iPhone 4G: is this it?
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted April 17th 2010 7:48PM
posted April 17th 2010 7:48PM
There may be a chance to get some more face-time with the handset, but we wanted to get these photos to you guys ASAP. Stay tuned, we're working on more details as we type -- for now, enjoy the gallery below!
Update: As a number of observant commenters and tipsters pointed out, this looks almost exactly like a Twitpic posted by TUDream on February 20th, which we're throwing after the break if for whatever reason the source link goes down. It's low-res, shows an indiscriminate bit of the inside, and some mysterious button / possible SIM slot in the middle of the other side. The mic holes on this pic seems to be larger, too.
@Vman, @spasewalkr
Picking up sarcasm fail. I don't think he's and idiot, however, I might be wrong, but I think it was meant to be a joke....
@inevercheckthis I don't think the Romans did sarcasm.
@flux
lol
@spasewalkr I can see why you would think I was referencing them as Roman numerals, but the XX are just placeholders, so I jestingly took a stab at their intended final value.
AKA was being sarcastic.
@flux
CC = 200 in roman numbers
@Beatnik
XX = 20
XXX = PORN
@Beatnik XXXX = Castlemaine
@Eli Haj Sweet Jesus, people. Next time I'll say 200,000GB so you understand I was fucking around. But noooo, let's count the /number/ of placeholders and try to be all FACTUAL in our jesting.
@flux Misinterpretation....
@flux
backpedal |ˈbakˌpedl|
verb ( -pedaled , -pedaling ; Brit. -pedalled, -pedalling) [ intrans. ]
move the pedals of a bicycle backward in order to brake.
• move hastily backward : backpedaling furiously, he flipped a perfect pass.
• reverse one's previous action or opinion : [See: flux]
Now, why would they print an FCC logo on a prototype that has not gone through the FCC?
@AlexDorman I was thinking the same thing and wondered 'Do prototypes go through the FCC?'. Now this only leaves me with the notion that it is a fake. It doesn't look bad though.
@AlexDorman
that's exactly what makes me doubt that this is something non released,
might as well be an effin KIRF...
@AlexDorman
That's what makes it a sure fake.
I think (not 100% sure) it's actually illegal to put FCC certification marks on a device that isn't actually certified.
And why would you anyway on a device that is a prototype?
@AlexDorman Besides, if you really found something like this, you would take a crapload of more clear pictures and send them away. You'd plug in it and videotape the interface.
I call faker.
@AlexDorman Part of the point of making prototypes is to practice making the units as you will make them when they go into production. If the real ones will have FCC logos, you put FCC logos on. Otherwise when you throw the switch on to make production models, you might find out that the FCC logos are smeared or missing or something.
You put a sticker over the logo that says "this device is not approved for sale something something something" but that doesn't mean it cant be removed by the person who receives it.
@AlexDorman Why would they not have "iPhone HD" printed on the back?
@AlexDorman if you look at the ID #s they have a bunch of XXXX in them. I assume they are just mocking up what the final will look like, without using the official, final IDs.
@Vman I have a prototype MBP and where the FCC logo would be is a sticker saying... (Sorry its weathered) "This device has not been authorized as required by . . . Federal Communications Commision . . . this device . . . and may not be for sale or lease, or sold . . ."
Can't read the rest but I'd imagine something similar on an iPhone was the point.
@TareG Because the 2G, 3G, and 3GS all only said "iPhone" on the back.
@LAY
Look @ the pics it says:
FCC ID:BCGAXXXXX FCC IC ID 597C-AXXXXX
since it will go FCC, (some day) for approval how is that illegal, it will be illegal if it had a serial # all those XXXX's are there because it's not a final version and it hasn't pass through FCC yet.
@natelock Just noticed it also has the FCC badge... so I it makes sense to see it here.
@TareG Have they ever printed anything more than "iPod" on the back of iPods?
@natelock So....this thing is legit?
Where does the 80GB figure come from? It is a strange number to choose, but would fit my needs perfectly!
Shame the body is really ugly for an "apple" product.
@mattpez Weren't the old iPods 80GB for a while?
@mattpez
it seems unlikely for apple to use an hdd and there's no way flash memory will add
up to that.
@n8equalsd don't 64 & 16 add up to 80?
@ACSFernalld
Oops. But still, it would be weird to do something like that. I mean, why no move up to 96 GB if 128 is too expensive?
To many buttons. I'm calling BS.
@Twitch It has the same amount of buttons, they are just really obvious.
KIRF
Hell no. Not Apple-sexy.
well if this guy can time travel back to 2004 or something, he might have a gold mine on his hands... That and apple ninjas.
Back looks like a squashed 3G,
But looks quite legit...but who knows
Am I the only one who laughed at the title beore clicking, thinking "uh...won't it just look the same as always?"
Lol.
If this is fake, Engadget shame on you.
If this is real, Apple shame on you.
If this is a prototype, fair deals.
"Found" isn't that called theft?
@GuyMontag
Finders, Keepers
Losers, Weepers!!
@GuyMontag Might be to the previous owner, but to the new one, it's a lucky day!!!
It would have a front facing camera.
Seriously? I can't believe anybody thinks that this is "real" in the sense of being an actual design that Apple would manufacture. Not saying it's impossible for it to be a pre-production model—i.e., just a crappy housing for new internals, before they're ultra-compacted and put into a newly designed finished case—but that is absolutely not Apple's design aesthetic. Look at the seams, look at the non-flush surfaces, look at the dis-improved audio buttons, etc. Just poor.
Blatant fake... Josh do you honestly think this person got hold of the phone and didnt take a proper front facing shot... Shouldnt ever have made the news but hey its bringing the traffic... ;)
someone is about to get the full fury of the turtle neck. my guess some dude was fashing it at a bar, god drunk and left it. now steve jobs will add this poor guy to his soul collection.
Could be a look-a-like or a kirf or placed
there purposely?
Why would they put logos on a secret prototype?
do you mean G4?
I have to agree with the masses. The design is a step in a new direction for Apple if this is real. Looks like a samsung phone.
@richardspagna Actually you're the first to mention that, so the masses are one person. But I second that
KIRF