May 04, 2012 by Charlie White on Mashable
Rumors run rampant about the next iPhone, but now a reliable source has provided specific and tantalizing details.
Adding to the existing rumor of a four-inch screen on the new iPhone is info obtained by Jeremy Horwitz of iLounge, who says not only will that screen be a larger 4 inches (measured diagonally), but it will have a new aspect ratio, which we would assume would be 16 x 9 — the same shape as typical HDTVs. It’s about time — since its inception, the iPhone screen has been shaped in the old-timey 4 x 3 ratio, the same as ancient standard definition TVs.
As the story goes, the new iPhone is going to be taller than its predecessor, with dimensions of 125mm by 58.5mm by 7.4mm, according to iLounge. Ihat’s 10mm (1/3 inch) taller that the iPhone 4S, and significantly thinner than the iPhone 4S by 2mm. That doesn’t sound like much, but that would be 20% thinner than the current model.
Contrary to reports of a teardrop shape, this report says there’s going to be a flat back, and part of it will be made of metal. Agreeing with other rumors we’ve heard, it will be made of that futuristic material known as LiquidMetal, but won’t cover the entire back. Another believable prediction confirming past reports is the new iPhone’s alleged “Gorilla Glass 2″ front, which will probably be stronger and thinner than today’s iPhones.
Adding credence to other rumors we’ve already heard, Apple will abandon that familiar dock connector gracing every iPhone since its inception, instead opting for smaller, rounded connector that’s less than half its predecessor’s size. That should fit the thinner form factor nicely.
When will we see this new bauble from Apple? If the current rumor mill is correct, it’s going to be available in September or October.
BONUS: What would a LiquidMetal iPhone look like? Artist Antoine Brieux visualizes it for us, via Yanko Design.
The screen's a bit bigger than the recent rumors, which said it would be 4 inches
A look at the LiquidMetal chassis
Graphics courtesy Jeremy Horwitz/iLounge
Source: Mashable
