$5,000 Says iPhone 4 Won't Look Like This When It Ships

In what is, by far, the biggest Apple leak of all time, the next-generation iPhone (4) is now 100% confirmed. The device, camouflaged to look like the current iPhone 3GS, was found in a bar in Redwood City. Tech site Gizmodo got its mitts on it (reportedly for $5,000) and showed it to the world – probably not the smartest move it could make, if we’re to look at the situation from a legal point of view. Nevertheless, the word is out months before Apple was planning to show off its newest creation. We have pictures, a video, and a bunch of specs, as well as a prediction for our readers.

After playing around with the phone a bit, Gizmodo could confirm the following key features in Apple’s next-generation iPhone:

- less rounded design, akin to that of the iPad; - front-facing video chat camera; - back-camera has larger lens; - built-in camera flash; - micro-SIM instead of standard SIM (like the iPad); - improved higher resolution display; - an apparent secondary mic for noise cancellation, at the top, next to the headphone jack; - split volume buttons; - metallic power, mute, and volume buttons; - metallic surrounding edge; - the battery is 5.25 WHr at 3.7V (iPhone 3GS battery is 4.51 WHr at 3.7V); - it measures 4.50 by 2.31 by 0.37 inches; - it weighs 140 grams.

After confirming with Apple that the device was real, the two parties arranged for the phone to be returned to Cupertino. We haven’t yet caught word of any progress, but we’re assuming the device is already on its way back to Apple.

The tech-site itself notes that the leak of a strategic product such as the iPhone 4 could cost Apple millions of dollars in free marketing promotion, as well as cause it to lose control of the product’s news cycle. Some stress that Gizmodo will face legal consequences for its actions. Although Apple’s letter demanding the phone back does not suggest anything of the sort, Apple may indeed sue, given that Giz staffers knew what they were playing with. The document in question can be seen in the picture on the left (click to enlarge).

And while some may believe that Apple’s iPhone 4-hype has been compromised, we’re expecting the Cupertino giant to pull a rabbit out of its hat this summer.

You see, with this prototype iPhone now leaked, the entire world knows what to expect – an iPad-looking iPhone with great, new features to boot. While the specs are there to stay (and probably multiply), the edgy design is likely not to remain quite the same, Softpedia believes.

Apple’s next iPhone - Video Credits: Gizmodo via YouTube

If Apple hates anything, it’s leaks. This time around, the cat’s out of the bag big time.

Note: that's if Apple itself hasn't orchestrated this whole thing

With its surprise announcement now (seemingly) compromised, a surprise design (or something) will have to be arranged for. Steve Jobs cannot, and will not take a stage to say, “Hey… here’s iPhone 4, the device you saw a few months ago. Let’s just go through the specs you don’t know so we can call it a show.”

Plus, Apple may have this kind of situation covered as well, holding back the 100% original design until all part suppliers and assembly plants are given the go-ahead. And if there’s one company that knows how much a product leak will cost it, it’s the super-secretive Apple. There's a very good chance this is not the final iPhone 4 design.