So a tech blogger walks into a bar and finds the next iPhone prototype. Stop me if you’ve heard this one…
But seriously, Gizmodo may have gotten the scoop on the rest of the tech journalism universe with a discovery of exactly what appears to be a prototype of the next iPhone (iPhone 4G?). It was actually found it in a Redwood City bar by a Gizmodo reporter. After checking with Apple-connected John Gruber of Daring Fireball, Gizmodo found out that Apple had lost a prototype and was definitely “very interested” in getting it back. Whether or not they were ready to use payday loans to sic Sherlock Holmes on the case is unclear.
An iPhone prototype in 3GS clothing
On the surface, the plastic case of the iPhone prototype looks more or less like an iPhone 3GS. There are definite details making this prototype much more different:
- Front-facing video camera in addition to a back camera with a flash and larger lens
- Micro-SIM – more secure, more storage, more allowable connections. This would be the first use of this tech in a U.S. cell phone
- Higher-res display (exact numbers unclear so far)
- A second microphone port and second volume button
- Metal buttons
- A flatter, more squared-off design
- Higher-powered battery… 5.25 WHr (watt hours) at 3.7V, in contrast to 4.75 WHr in the iPhone 3GS
Is it a new iPhone or red herring?
Gizmodo believes this new iPhone is a real discovery for numerous reasons. It was running the iPhone 4. operating system before that OS was even announced first of all. The iPhone prototype was killed before Gizmodo could dig any further into the OS second of all. When connected to a Mac OS X system, the device was recognized as an iPhone in both Xcode and iTunes, but no firmware updates were available, which indicated to Gizmodo that this was an unreleased unit. According to Gizmodo, because the Mac OS X System Profiler reported it as an iPhone in restore mode seems to mean the phone was “remotely wiped.”
Under the hood is the proof
The internal components are Apple-labeled and fit together well inside the case. If this were 3G or 3GS parts in modified housing, Gizmodo says the parts wouldn’t fit so well. It was intended for that case. The case is thinner than the 3GS but slightly heavier (probably because of the metal buttons). The product seemed as if it wasn't as sleep as customers are used to having with Apple products. IPhones previously had more curves than this one that was ugly, just like tax debt, and boxier. This could be attributed to the iPhone being a prototype.
What this could mean for consumers
The next-gen iPhone is going to be announced this summer. If the iPhone prototype discovered by Gizmodo is any indication, people waiting to upgrade may want to take the plunge. Some of fans' major concerns have been addressed by a better battery, a second microphone for better voice clarity, a front video cam, and a better back camera. Just sexy up the case a bit and you might just have a deal.
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