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Engadget: Sam Mendes shooting Apple ads, video chat to be featured
Here's another juicy iPhone rumor. Engadget reports that American Beauty director Sam Mendes will be shooting the next batch of Apple ads, and at least one will feature video chat. Quoting some rather telling tweets, Engadget has put together that auditions are underway. An actress posted the message you see above, in which she's praying for a role in "a F***ing Apple commercial," while another tweet from a different actor reads, "off to a commercial audition for Apple." In addition, Engadget paraphrases "a trusted source" by saying that at least one ad will feature a mother and daughter talking via video chat with their iPhones, giving further credence to the front-facing camera that appeared in the prototypes that Gizmodo and Tinhte recently showed off. Are you excited? We are. See you on the 7th!
Confirmed: Apple's next iPhone will have video chat, feature to be shown in ads directed by Sam Mendes
Well this can't be tremendously surprising. Apparently American Beauty director Sam Mendes is in the process of putting together a series of commercials for Apple's next iPhone, which according to a tipster is being referred to internally as the Mammoth / N90. Besides that tip (with a handful of juicy details), a trusted source has confirmed to us that the ads will feature at least one spot where a mother and daughter are having a video chat conversation using the new front-facing camera that's been spied on the face of that iPhone floating around Vietnam and Northern California. Adding weight to this story, a cursory search on Twitter revealed that there's at least one actress who is up for a role in the "f***ing apple commercial" in New York, and another fellow who is auditioning for spots in California. We don't know much more than that, but we're fairly confident that this confirms video chat is coming to the next iPhone, and that that said iPhone isn't very far from our grasp. Remember folks, June 7th is just a kiss away.
More pictures of the rumored white iPhone
Much like Captain Ahab, Taiwanese Apple fan site tw.apple.pro is in pursuit of something elusive and white. They've posted pictures of what they claim to be the 4G iPhone with white casing on the back and front. Last week, the same site posted side-by-side photos of black and white faceplates supposedly meant for the new iPhone. I know it's a matter of aesthetics, but I prefer the iPhone with the black faceplace (speaking as a guy with a white 3GS). The photo looks legit, so we're not doubting it, though the home button looks seriously recessed. Perhaps there's a case or layer of plastic on top of it, or maybe a shadow is playing tricks. In any case, it looks like there will be an all-white iPhone 4G. So there you go. Update: As of this writing, tw.apple.pro is down. We'll let you know if it returns.
Steve Jobs will be front and center at WWDC 2010 for keynote duties
Just in case you were wondering if Steve Jobs would manage to show up to WWDC 2010 and totally party on the Apple faithful... yes. As you would expect, Steve will be rocking the keynote address on Monday, June 7th at 10AM Pacific. Afterwards you'll be wondering where you're going to find the money for that new iPhone. Full PR after the break.
White next-gen iPhone apparently materializes in full form
Clearly a white front plate was not enough to satisfy curiosity. Though we aren't able to verify this ourselves, Chinese site Apple.pro has a couple shots of what it claims to be the white next-gen iPhone, almost fully assembled (the front plate looks like it hasn't been snapped in all the way) and casually lounging next to the black model we've gazed upon so many times at this point. Is this enough for us to trust and comfortably change our palette preferences? Nah, but surely 15 days until expected confirmation can't be too excruciating of a wait.
iPhone video conferencing surfaces in supposed test firmware
Need a bit more evidence that the next iPhone will do video conferencing? Then take a good, hard look at the exciting screenshot above, which supposedly comes from a field test firmware for the next-gen iPhone that Apple is apparently working on. Not much more to go on than that at the moment, unfortunately, but Boy Genius Report says the screenshot (and a second one after the break) comes from one of its "Apple guys" and, as you can see, it not only offers yet more evidence of video calls, but video call debugging.
Supposed next-gen iPhone cases surface in China
We're not sure if it's a result of some hard information or simply an educated guess, but it looks like the first next-gen iPhone cases (or would-be cases) are now starting to find their way before a camera. The most convincing of those comes courtesy of Hardmac, which received the image above from one of its contacts in China -- a quick search of the model name also reveals the manufacturer, Shenzhen Soonleader Electronic Co, and a few more pics (check them out after the break). As you can see, it has all the right curves, a larger opening for a flash and, if you look really closely, you can see the necessary spaces for the new side buttons. Like we said, this could well just be a case of a manufacturer looking to get a jump start, or it could be... something more.
