New iPhone Design: Same as It Ever Was

Soon after the iPhone OS 3.0 beta was released, developers were quick to find data strings which hinted at Apple's future hardware plans for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

One of those data strings made reference to "iPhone 2,1", which is largely believed to be Apple's method of numerically labeling the next iPhone model. To put it into context, the original iPhone was referenced as "iPhone 1,1" while the upgraded iPhone 3G was referenced as "iPhone 1,2". Interestingly, when Apple makes a significant hardware upgrade, the first number in the string increases. Relatively minor hardware upgrades result in the second number in the string increasing. Needless to say, the upcoming iPhone upgrade is going to be a doozy, with a number of rumored improvements such as a higher quality camera lens with auto-focus, and video recording capabilities.

Now, developers have unearthed images from within the iPhone 3.0 SDK which are titled "iPhone 2,1". But before you jump out of your seat with excitement, there doesn't seem to be anything too noteworthy about the photos. As a matter of fact, the pictures, if accurate, indicate that the upcoming iPhone model will look almost exactly like the current iPhone 3G. Of note, the iPhone images in question suggest that the upcoming iPhone will keep the surrounding metal band, despite some rumors that it would be abandoned.

The photos, however, are in line with another rumor which said that the upcoming iPhone model will have the exact same dimensions as the current iPhone 3G. While an iPhone with a smaller form factor may be something Apple might consider in the future, it doesn't appear to be on Apple's agenda for the time being.