Author Topic: New 4G iPhone Spotted in the Wild (Read 14100 times)

aquatsr · « **on:** April 19, 2010, 12:08:00 PM »

Gizmodo Provides First Glimpse of iPhone 4G
by, aquatsr

The folks over at Apple probably aren't too happy about this one. The device in question was found in a bar in Redwood City, disguised to look like an iPhone 3GS. However, Gizmodo got ahold of it and did a teardown do give us the details, and provide veracity that it is, indeed, the real thing (or a superb fake).

The Goods

The first thing to notice about this iPhone sans the 3GS-like case it was sheathed in is that the smartphone's case is noticeably different than that of its brethren. Unlike the aluminium-metallic case of the iPhones of years past, this phone is housed in what looks like a plastic/glass case that features metallic buttons for volume, mute, and power. Additionally the 4G iPhone is rather similar to designs for the Apple computers, particularly the iMac, Macbook Pro, Mac Pro, and Cinema Displays, the hard-cut black-and-silver look. The curved back is gone as the iPhone lies flat on its back and face.

The aluminium in this model has been relegated to the side circumference of the device, providing a silver band going all around the phone. According to Gizmodo the device is 3 grams heavier, features a 16% larger battery, and smaller components overall, possibly to accommodate the the larger battery.

The feature changes include a new forward-facing camera along with a possible secondary mic. The camera on the back is noticeably larger than the camera in the 3GS and there is the inclusion of a camera-flash unit. The volume button is now split into two. The 4G iPhone sports a micro-SIM card instead of the larger SIM in previous generations; this is more like the iPad, which also uses a micro-SIM card. Finally, the 4G display seems to be of much higher quality than the 3GS.

Not a Hoax

The first reason why this isn't a fake is because Apple has reported a device missing and understandably wants it back. Second, while the Gizmodo team couldn't get past the infamous "Connect to iTunes" screen, the resolution on the phone is much higher than that of the 3GS. Third, according the the individual who originally found the phone, it was running iPhone OS 4.0 before the official announcement of iPhone OS 4.0. This person was able to play around with the new features until Apple remote-killed it. Fourth, once killed, the phone was not able to be reloaded with a working firmware - since each firmware is iPhone specific (3GS or any other firmware will not load onto this phone).

Fifth, the phone behaves like an iPhone. When connected to the computer Xcode and iTunes both see the device as an iPhone, but the product identifiers (CPID, CPRV) are different from either the 3G or 3GS. Sixth, the phone uses micro-SIM, a standard that is not used in the smartphone business, which indicates a next-gen iPhone rather than a previous-gen iPhone. Seventh, the case the iPhone was sheathed in had all the correct holes for the new device, yet it was shaped to resemble an iPhone 3GS, as Gizmodo put it: a perfect disguise. Eighth, it makes no sense for this to be a next-next-generation (2011) phone. It's not likely that Apple is even finished with that phone yet, and the components and manufacture of this phone rule out the possibility of this being an older test model for the 3G or 3GS.

And finally, the internals. When Gizmodo opened up the phone they found components professionally placed, many of which were marked with "Apple" This definitely seems like the real thing: Apple has once again listened to customer demand and provided some great features like the front-facing camera and higher quality screen. In addition they've also updated the look of the phone with a professional, clean design that complements the rest of their product line.

More technical details, the full Gizmodo review, and lots more photos are available over at Gizmodo

Source:
Gizmodo
photos from Gizmodo as well.

robin1989 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2010, 12:30:03 PM »

i cant wait - i wonder how much it will be to upgrade early

Mogler · « **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2010, 12:34:49 PM »

same... i hope i can my upgrade when it comes out.

deathshells · « **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2010, 12:37:41 PM »

I wonder what was said to the guy that got hold of it... :boxed:looks awesome none the less! i used to like the iPhone but never actualy

one... this has now tempted me to dump my 4 year old W810 and move foward! looks gooooooood! lol.

