New 3G iPhone design rumors

And the rumors keep flowing in. The latest rumor regarding the next-generation iPhone comes from iLounge and points to a new iPhone that should be quite similar to the current generation iPhone. Among the key changes that are rumored for the 3G iPhone is a metallic back-casing get replaced by a high-gloss, black plastic casing. There are also rumblings of a thinner chrome bezel, highly tapered edges, and additional connections/holes surrounding the dock-connector on the bottom of the iPhone. Most interestingly, the new iPhone is said to sport an additional sensor next to the ear-piece.

The rumors come from an iPhone case manufacturer that is allegedly privy to information of upcoming Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) hardware. Case manufacturers are sometimes given physical hardware dimensions from Apple in order to get a head-start on developing accessories for the upcoming hardware. The dimensions and other physical attributes are required for case manufacturers to develop cases that not only fit perfectly, but also allow unobstructed access to all hardware features.

The current iPhone sports two sensors near the ear-piece – an ambient light sensor that allows the iPhone to adjust backlight intensity based on current lighting conditions and a proximity sensor that turns off the display when the iPhone is put to the ear. The presence of a third sensor could indicate a front-facing video-call camera that has been speculated  for the 3G iPhone by Digg-founder Kevin Rose. Or not… it’s too early to tell.

Physically, the next-gen iPhone is said to sport a more tapered design – a la MacBook Air. The chrome bezel is still present, but should take on a more understated, thinner look. And, the additional holes/connections along the bottom edge of the iPhone could allow for external iPhone accessories like GPS or radio hardware.

As far as the aesthetics of the upcoming iPhone, the use of a plastic-based case is notable in that it will approximate the look of metal with a highly-glossed finish. Much like the plastics used in automobile bumpers, the new plastic casing is said to have a high-quality look that plastic materials usually aren’t associated with.

But, it’s good to keep in mind that Apple is notorious for intentionally leaking mis-information to throw off iPhone rumor-mongers. So, we’ll just have to wait and see if the new iPhone design changes pan out. For what it’s worth, a high-quality, glossy backing would be a welcome update. Here’s to hoping that the plastic casing doesn’t look like the cheap plastics that we see in so many automobile interiors. As would a video-call camera and highly-tapered edges.

Diagram from iLounge.

[Via: iLounge]