iPhone 5 Schematics Available as Free Download from Apple

Apple has released the iPhone 5 blueprints required to create quality third-party accessories, such as protective cases, external batteries, and docks.

Available in PDF format at the following address https://developer.apple.com/resources/cases/dimensions/iPhone-5-dimensions.pdf, the schematics show an incredible level of detail as far as measurements are concerned.

Cupertino has made sure not to leave out any undocumented seams or holes that might otherwise hinder the handset’s functionality if covered.

For example, an external microphone can be found located in between the rear-facing camera and the LED flash. Used for video recording, this microphone must not be covered by any type of material.

Apple’s engineering team even outlines the best scenario for leaving the camera-mic-flash assembly open to the environment.

Another interesting example is the 90-degree angle proximity sensor cone. The “cone” is but an imaginary area where the sensor comes into play when the user puts the phone to their ear.

Case manufacturers must carefully review these measurements to ensure that their accessories don’t affect the functionality of this sensor, and others.

At the top left, the schematics include a number of dos and don’ts, such as:

No metal contact with iPhone 5 metal
Do not obstruct the acoustic openings: front mic, rear mic, earpiece, and speaker
Do not obstruct the imaging features: front camera, rear camera, rear flash
Do not Obstruct the proximity sensor or ALS (ambient light sensor)

The blueprints also include a careful analysis of the distances between I/O elements, so that case manufacturers can determine the exact type of materials they need to employ to ensure a durable accessory that isn’t very bulky, yet still capable of covering the device where it needs protection.

The relocated headphone jack is documented as well, as is the redesigned “mini” dock connector known as Lightning.