Case-Mate Accidentally Leaks iPhone 5 Cases; Rumors Gaining Credibility?

The Web site page where iPhone 5/4S was spotted was immediately pulled down by Case-Mate. However, the images clearly showed that next generation iPhone 5 could come with radical design changes.

In what seems to be the result of a serious lapse, the world may have got the first glimpse of the iPhone 5. According to earlier reports, the design and appearance of the cases suggested that the next generation iPhone indeed sports tapered edge and aluminum back like the iPad 2. The casing also suggests that the phone looks thinner and wider compared to present iPhone 4.

However, this act of rendition can also be considered to be a ploy by Case-Mate to get viewers to visit their page and gain publicity. The Web page also revealed that Apple may release two phones. The listing points to iPhone 5 and iPhone 4S. Even many analysts predict the next generation iPhone will come in two forms. Some reports posit that the external design will closely resemble iPhone 4 with external antenna and 3.5-inch screen along with glass front and back. However, evidence found within the developer preview of iOS indicates that the next-generation iPhone may still use a 5-megapixel camera sensor, not an 8-megapixel as Bloomberg reported.

Even the latest iOS 5 beta 7 released for developers had revealed a picture of iPhone 5 based on Photo Stream icon featuring a 3.7-inch screen. In what appears to be the most believable iPhone 5 rumor to date, the next generation iPhone features a rectangular home key, which differentiates itself from iPhone 4’s circular home key. Apart from featuring a bigger screen, iPhone 5 looks slimmer in comparison with iPhone 4. Hence the probability of iPhone 5 coming in two different versions (iPhone 5/iPhone 4S) is gaining credibility.

Although Apple’s next generation smartphone is not yet officially announced, the rumors have emerged suggesting that an early October release was likely.

Meanwhile here is a look at the top rumored facts of iPhone 5.

Qualcomm Chips Support:
The word is that Apple is using Qualcomm chipsets. This is likely because of the Verizon iPhone, which uses CDMA technology rather than GSM, as AT&T uses. Qualcomm manufactures chipsets that are GSM/CDMA, which would fit both networks. Apple would surely like to minimize SKUs than split their product line into GSM and CDMA.

Home Button:
One rumor that gets repeatedly mentioned is that Steve Jobs didn’t want any physical buttons on the iPhone from the start. However, reported prototypes, suggest that iPhone 5 may have a rectangular button compared to the circular one found in iPhone 4.

A5 Processor:
It’s said that the iPhone 5 will run on Apple’s A5 processor, which is said to be a Cortex A9-based multi-core chip. The iPhone 5 is also rumored to be loaded with a Qualcomm chip with a CDMA, GSM and UMTS baseband processor. This will no doubt make the device much faster and better at rendering video content.

Display:
The iPhone 5 is anticipated to have an edge-to-edge 4-inch retina display. A curved glass display screen is also mentioned in rumors that may offer more privacy while viewing in public areas.

Best Buy:
The Best Buy memo points to release on October 21 while the employees informed that preorders for the iPhone 5 will begin in coming weeks for a release in the first week of October. However, Best Buy also pointed out that the product introduction and launch dates are subject to change.

Training of Retail Employees:
It has been reported that Apple has begun iOS 5 and iCloud training for retail store employees.

Sprint: iPhone 5 will be offered on Sprint in addition to Verizon and AT&T. An internal memo leak indicated that the company has informed its employees that they can’t go on vacation from September 30 to October 15 due to a possible major mobile phone launch. Also Sprint may launch iPhone 5 as the carrier is set to offer unlimited data plan.

Production: Foxconn is now rumored to be producing 150,000 units a day and is expected to top more than 22 million units in the fourth quarter. Foxconn will handle 85 percent of iPhone 5 production and 15 percent will be done by Pegatron.

Must Read: Design of Mysterious iPhone 5 Leaked