robin1989 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2010, 12:43:09 PM »

yeh as long as it is less that £200-£300 to upgrade i think i will go for it if i have the money

my guess is he is been held im a dungeon below cupertino with 85 watt MBP chargers strapped to him and old ipod nanos that explode inserted in various areas lol

SN!P3R · « **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2010, 01:16:41 PM »

Quote from: Mactastic Mendez on April 19, 2010, 12:30:03 PM

i cant wait - i wonder how much it will be to upgrade early

do what I do with AT&T - Add a new line to my contract, buy the phone for $199, wait 30 days, cancel the line for $175. With everything, it's $~410

robin1989 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2010, 01:18:53 PM »

i might if O2 in the uk let you do that

PspKicks316 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2010, 01:21:16 PM »

If the new iPods will look anything like this, I want one.

SN!P3R · « **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2010, 02:15:21 PM »

Ida know man, looks like a cheap knock-off. I'm pretty pissed Apple remote shut it down, if I was the guy to find it, I would have taken the SIM card out before testing it. I wanted to see OS 4.0 on it

HiddenVenom · « **Reply #9 on:** April 19, 2010, 02:17:35 PM »

I'm not feeling the blocky looks, especially the out-of-place round buttons.

I really expected Apple to make the 4G a new standardof design, supposedly being a 'new standard' for smartphones. I can only hope the internals work better that the aesthetics... Otherwise I'll probably buy an Android Phone instead.

robin1989 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2010, 03:07:56 PM »

really hidden? i think the glass front and backing and aluminium bezel and buttons will give it a much higher quality feel and look than the current plasticy back and bezel also i hate the rounded back to the 3gs as it makes it harder to type one handed when it is on a desk.

HiddenVenom · « **Reply #11 on:** April 19, 2010, 03:26:31 PM »

Nah... I really like the rounded back... It just strikes me as the kind of thing that shouldnt have blocky edges... I guess my major gripe is the volume buttons... Maybe if they were rectangular it would be okay.

Kilokk · « **Reply #12 on:** April 19, 2010, 04:57:37 PM »

Quote from: Mactastic Mendez on April 19, 2010, 12:30:03 PM

i cant wait - i wonder how much it will be to upgrade early

It is currently "$299 (8GB), $399 (16GB), or $499 (32GB) with a new two-year contract." in the US. that is quote apples iphone site.

PspKicks316 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 19, 2010, 05:18:44 PM »

For the 3GS...

SN!P3R · « **Reply #14 on:** April 19, 2010, 05:49:55 PM »

HOPEFULLY this phone will break down like this:

3GS : $99, $149 16 and 32 respectively

4G : 32GB: $199, 64: $299

jrfhoutx · « **Reply #15 on:** April 19, 2010, 06:02:14 PM »

first I kinda like it, I think it looks good though I would wanna get my hands on it before I upgraded. I'd like to see how it feels to hold and use. I agree with robin on the flat back though, I'm not too big on the current rounded one...

I'm hoping they do the same thing they did when they launched the 3GS and offer the 4G at new customer 2yr contract prices to people who recently bought a 3GS...

Quote from: Kilokk on April 19, 2010, 04:57:37 PM

It is currently "$299 (8GB), $399 (16GB), or $499 (32GB) with a new two-year contract." in the US. that is quote apples iphone site.

actually they are $99(8GB 3G) $199 (16GB 3GS) $299 (32GB 3GS)... Linkage

aquatsr · « **Reply #16 on:** April 19, 2010, 06:40:53 PM »

So apparently the guy who lost the 4G unit is an Apple software engineer who had enjoyed a few choice German beers and subsequently left the phone in the bar, where it was picked up by another guy who later (supposedly) sold it to Gizmodo.

I was going to write another piece about that Apple guy but he's probably having his head picked apart by Apple internal affairs so I'll leave him in peace. You can find out more about him if you really want to.

jrfhoutx · « **Reply #17 on:** April 19, 2010, 08:57:42 PM »

Hey, I can sympathize, I know what it's like to have a few too many choice german imports... easy to get up for the door and forget things... I used to do it all the time, though I was never in possession of highly sensitive, secret company hardware...