White front plate looks all set and ready for next-gen iPhone, or not
As our extensive KIRF library shows, China's one wild country that can make almost anything you don't want, so don't mind us while we inspect this new finding with extra caution. This particular Chinese online seller not only claims to have parts for the next-gen iPhone, but also one white face plate -- something not seen on iPhones thus far. While we drool over the thought of an all white Apple handheld, there are still questions to be answered here: the seller wasn't able to explain what that silver bit above the speaker is, nor have we seen white back plates to match this. Furthermore, we were given a "maybe" for a bulk order of 15 to 20 units, which is quite a lot for something that's not even out yet, but we were told over the phone that there's always a back door to Foxconn as long as you wave cash at someone. Not that you should engage in such risky business, plus this piece's authenticity will be revealed in about three weeks' time, anyway. One more shot after the break. [Thanks, Francesco]
Rumor: White faceplate for the 4G iPhone
What don't we know about the 4G iPhone at this point? This must be how clairvoyants feel on Christmas Eve. Taiwanese site Apple.pro compounds the letdown* by posting pictures of what appears to be a white iPhone faceplate. The holes for the speaker and front-facing camera that we're all expecting identify it as the front plate. There seems to be a small slit above the speaker slot, but that's probably to accommodate the ambient light sensor. Currently, white iPhone models still have a black casing on the back. It looks like the new model will be white in front and back. At this point, the 4G iPhone will have to sing "Hello My Baby" to surprise us, and that's too bad. Don't you miss the anticipation that used to precede these announcements? I sure do. Call me old fashioned. *For a real treat, check out what Google Translate did to that post. [Via MacRumors]
Digitimes: Foxconn will ship 24 million 4G iPhones in 2010
DigiTimes reports today on Foxconn's supposed plans to ship 24 million 4G iPhones this year, starting in June. June iPhone updates have become traditional for Apple watchers (just like iPod updates in September), and most observers expect WWDC to be this year's launch date. According to the report, the iPhones will be divvied up so that 4.5 million units go out in the first half of the year, reserving 19.5 million phones for the rest of 2010. DigiTimes analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also suggests that the new iPhones will feature a thinner, 960×640 resolution screen, which will create room for larger batteries and exceed Android's 854×480 resolution (on the highest end). Finally, fringe-field switching (FFS) technology will improve the display's performance in sunlight and create a wider viewing angle, just in time for iBooks on the iPhone. Note these claims with a healthy dose of your typical rumor skepticism and mark your calendars for June 7th. That's when all will be revealed. Probably.
Latest iPhone prototype leaked by a duo of phone dealers
The Associated Press is reporting today that two Vietnamese phone dealers may be responsible for the most recent 4G iPhone leak. When mobile phone accessory salesman Tran Manh Hiep heard that someone was showing off a prototype iPhone in a Ho Chi Minh City cafe, he rushed there with his video camera to see it. The AP notes that another dealer, whose identity is unknown, had the phone. How he came into it is still a mystery. Many suspected that the phone was a knock-off, as that region is rife with fakes from China. Hiep insists that it's genuine, as "[my Mac] recognized it as an Apple product" when connected. Other than the lack of visible screws we saw on the unit Gizmodo bought, it's virtually the same. There's no word on whether an investigation will be launched. Today, another image has surfaced from Vietnam supposedly showing the phone running iPhone OS 4. It's amazing to me that two devices have now gotten past Apple's legendary security, and even more so that one ended up far across the globe. I'll say one thing: it sure takes the fun out of the official announcements.
