iPhone 5 with Rubber Bezel Launching Next Fall - Report

Apple’s next iPhone will have a completely redesigned body, according to a person with alleged knowledge of Apple’s plans.

BGR says their source is close to the blog. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s just as close to Apple as well. But the information dished out in the report sure sounds interesting.

In fact, based on what they’ve heard from this person, BGR says it can "confidently" report that Apple’s next-generation iPhone 5 will be released in autumn, next year, following the trend set by the iPhone 4S.

Apple had previously refreshed all iPhone models in the summer of every year.

This new device will use a rubber or plastic material that will be built into the new iPhone case. This material is said to be similar to the one used in the bumper cases for iPhone 4.

The material will most likely be used as the bezel surrounding the front edge of the phone, much like the one found on Apple’s older iPhone 3GS.

This hardware part will allegedly have a dual purpose in that it will join the glass front with the aluminum rear and will also cover a redesigned antenna system which, just like with the iPhone 4 and 4S, surrounds the device.

And, yes, the back plate is made of aluminum, according to the source. Apple won’t have to carve out any material either - like with the 3G version of the iPad - as the surrounding antenna will be on the outside, albeit covered by plastic/rubber.

BGR itself cites older reports as a good indication that its intel is most likely accurate, including the fact that the iPhone 5 will have a 4-inch display. However, this account does not come from the blog’s source.

The mockup above tries to ‘draw a picture’ of what the next iPhone will look like. What do you guys think? In your opinion, is this what the iPhone 5 should look like?