iPhone 4 to Have Touch-Sensitive Shell, Analyst Claims

Although Goldman Sachs Group analyst Robert Chen did not identify who provided him with this information, he reportedly said in an interview that Apple’s upcoming iPhone model (rumored as the iPhone 4G) would employ a touch-sensitive casing, similar to that of the Magic Mouse.

A Bloomberg report citing the analyst says that Apple’s new iPhone is likely to become available as early as June, boasting a more advanced camera, and a touch-sensitive casing.

“Apple Inc.’s latest iPhone will probably be available as early as June, include a more advanced [5 megapixel] camera, and may feature a touch-sensitive casing, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analyst Robert Chen said in an interview, without identifying who gave him the information,” the report says. “The technology may be replicated in the new iPhone to offer touch-sensitive features on the rear of the handset,” Chen allegedly explained to the site.

Chen’s exact words reportedly were, “Apple’s going to put a lot of innovation, not just on the hardware, but also on the software of the new iPhone.” Chen added that, “The handset will feature a new plastic casing similar to that used for Apple’s touch-panel Magic Mouse released last year.”

As usual, Apple would not allow itself to be pressed to provide information regarding these aspects. “We’re not going to comment on rumors and speculation,” Steve Dowling, an Apple spokesman, said.

Chen, a member of Goldman’s Asia Technology Hardware team led by Henry King, which topped the 2009 Institutional Investor rankings, also claimed that the next iPhone would go into production as early as April. The device, equipped with an updated version of the iPhone OS, will be available to consumers in June or July, according to the analyst. An overhauled App Store will allegedly become available in tandem with the new offerings, the Bloomberg report suggests.