Times Online cites industry sources as saying that Apple's next-gen iPhone will have a "radically different" appearance from current handsets, hinting at size and material used for its casing. Times Online's Jonathan Richards also makes reference to an Asia-based analyst whose forecasts talk about multiple versions of the next-gen device.

"Industry sources told Times Online that the device will have a 'radically different' appearance to the current device, which has a 4.5 inch screen and slick, aluminium backing." Jonathan Richards reports for the source. "Among the possibilities are flip version, which would enable the screen to be larger, and a sliding model with a regular qwerty keyboard - as opposed to a touchscreen one," Richards says.

Citing the above-mentioned Asia-based analyst, "I think ultimately you going [sic] to see multiple versions," Times Online's reporter claims he had said. "One for customers who want it principally as a music and video device, which will be similar to the existing model, one for people who want to communicate - with the keyboard, and one for people who want it as a substitute for their laptop - that will let them browse the internet on a larger screen," the piece continues.

The same source also quotes "Kathryn Huberty, an analyst with Morgan Stanley specializing in Apple products. According to Richards, she suggested that Apple will eventually break with its policy of favoring one network to be the exclusive distributor of the iPhone in a given territory. She also noted that it's possible for this to happen as early as next year."

Sounds great, especially the part with the three different iPhone models. I'd say it makes perfect sense to roll out different models for different people. After all, some just grab the iPhone for its ability to run third party software, neglecting its telephony capabilities. Which category do you fit in?