14 DAY TRIAL // A photo of two transparent cases that allegedly go onto Apple’s upcoming iPhones have been handed to the Frenchies at Nowhereelse.fr with no additional information and an aura of uncertainty. The leak could be fake and, if the rumors are any indication, they should be.
Pictured above are the two items in question. Purportedly manufactured based on actual next-gen specs, the cases would fit Apple’s upcoming new iPhone models. What is particularly intriguing about the case models is that they differ not only in size, but also in design / form factor.
Whereas the large model (supposedly for the 5.5-inch version) shows tapering around the edges in accordance with most rumors, the smaller case sitting on the right is edgy and looks more like an accessory for existing iPhones.
With no other elements in the picture, it’s also pretty hard to accurately determine the exact width, length, and depth of these plastic shells. For all we know they could be one-inch molds made for laughs.
The case on the right would purportedly fit the smaller, 4.7-inch version of the iPhone, and you’ll also notice an extra hole on the left side of each case. This would lend this image some credence, as a prominent analyst recently said Apple was considering relocating the Power button to one of the phone’s sides. However, these cases also have an opening for a button where the Power button is placed on current iPhones. Confusing, to say the least.
It’s not impossible for Apple to introduce an extra physical button, despite the company’s urge to have as few buttons as possible on its devices. Perhaps there’s one new feature so important that downright deserves its own external control, even with the screen locked.
Our take is that this here image is a fake, something someone created to generate some hype (or page views, whichever way you want to take it). Not only are the two designs highly inconsistent with one another, but the extra button hole leaves a lot of questions unanswered. So many that it’s easier just to chalk it up as improbable.
With a bit of luck, we’ll find out as soon as June 2 (WWDC) if this leak is riding on any actual hardware currently being developed in Cupertino. However, most bets are for an unveiling around September, and there’s a good chance these bets are going to pan out. In the meantime, let us know what you think about this sketchy leak in the comments section below.