The most elaborate rumor to date about Apple's next iPhone is somewhat of an anticlimax, as it suggests the upgrade will be a minor one with few physical changes.
A commenter at Chinese Apple fan blog WeiPhone claims to have tested a prototype of the next-generation iPhone and describes it as a "repeat" in physical design. The tipster says the major changes are internal: a faster 600MHz processor (up from 400MHz in the current iPhone), 256MB RAM (up from 128MB), and a larger storage capacity of up to 32GB (up from a maximum of 16GB).
The commenter also repeated previous rumors about iPhone hardware: a digital compass and a 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus capability. Otherwise, Apple's next iPhone will have the same 3.5-inch, 480x320-pixel touchscreen — so overall the handset will look the same, the tipster claimed.
The commenter also provided a screenshot (right) purporting to reveal the handset's capacity (32GB), model number (MB717LL) and firmware version (3.0). AppleInsider notes model numbers for the iPhone 3G only range to MB705LL.
Nothing official is known about what Apple has in store for the next iPhone. However, analysts, journalists and enthusiasts agree an upgrade to the popular handset is imminently approaching — most likely by summer, as the current and previous iPhones were launched July 2008 and June 2007, respectively.
Analysts and developers told Wired.com that they believe the next iPhone's improvements will have a strong focus on gaming. A faster processor and more RAM, as the Chinese tipster suggests, would certainly contribute to that.
Chinese rumor claims 2009 iPhone will be modest upgrade [AppleInsider]
See Also:
- Easter Eggs Give Clues to Next-Gen iPhone
- Apple's Next iPhone Will Rule at Gaming
- iPhone 3.0 Event Revives Tablet Rumors
- Rumor: Apple Developing Two New iPhones for Verizon
Photo: Jon Snyder/Wired.com