Kilokk · « **Reply #18 on:** April 19, 2010, 09:22:39 PM »

Quote from: jrfhoutx on April 19, 2010, 06:02:14 PM

I'm hoping they do the same thing they did when they launched the 3GS and offer the 4G at new customer 2yr contract prices to people who recently bought a 3GS...
actually they are $99(8GB 3G) $199 (16GB 3GS) $299 (32GB 3GS)... Linkage

no i mean early upgrade cost bro. if i could get the 3gs at 199 right now i would have one and then one for a backup.

aquatsr · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2010, 11:57:47 AM »

Quote from: jrfhoutx on April 19, 2010, 08:57:42 PM

Hey, I can sympathize, I know what it's like to have a few too many choice german imports... easy to get up for the door and forget things... I used to do it all the time, though I was never in possession of highly sensitive, secret company hardware...

Yeah, definitely.

So, Apple wants their phone back. I think this confirms that the phone is indeed quite real, and while it could still just be a prototype, it's a very highly polished one.

SN!P3R · « **Reply #20 on:** April 20, 2010, 06:23:54 PM »

Still looks like crap to me. The rounded back is what makes the iPhone the iPhone, a flat back will be akward after using a 3GS for 1 year

robin1989 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 21, 2010, 02:21:33 AM »

this design is more like the origional iphone than the 3g or 3gs i think. i just hope that the glass back on this is reinforced glass or i can see a lot of cracked backs for them

jrfhoutx · « **Reply #22 on:** April 21, 2010, 04:14:47 PM »

Gray Powell's new t-shirt... Lol...
http://www.zazzle.com/the_unofficial_gray_powell_iphone_t_shirt-235393945476533239

PspKicks316 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 21, 2010, 04:32:33 PM »

LOL I want one

jrfhoutx · « **Reply #24 on:** April 21, 2010, 07:36:18 PM »

Yeah, me too kicks, lol...

Since iPhoneOS 4.0 is not going to be out for a little while and I'm still debating getting on 4.0b2. The jailbreak scene is on fire, but no release for a while, so I found something else to keep an eye on as well...

LINKAGE

This is definitely something to watch. Dual boot iPhone OS4.0 jailbroken and unlocked and Android... If I could do that on my 3GS I'd be in heaven...

crazy-modder · « **Reply #25 on:** April 21, 2010, 07:49:48 PM »

Screw the iphone, im saving for the ipad. That thing is awesome!!!

aquatsr · « **Reply #26 on:** April 21, 2010, 11:45:08 PM »

Quote from: crazy-modder on April 21, 2010, 07:49:48 PM

Screw the iphone, im saving for the ipad. That thing is awesome!!!

The iPad is really just a gigantified iPhone, it really is.

Quote from: jrfhoutx on April 21, 2010, 04:14:47 PM

Gray Powell's new t-shirt... Lol...
http://www.zazzle.com/the_unofficial_gray_powell_iphone_t_shirt-235393945476533239

Damn, I wish I thought of this. That T-shirt designer will make bank.

robin1989 · « **Reply #27 on:** April 22, 2010, 02:19:12 AM »

Yeh someone should really post an article about that android/iPhone dual boot unlock jalbroken thing.

Also if you do go for 4.0 jr don't go beta2 it's even buggier than the forst beta. I'm waiting for beta3 to be out before i upgrade from beta1

HiddenVenom · « **Reply #28 on:** April 22, 2010, 08:17:28 AM »

Android on iPhone? I am officialy in heaven.

Modded Matt · « **Reply #29 on:** April 27, 2010, 08:25:52 AM »

look at this

:

apple shut them down, I would assume its safe to say this is the real deal.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100426/ts_ynews/ynews_ts1791

News:

Author Topic: New 4G iPhone Spotted in the Wild (Read 14100 times)