A few days ago we weren’t event sure if the next model of the iPhone existed just yet. Now we have a brief lowdown and a handful of pictures of it, provided by the good folk at Gizmodo.com, who got hold of the new model after an Apple employee accidentally left it in a bar. Initially thought likely to be fake, the images provided by Gizmodo here show the newest model, which is said to have been requested back by Apple soon after the became aware of Gizmodo’s involvement. Fairly solid proof that it’s genuine, we reckon.
The popular technology website bought the phone after it was found in a bar in Redwood, California, though the model was quickly turned off through Apple’s remote software, so the information the website were able to glean about the newest model before handing it back to Apple was fairly limited. While most have now accepted that the find is genuine, some commentators believe that the leak may have been intentional, with the aim of giving some advance promotion to the new model. This particular tactic is not typical of Apple, though, who surround their new developments with high levels of security and tend to go to great lengths to avoid this kind of slip up.
Of course, we’re all anxious to learn just what the newest version of the iPhone – which is expected to be an HD model – will offer, and Gizmodo were able to grab a fair amount of information from the handset. You can read the full dissection report here, but in the interest of quick reporting, here are the main things you might be interested in, combined with a few of our own thoughts on the matter:
- The new model contains a substantial battery, and battery life is likely to be a major improvement on the previous models that you’ll find on this version.
- The new model comes with a micro SIM, and has a far smaller electronic component then the previous one. Apple has hidden it very effectively, and Gizmodo were unable to get a great deal of information from the electronics.
- The model is probably in an advance prototype stage – it’s intricately packed and has little room for any additional features. The electrical design is careful and tight.
- The size of the phone is reduced from the previous model, despite the increased battery size.
- There is a new front facing video camera on top of the old style photo camera. The standard camera also comes with a flash.
- A far higher resolution screen, though it’s difficult to say quite how high the resolution is.
- There appears to be a secondary microphone for noise reduction.
- The overall look is far blockier than the old iPhone, though Gizmodo are unsure if this is due to the model being a prototype. It is of a factory level finish.
Which goes to show, even with the iPad still fresh on the shelves, the Californian firm have the capacity to create a major media furor with something most of us just weren’t expecting. The only down side is the new model – at least with a quick overview – doesn’t appear to be a dramatic improvement. Of course, we’ll bring you any extra news we hear on the latest iPhone as and when we get it, though it could be some time.