New iPhone in Vietnam spotted running iPhone OS 4? (update: it's a fake)
This is a bit of a confusing one, but we just got tipped an additional shot of this 4th generation iPhone that leaked out in Vietnam, but this time with a big twist: it appears to be running iPhone OS 4. Or at least displaying a screenshot of the new OS, with that telltale wallpaper in the background. We have no idea how this crew might've circumvented Apple's lockdown of the device, and there's always the chance this is some sort of Photoshop or other trickery. Still, a source has confirmed to us that the markings "N90 PRO2" indicate an older prototype N90 (the Apple codename for the new iPhone), which refers to "Working Prototype 2" and might possibly be easier to enable than the newer, lock tight model Gizmodo obtained. Also, despite the photo's out-of-focus nature, the display (or at least its contents) doesn't appear nearly as sharp as those previous shots we saw of the "fireball" screen. We're digging for more info as we speak, but unfortunately the original source site, Taoviet, is down right now. We'll keep you posted if we hear anything else about this image's origins. [Thanks, ITKINGDOM] Update: The source link is loading for us sporadically. The translated text above the shot reads: "Iphone 4G VN is distributed by the network not it? Maybe not then, we'll be the first use:" It's all so clear now! Update 2: Woah, do these things just grow on trees? French site Be Geek has just received photos of what looks to be a third iPhone 4th gen floating around in the wild. Chances are it's of a similar build generation as the Vietnam device, since it's lacking those screws at the bottom, but it does seem to a separate device, since it's rocking a different SIM. Update 3: Turns out this new set of photos was pulled from the same Vietnamese forum, so it seems to be the same phone. Makes sense, but we're still puzzling over that different SIM. Update 4: Sorry, it's a Photoshop kids. This phone can't boot past DFU. %Gallery-92978%
A4 microprocessor found lurking inside 4G iPhone
Well, look at that. The newest batch of leaked 4G iPhone photos includes crystal-clear* tear down shots, and one of them reveals what seems to be Apple's own A4 processor. Engadget notes that "339S0084," seen just below the Apple logo, identifies what we're looking at as the A4, according to Chipworks. The A4 is the Apple-designed system-on-a-chip (SoC) that's manufactured by Samsung and currently used in the iPad. Nearly everyone who touches an iPad remarks on how snappy and responsive it is. Here's hoping that the next iPhone offers similar performance -- and prolonged battery life -- with this thing under the hood. Engadget further points out that "APL0398" also appears on the chip that's inside the iPad. As for the other markings, well, we don't know what they indicate. We'll let you know if we find out. *This one's blurry because I blew it up a bit to show the text on the chip.
Fourth generation iPhone teardown reveals A4 microprocessor
See the marking on that chip with the Apple logo? No, not the "N90" codename indicating that it's from Apple's next generation GSM iPhone, the other text. If we're not mistaken then we're seeing "339S0084" on that chip from today's fourth-generation iPhone teardown. Guess what? According to Chipworks, that's the Apple A4 microprocessor fabricated by Samsung and the presumed work of Apple's acquired PA Semi and Intrinsity engineers. The "APL0398" text is also the same as that found on the iPad's speedy and power sipping A4 system-on-chip. The other markings differ however. What that means isn't entirely clear yet but we're digging.
Next generation iPhone unscrewed from Vietnam (update: video!)
The kids at Taoviet have really outdone themselves. From the looks of these images, the Vietnamese site has nabbed an honest to goodness 4th generation iPhone -- a 16GB model to be exact. It's clearly pre-production judging by the XXX placeholders on the backside stamp and likely lacks a bootable OS, just a "Bonfire" test routine. Nevertheless, it looks authentic enough that we expect Apple's henchmen to be busting down the guy's door before he pries it open to reveal Apple's chipset of choice. A few more pics in the gallery. Update: We've spotted a difference from this model and the unit that Gizmodo bought. Notably, the pair of screws at the bottom of the device are gone. The cleaner design could indicate a newer prototype (closer to the actual retail model) though both the iPhone 3G and 3GS went to market with a similar pair of screws. Comparison shot after the break. Update 2: Oops, too late Apple, teardown pics added showing an Apple branded processor. Note the black "N90" text on the white sticker -- that's the rumored internal codename for Apple's next generation GSM iPhone. Yeah, that looks like the A4 processor to us. Update 3: Video! Unfortunately, this sucker's never going to boot to the OS. And if the translation in our comments is correct then the unit was purchased for US$4,000. %Gallery-92853%
Report: Apple adjusts sources for iPhone 4G components
DigiTimes is reporting that a number of manufactures in China will receive orders for components that will eventually become 4G iPhones. Previously, TPK Touch Solution and Wintek have produced touch displays for Apple. Its being said that they'll produce iPhone 4G panels as well, with the addition of Chimei and Innolux. As usual, Foxconn will assemble the device (they put the 3G iPhone together). In fact, the Chinese language newspaper Economic Daily News reports that Foxconn began receiving 4G components in April. DigiTimes offers the following break down of what will come from where: Foxconn will handle assembly TPK, Wintek, Chimei and Innolux will produce touch panels TXC will handle quartz components Other components, like the camera module and flexible copper-clad laminate will be handled by Largan Precision and Taiflex Scientific, respectively. Here's hoping we have these in our hot little hands before too long.
