iPhone 4G: proof

Well what do you know about this? With all those rumors flying around that the iPhone 4G we'd spotted was no more than a Japanese knock-off of an Apple product, it was starting to look like this thing was too good to be true. That is until one of the Engadget editors spotted what seems to be solid proof that this is -- in fact -- the next iPhone. If you'll recall, the night before the iPad was revealed, we had leaked shots of the device from what appeared to be an Apple test lab. Upon further inspection of these pictures today, the aforementioned editor discovered that the new iPhone 4G we've just gotten photos of is actually sitting on the table beside the iPad prototype! Imagine how blown our minds were when we realized we have had a photo of the next iPhone for months! As you can see in the pic above, the left side of the new device is clearly visible on this table in the upper right hand corner, and since we believe that these photos come directly from an Apple testbed, it's hard to deny that the phone you've just seen is in fact the real deal. Not only that, but we suspect that the device on the tablet itself is also a version of the new phone (you can see what looks like aluminum along the bottom) which seems to be housed in some type of iPhone 3G-like case.

Additionally, a source -- who confirms this is the next Apple iPhone -- also tells us that the device apparently does have a higher res screen on-board, a front-facing camera, a higher resolution camera with flash, and takes MicroSIM cards (that's the little "button" around the side you see in the Twitpic which is floating around the internet). We're working on uncovering more info, but right now you can take a look at the proof above for yourself, and in the gallery below.

Note: The device we're talking about can be clearly seen in the UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PHOTO, you know, with the arrow pointing to it.

Update: A Mac Rumors forum member has just posted pictures from Chinese site WeiPhone of what appears to be the guts of this device. These images line up with what we know right now. We've added a gallery of the shots below.

Update 2: In response to commenters and tipsters questioning the differences between the Twitpic and WeiPhone pics and the "San Jose" photos; these are likely handmade demo units, therefore there will be minor differences between them such as the screws appearing and then not appearing. We believe the models which will roll off of the production lines in China will look like these devices, likely with some minor physical tweaks, but they will look like these phones. Other major design decisions are already set in stone, such as the rumored glass back, which is present on both of these devices (Daring Fireball's John Gruber mentions them here). Yes, there are very minor discrepancies between these photos, but you need to understand they are from a very small pool of hand-built tester units. It is incredibly likely that the next version of the iPhone will look like the photos you see in the gallery below, and we certainly wouldn't claim that if we didn't have good reason to believe it.

Update 3: Gruber has expanded on the info concerning a glass backing for these new devices, and he's dug up a 2006 Apple patent application on a ceramic enclosure for handheld devices which is also (ding ding ding), radio transparent.

iPhone 4G: proof

iPhone 4G internal shots from WeiPhone

[Almo Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:06PM]

ITS A JAPANESE FAKE! ENOUGH ALREADY!

[Almo Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:07PM]

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/04/18/images-of-iphone-4g-actually-a-japanese-counterfeit/

[Darth Vadar Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:08PM]

@Almo
You would do great for our cause...

[MarkAnderson Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:09PM]

@Almo

A shame if true because it looks great and has all the features needed. I can even live with iTunes if it has a flash, decent camera and a SIM card - because presumably that means you can use it as a mass storage device.

[tsetsefly Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:10PM]

@Almo

can't be! the article says its "proof"!

[DanMan Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:11PM]

@Almo

I don't know about that, but I don't know about this source either.

How would Apple increase the resolution of the screen without screwing up compatibility with the entire app store? I doubt they want to go the way of Android and split up their ecosystem any more than they did with the iPad.

[Apple Fan Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:11PM]

@Almo

Those photos claiming it is a Japanese fake were probably released by Apple in an attempt to discredit the leak.

[sweet greggo Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:11PM]

@Almo

If that's the new Apple design then they need to fire their product designers. They shouldn't be getting *worse* looking.

[naz Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:12PM]

@Almo

Wow

[Alphadan Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:12PM]

@MarkAnderson Well the screen it's not OLED, thats for sure... Just look at the "blacks", they are blue XD

[MarkAnderson Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:14PM]

@Alphadan

Hmm... difficult to tell.

Anyway, not seeing a micro USB charger on it which is being phased in across Europe so starting to have more doubts.

[reallynotnick Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:16PM]

@Almo
Engadget just wants freaking ad revenue by posting this shit up. I saw the new picture a couple months ago, lets give it a break. It's not even like there is anything revolutionary about this Japanese knock off even if it was the real thing, just looks like an iPhone.

