We now have another small piece to the puzzle. AT&T has started placing orders for iPhone 5 cases as stores prepare to sell them after the big unveiling on Tuesday. Case-Mate recently posted a page on its website with some new iPhone 5 cases, but quickly took them down. Like those, these cases from AT&T also legitimately support rumors of a redesigned exterior.
The leaked image above shows a standard black silicone case with a diamond pattern on the back. Its sides are contoured to the shape of the iPhone 5, which might feature a tapered design. It’s still unclear whether or not Apple will release a completely revamped iPhone 5 or an iPhone 4S with modest upgrades from the previous generation. Both case leaks so far seem to support the former. The silicone case shown is noticeably thinner than the iPhone 4 and moves the mute switch to the opposite side as well. If the AT&T case itself isn’t enough evidence, the sticker on the top of the packaging specifically labels the case for the “Apple iPhone 5.”
You’d think that with an iPhone 5 event confirmed for Tuesday — just four days from today — the rumors and leaks would just come to a halt. Alas, it’s quite the opposite. All the small preparations Apple and the carriers make for the upcoming device will be adding up until the very last minute. So far they have done a good job keeping most of the iPhone 5 generally a secret… Well, at least compared to last year’s mess.