Keepin' it real fake: next-gen iPhone has a bold, KIRF-y impertinence
With all the hype surrounding the next-gen iPhone, we can understand if your "iPhome 3G" feels a little, well, old hat. That's why we were as excited as you must be to see this iPhone 4 KIRF. Featuring a relatively svelte form factor, stereo speakers, USB port, a removable battery, and dual SIM card slot, the only real let down is the 3.2-inch screen. That, and we're sure that the UI will have a general, KIRFish nature that will appeal to very few of us. Get a closer look after the break! [Thanks, Corey]
iPhone covered front to back with camera-related rumors
Well, here's a nice bit of symmetry to emerge from the Apple rumor mill in recent days -- some new purported details on both the rear and front-facing camera on the next-generation iPhone. The first, and more straightforward of the two, comes courtesy of The Chosum Ilbo, which is reporting that the next iPhone will pack a 5-megapixel camera supplied by LG Innotek. Details on it are otherwise pretty light, but the site says that LG has already started producing the "sophisticated cameras" at its plant in Gumi this month, with mass production supposedly set to begin in the second half of this year. The second rumor concerns the iPhone's front-facing camera, and comes after a bit of digging in the latest iPhone 4 SDK beta. According to MacRumors, the SDK not only includes an unfortunate bit of code that suggests video calls will be WiFi-only, but evidence that video chat will be integrated into Apple's Game Center as well -- exactly how remains unclear, although there's certainly no shortage of possibilities. Dive into the links below for the complete details.
Apple visited the iPhone 4G's finder before the police did
With all of the chaos going on around the lost iPhone case, everyone has more or less assumed that Apple is behind the police department's actions in searching Gizmodo Editor Jason Chen's house late last week. Of course, no one believes that the sheriff is working for Apple, but most people seem to be under the impression that Apple wants to get to the bottom of the case, and that the company is pulling strings in law enforcement to try and do that. However, some new information discovered by Wired suggests that the story may be more complicated than that. They have heard claims from an anonymous source that Apple already knew the identity of the person who found the iPhone, and allegedly sold it to Gizmodo. Someone identifying themselves as being affiliated with Apple apparently arrived at the finder's house in Silicon Valley last week, looking for the finder (and possibly the phone) but finding only a roommate, who didn't let them in. Wired's source also says that the person who found the phone never tried to keep it a secret and even contacted Apple and searched Facebook for someone to return the phone to. When money finally changed hands (from Gizmodo), Wired's source says it was "for exclusivity," and not for a sale of the actual device. Of course, this is all a mix of hearsay and conjecture, spoken by an anonymous source who may or may not know about the case. The bottom line at this point is that the police investigation is underway. If they find evidence that makes them believe a crime was committed, then we'll see them take action. Until then, though, it's unclear exactly what happened with the iPhone's finder and whether the "sale" was illegal or not. [via Business Journal]
Police investigating lost iPhone prototype raid Gizmodo editor's home
The backstory of the lost fourth-gen iPhone prototype acquired by Gizmodo last week is certainly already the stuff of some legend, but hold on tight, because it just got even wilder: Giz editor Jason Chen's house was apparently raided by California's REACT computer crimes task force under the authority of a search warrant on Friday night and his computers and several other items were seized. That means a criminal investigation led by the San Mateo police and district attorney is almost certainly in full swing, which is, well, crazy. As you know, we published images of the iPhone prototype last Saturday, so we're tracking this story as closely as we know all of you are. For now hang tight and we'll share more info as we get it. Update: TechCrunch reports that the investigation is on hold for now following claims by Gawker that Chen should be protected under California's Shield Laws, meant to help protect journalists from revealing sources. The District Attorney will reportedly reevaluate whether those laws do apply, and as such will not go through the seized possessions until a decision's been reached in the coming days.