14 DAY TRIAL // A Weibo user who claims to have a prototype model of the next-generation iPhone in his possession has posted images that purport to show the device running test software.
The unit in question looks identical to the iPhone 4 and, going by the images posted by Apple.pro (Google Translate), appears to be running the diagnostics software Apple usually equips prototype units with.
That’s not to say this device (pictured above) is a next-generation iPhone model.
For all we know, it could well be a 2010 iPhone 4 prototype unit.
The strange thing, however, is that the same device connected to iTunes shows up (in the iTunes interface) like a first-generation iPod touch.
Although we’d much rather speculate that the second image down shows Apple’s representation of the potential next-generation iPhone, there is little chance that icon is showing a phone.
The prototype iPhone unit is said to be running iOS 4.0. It has a five megapixel camera, according to the person who leaked the images.
Going by these specs, it is highly possible that we’re looking at an N94 prototype unit - an iPhone 4 powered by the A4 chip, nothing more, nothing less.
The next-generation iPhone, be it the iPhone 4S (not necessarily the iPhone 5) is most likely to pack Apple’s new A5 dual-core chip that is currently found inside the iPad 2.
The silicon performs beautifully inside the 9.7-inch Apple tablet, but it is said to suffer from overheating issues inside the chassis of the smaller iPhone prototype devices.
According to one source, this was the main cause for Apple delaying its iPhone refresh this summer.
The next iPhone is expected to feature an 8 megapixel camera, as well as a slightly different (if not altogether revamped) design.
