Skip to main content

New details on the iPhone 5 surface

iphone-5-concept-teardropThe iPhone 4S isn’t quite as shiny and new as it was a mere month ago, and in the wake of its now-normalcy come new iPhone 5 rumors. Up until now we’ve been able to gather that the next-gen iPhone will sport a new design, larger display, and that it might be a 4G capable.

Now BGR says it has inside information that the iPhone 5 will be launched in the fall of 2012, and that the new phone will not only have a different look but a different feel. According to the site’s sources, the next iPhone will have “rubber or plastic” material built into its case as a new take on the device’s bezel. This will accompany a new aluminum back plate and new antenna system.

Until this point, we’ve heard that the iPhone 5 would be released earlier than the iPhone 4S was, perhaps sticking to Apple’s original summer launch schedule. But if BGR is right, that means Apple might have an incredibly busy third quarter. We heard yesterday that the Apple iTV is supposed to debut in the second or third quarter of 2012, which makes us a bit dubious about this roadmap. The iTV and iPhone 5 launches will be huge, chaos-creating events that the media and consumers will revolve around for weeks. Lump these closely and Apple risks cannibalizing some of that attention.

Of course there will be some consumers that have to choose between an iTV and iPhone 5 – although we’d predict favor would heavily fall to the handset. We don’t expect these two products to launch side-by-side or share the spotlight, and maybe that means we’ll see the iPhone 5 a little earlier than predicted.

As far as the design news goes, the iPhone 5’s form factor has been all over the place since day one. The tear-drop shape rumors persist, and now we can add rubberized bezel and aluminum back plate to the list. It would be a pretty large jump from the current design Apple has follow, and one we can already imagine hearing complaints about. 

Editors' Recommendations

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more
I found 16 new widgets for iOS 17 that you have to try
A selection of widgets on an iPhone home screen.

Widgets have long been a popular feature on iPhones. Since the release of iOS 17, they have become more interactive, providing a more engaging experience. Interactive widgets allow you to perform important actions from your iPhone's home screen. For example, you can complete your to-do lists, play and pause media and podcasts, control your smart home devices, and much more — all without opening any apps.

Interactive widgets are not limited to Apple's built-in apps on iOS 17. Third-party developers are also adopting this new feature. Although not all apps offer interactive widgets, there are plenty that do. Here are a few interactive widgets that are worth exploring.
Calculator 17

Read more