[Joshua Topolsky Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:17PM]

@Almo Actually, it's real. Read the post. We've had this verified picture for months, and we have a source which confirms it. We wouldn't post this if we didn't trust it.

[shu Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:17PM]

has anyone ever heard of any other "japanese fake" cellphone?

[iLi3kTuttles Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:17PM]

@Engadget - Your "proof" isn't convincing me...

[SolidSnake Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:18PM]

@Almo
Mind = blown

[BigJayDogg3 Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:20PM]

@MarkAnderson

The current iPhone has a SIM card. Are you confusing a SIM card with a MicroSD card? Otherwise I'm confused.

[Alphadan Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:21PM]

@Joshua Topolsky The post doesn't make anything clearer... It's just basically saying that an iPhone 3GS with a black case sitting on the iPad is an iPhone 4G... based on what? You can only see the screen of the phone....

[BrandonHarris Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:22PM]

@Almo

The bottom of this leak looks awfully similar to the iPads flush bottom...no screws or anything like we were used to seeing on the bottom of an iPhone

I put up this similarities to the iPad video: http://theurbangeek.com/2010/04/17/iphone-4g-hd-leaked-shares-ipad-similarities/

[commenter7 Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:23PM]

@tsetsefly

Mr blurrycam =/= proof

[Almo Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:24PM]

OKAY....ITS THE iPHONE 4GSX! YAY!

[adokimus Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:24PM]

@Almo

My bet is that it's a test device used for real world testing of the operating system and the wireless network. It just doesn't look like a finalized design, but rather a test unit. I have a friend who works at Apple and helped design the iPhone 3G (I know everyone says crap like this so you'll just have to believe me or not), and he has lots older test devices like iPods, etc. around his home. Oddly, though, none of the devices I ever saw at his place ever had the FCC data on the back (I remember this because it stuck out to me and he even commented that the test devices were a purer version of their iPod design because it didn't have all the crap written on the back). So, I don't know what to make of it, but I'll still guess test device.

NOTE: I'm not claiming to have any insider information. Any test device I've ever seen was of older products, they were only iPods, and my friend would never reveal anything secret to me if even I tried to ask (I've never been dumb enough to ask because I'm sure it would be annoying as hell to him).

[MrGoodCat Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:25PM]

@Almo

a higher res cam, thank god. they forgot to mention mr blurry cam snapped that grab with an iphone 3gs...

oh speculation and hype, you make the weekend go round

[MRCUR Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:25PM]

@Joshua Topolsky - I'd +1 you if I could. GO JOSHTOPS, GO!

[BrandonHarris Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:30PM]

@Alphadan

If you zoom in on the phone to the far upper right you can clearly see that the left side of the phone is the exact same device uncovered yesterday... Rounded buttons and all.

[JCerna Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:30PM]

@Almo
I can just see the announcement:

We are going to revolutionize not just cell phone but that of all mobile devices. We have made 30 new patents in this invention:

Look at the new iPhone 4g it has three new amazing features
4g
removable battery (10 pattens filed on this new invention)
Removable micro SD car ( 2 pattens filed on this)
18 other pattens files because we can

It will cost you only $600... for the battery.... cover

[someone Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:32PM]

@Almo Several of the pics on MacRumors' source (a website in Spanish) had a rounded top of the back panel while these pics are clearly squared off. MacRumors is wrong.

[farsideoff Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:33PM]

@Alphadan

no, just look at the other red arrow, the one pointing at a phone that has no case and a very distinct flat silver colored side, that is what they are claiming is the iPhone 4G

[erik1080 Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:33PM]

Good work, Engadget!

Bad work, Apple's department of secrecy!

(PS, can't wait to get this!)

[shu Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:33PM]

i didn't think so

[Edobe Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

@Almo

This is strong evidence that this may be the next gen iPhone. However this certainly does NOT qualify as proof.

[MrHashbrown Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

You know, it's entirely possible that the Japanese KIRF manufacturer purchased these cases off Foxconn (legally or under-the-table) and used it for their own devices.

[TheLondonExchange Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

@Almo

That's looks HIDEOUS.

[werty1432k Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

@Almo

WO! How did we all miss that when the original picture came out?! Consider mind blown.

[DarthSidious Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

@Alphadan it appears apple have stolen my cloning technology... there are two iphone 4g in the pic. the one in the top right corner clearly shows more than the screen...

