for Facetime and the five-megapixel camera sensor in back with digital auto-focus and LED flash.
6) Apple will include an adapter for the 30-pin iPod/iPhone connector so you can connect a Micro USB cable for device charging purposes.
7) If possible, the iPhone 5 will be offered in 16, 32 and now 64 GB versions.
Click to expand...

I'm with you on the Liquid Metal. I'll wager APPL is ready. If so, scratching would be a Non-Issue. Going to keep a close eye on this part. Well done.:apple:
 
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"...a Economic Daily News report..."

Honestly, who writes and proofreads these articles??
 
Not a fan, step backwards, and down market in my opinion. I love the flat sides of the 4, easy to grip, perch on things and not have it fall. To me, the image attached to this thread makes the iPhone look like an iPod touch, with a brushed aluminum back, as opposed to highly polished.
 
Compile 'em all said:
Seems pretty odd to me that a product that just got a complete redesign less than a year ago, will be redesigned again.
Click to expand...

You mean other than that wee little problem of signal attenuation that caused the phone to be dinged by Consumer Reports?

I'd be shocked if there isn't a design change with the iPhone 5 -- if for no other reason than to avoid MORE stories about signal problems (since that'll be the first thing people check out when they get test models in their hands).

Oh, and the iPhone 4 is beautiful to look at, but it's an abysmally stupid design for a piece of technology that gets carried around 24/7 and used constantly. Glass shatters way too easily to ever be considered a suitable material to base a design on. It's a cell phone -- it shouldn't be a game of russian roulette every time gravity takes over and the thing falls off a table or slips out of your hands.
 
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