The Lost iPhone: A Deep Dive into Apple’s Next Generation

A prototype of Apple’s next iPhone, disguised within a case to resemble the iPhone 3GS, has been discovered in a Redwood City bar. We managed to acquire the device, disassemble it, and analyze its features. This article provides a comprehensive overview of our findings. Update: See our definitive guide to the iPhone 4, which includes all of the features officially announced by Apple.

While the final retail version may differ in packaging or minor design elements, the fundamental features of this leaked iPhone indicate a significant departure from previous models.

Key Findings:

• Front-Facing Video Chat Camera: The inclusion of a front-facing camera paves the way for video calls, a feature highly anticipated by iPhone users.
• Improved Rear Camera: The back-facing camera sports a noticeably larger lens compared to the iPhone 3GS, suggesting enhanced image quality and potentially improved low-light performance.
• Camera Flash: The presence of a camera flash further indicates improvements to the camera system, enabling users to capture better photos in dimly lit environments.
• Micro-SIM: This model utilizes a micro-SIM card, similar to the iPad, instead of the standard SIM card found in previous iPhones.
• Enhanced Display: The display appears to boast a significantly higher resolution. Although we were unable to confirm the rumored 960×640 resolution, the clarity of the "Connect to iTunes" screen suggests a substantial upgrade from the iPhone 3GS.
• Secondary Microphone: A second microphone is located at the top of the device, near the headphone jack, likely for noise cancellation during calls.
• Split Volume Buttons: The single volume rocker of previous iPhones has been replaced by two distinct buttons, offering more precise volume control.
• Metallic Buttons: The power, mute, and volume buttons are constructed from metal, adding to the device’s premium feel.
• Flat Back Panel: The back of the phone is entirely flat, potentially made of glass or a ceramic-like material, enabling cell signal transmission. Tapping on the back produces a higher-pitched sound than tapping on the front glass.
• Aluminum Border: An aluminum border surrounds the device, providing structural integrity and a sleek aesthetic.
• Slightly Smaller Screen (Higher Resolution): While the screen is slightly smaller than the 3GS, the resolution appears much higher.
• Squared-Off Design: The overall design is more squared-off compared to the rounded edges of previous iPhone models.
• Weight Increase: The device weighs 140 grams, a slight increase of 3 grams compared to the iPhone 3GS.
• Larger Battery: The battery capacity has been increased by 16%.
• Miniaturized Internals: Internal components have been reduced in size to accommodate the larger battery.

How the iPhone Was Lost:

The circumstances surrounding the loss of the iPhone are still unclear. However, the fact that it was found in a bar suggests that it may have been misplaced accidentally.

Authenticity Verification:

We approached the analysis with skepticism. False tips are common, but the evidence strongly suggests that this is a genuine Apple prototype.

Several factors point towards its authenticity:

• Reported Loss by Apple: John Gruber of Daring Fireball reported that Apple had indeed lost a prototype iPhone and was seeking its return.
• High-Resolution Screen: The "Connect to iTunes" screen exhibited exceptional clarity, surpassing the resolution of the iPhone 3GS. Individual pixels were indistinguishable.
• iPhone OS 4.0: According to the individual who initially found the iPhone, it was running iPhone OS 4.0 prior to its public announcement. The individual was able to interact with the features. The phone was remotely disabled by Apple before we obtained it.
• iPhone Recognition: The device is recognized as an iPhone by computers. iTunes and Xcode identify it as an iPhone, but with different product identifiers than the 3G or 3GS.
• Micro-SIM Use: The use of a micro-SIM card is a strong indicator of a next-generation device, as no other cellphone in the US at the time used this standard.
• Camouflage Case: The phone was housed in a custom-designed plastic case to disguise it as an iPhone 3GS. The case featured precise cutouts for the new buttons, ports, camera, and flash, suggesting it was manufactured specifically for this prototype.
• Timing of Discovery: The fact that the phone was discovered at this time makes it likely to be the upcoming model. It is unlikely that Apple would be testing a 2011 model in such a finished state. Components differed considerably from the iPhone 3GS.
• Genuine Apple Components: Disassembly revealed components bearing the Apple logo. The fit and finish of these components within the case were exceptionally precise, suggesting that the device was designed as a unit.

Design Analysis:

The industrial design of the new iPhone represents a significant departure from the previous two generations. Some may initially perceive it as a provisional design. However, closer examination reveals its alignment with the broader Apple product line.

Key design changes:

• The flushed screen glass against the metal rim is gone.
• The single volume button is replaced by two separate buttons.
• The seamless rim is gone.
• The tapered, curved surfaces are gone.

This new iPhone design shares more common ground with the iMac and the iPad. The squared-off edges and utilitarian aesthetic align with Apple’s other products.

Why the Black Backing?

The choice of a black backing material is likely related to signal reception. The iPad, with its aluminum back, has limited Wi-Fi range. The 3G version includes a large patch to enhance reception. The compact size of the iPhone necessitates maximizing signal strength within a small area. The plastic back is a necessary trade-off between aesthetics and functionality.

Separate Volume Buttons?

The decision to use separate volume buttons may be related to the integration of a physical camera shutter button. The new iPhone features a larger camera sensor and a flash, suggesting increased emphasis on camera functionality. The two-button approach could provide a dedicated shutter button.

Why the Seams?

The seams on the new iPhone are somewhat unexpected. Their purpose is not immediately apparent. They may disappear in the final product, or they may serve an unknown function.

Lack of Tapering or Curves?

The lack of tapering and curves is likely due to the miniaturization of the device. The internal components are densely packed, leaving no room for curved surfaces.

Dimensions and Weight:

The phone measures 4.50 by 2.31 by 0.37 inches and weighs 140 grams.

Battery:

The battery is 5.25 WHr at 3.7V, compared to the 3GS battery, which is 4.51 WHr at 3.7V.

Storage:

The device indicated an XX GB storage capacity on the back, but we were unable to verify the actual size due to our inability to boot the phone.

Overall Impression:

The new iPhone’s design is a welcome change from the rounded design of the 3GS. It feels more solid and less plasticky. The metal buttons add to the premium feel. The design is more reminiscent of the original iPhone.

The device feels natural when held to the face, and the glossy surfaces do not make it slippery. Its thinner profile makes it more comfortable to carry in a pocket.

Apple has drastically updated the exterior design. The previous design felt outdated compared to other Apple products. The new design features a thinner body, a more pleasant form factor, and a focus on hard lines.

The new iPhone also delivers anticipated features such as a front-facing camera, improved rear camera, camera flash, enhanced battery life, and a secondary microphone for noise cancellation.

Conclusion:

This next-generation iPhone represents a significant upgrade over previous models. It boasts numerous enhancements, including a new design, improved features, and enhanced performance. If these features are confirmed this summer, this device is poised to be a winner.