[CityZen Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:34PM]

@Almo Maybe the "Japanese knock-off" IS a knock-off of the iPhone 4G design, given that (blurry) pictures of the design have existed for months already. In any case, all the speculation won't get you the next-gen iPhone today, so be patient and happy with what you've got.

[7egend Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:35PM]

@Joshua Topolsky

It clearly contradicts Apple's design choices for all of their previous devices as well as their movement towards unibody designs for all their products.

The phone laying on the iPad IS NOT the iPhone 4G, why would Apple have the iPad (which was releasing that day) bolted down, and yet a device that is months away from being launched just able to fly around all willy-nilly. Makes absolutely no sense.

The pictures from the TwitPic also show a removable battery, which Apple has no plans in offering. Which is obvious from their current progression and change of terms in their Warranty wording for the iPad.

You may want to believe this is the Unicorn you are seeking, but it's clearly and obviously not. It's just another knock off (look at the seams...Apple doesn't do seams). I am an Apple Fanboy, and I would have rather seen another Kin sexting Ad, than a fake iPhone and rants from people who actually believe this atrocious design is it.

[fs Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:36PM]

@Joshua Topolsky Hi Josh! Did you mean MicroSD card in the side slot? Looks interesting if that's what it is.. I mean if Apple is going with bigger flash storage (80GB) AND MicroSD support?

Yesterday I wasn't such a big fan of the design.. but you know what, I think I've come around. I can't wait until June, ughhh why do I have to be upgrade eligible on 5/13!?

[werty1432k Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:37PM]

@7egend I hope that it is just so you look stupid. That is mean, I know.

[rogerhs Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:37PM]

@Joshua Topolsky
THE 7 in 1 picture shows NO SCREWS between SPEAKERS and DOCK CONNECTOR.

THE picture of the BACK of the phone, saying XXGB etc, HAS GOT SCREWS inbetween SPEAKERS and DOCK CONNECTOR.

Different phones!

[cjwild Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:37PM]

@Almo

how convenient you just happened to have it in a photo lol

[MrHashbrown Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:38PM]

@7egend

Let's just put it as this: no one knows and no one WILL know if this thing is the next iPhone. So stop trying to prove it false (and to Engadget don't prove it true either) because at this point absolutely NO ONE knows.

Just enjoy the ride :)

[celineohler Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:40PM]

@tsetsefly You've got to love that 'reflection' on the iPad, I guess that explains it all. Although, it would be great, if there will be confirmation about that Verizon iPhone 4G and iPhone HD. Said to be release in two parts. Reactions. http://bit.ly/4g-iphone-going-to-verizon

[TheLondonExchange Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:42PM]

@Almo

Josh T

I love you guys at Engadget and for your sakes I hope you're not wrong but I honestly believe that this is fake. It's just too ugly to be anything from Apple.

Furthermore the Apple Haters are cheering this on because they know this is a radically different design that looks horrible. That alone confirms to me that this is huge disaster in the making if it's true.

This isn't Apple Design. I hope to God that it's changed by June.

Also I really WANT an OLED or Super AMOLED screen from Samsung.

Make it happen Apple!

[BigJayDogg3 Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:42PM]

@7egend

"why would Apple have the iPad (which was releasing that day) bolted down, and yet a device that is months away from being launched just able to fly around all willy-nilly. Makes absolutely no sense."

Maybe so you can pick it back up and walk away with it and no one's the wiser? It still isn't announced. Why would you want to bolt it down to the table?

[xps1330 Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:42PM]

@Almo You must be an Idiot. Japan never makes KIRF. Just those Chinese only.

BTW, dont try to be a stupid troller here. READ "Chinese site WeiPhone "

These characters in those photos are Chinese. Moron!

[MrHashbrown Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:44PM]

@celineohler

Huh. What if the iPhone that leaked early today is heading to carrier A while the other "version" of the iPhone is heading to carrier B?

(A or B = AT&T or Verizon)

[Versed Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:44PM]

@erik1080
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.

[Saad the other one Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:46PM]

@Almo

They may change small things here and there (e.g. the aluminum sides don't look like they're one piece) but all-and-all I think is what an iPhone will be in June.

[Pawsed Posted Apr 18th 2010 4:46PM]

@MarkAnderson Clearly it can't have Flash. Apple hates Flash in all its forms.