Leaked: Glossy 3G iPhone

Not a day goes by that iPhone 3G doesn't make the headlines, and it doesn't even exist (yet). But isn't that the whole point...? Anyway, people over at iPodObserver.com claim that the glossy-looking handset pictured left (click to enlarge) is the new iPhone model.

No details on how they got their hands on the picture were revealed. The only thing that sticks out as a change is the lacking black plastic end piece that covers the antenna on current iPhone models. That and the glossy finish of course, but we've covered that already.

The website posts: "Apparently the new iPhone will also sport a glossy black back, replacing the satin nickel look found on the current model. If iPodObserver.com's source is correct, the redesigned iPhone back also drops the black plastic end piece that covers the antenna, and it appears that Apple will continue to offer an 8GB model."

The image does look legit, no doubt about it. However, we'll let you, the reader, give the verdict on this one.

The news comes shortly after pretty much every mac-based web site reported iPhone shortages at Apple's retail outlets and AT&T stores. Analysts are continuously debating whether Apple is deliberately holding back supplies to make room for the soon-to-arrive 3G SKU, or not.

In a recent interview with Gartner analyst Ken Dulaney, Electronista has managed to obtain the following information: Dulaney dismisses the possibility that Apple is bumping up the release of the 3G iPhone, claiming supply issues or component shortages as the main possible reasons for the iPhone shortage. Dulaney strongly believes that a new iPhone is due out by September, with its official introduction occurring sometime around June, when Apple plans to roll out iPhone firmware 2.0.

The man made his forecast based on the possibility of seeing OLED screens implemented in the new iPhones.