Claimed Rear Shell with Sides for Next-Generation iPhone Surfaces [Updated x2]

9to5Mac reports that iPhone repair firm iFixyouri has received information on a new part claimed to be the rear shell for the next-generation iPhone. The part is reportedly made of an aluminum alloy that integrates both the rear panel and sides for the device.

iphone 5 rear shell black
Notably, the part is relatively consistent with previous claims that the next-generation iPhone would integrate a "metal panel" to the center section of the device's back, but in reality the panel appears to simply be a different finish applied to that portion of the casing.

With the part also including the device's edges, a port for a smaller dock connector can also be seen, as well as larger speaker and microphone grills. The part's source claims that Apple will take advantage of the space freed up by shrinking the dock connector to enhance speaker performance in the next-generation iPhone.

Finally, the supplier claims that the part is showing up not only in black and white, but also in two other unspecified colors, although it is unclear whether those colors would make it to final production.

Update: The part appears to show the headphone jack being on the bottom of the device as on the current iPod touch, rather than along the top edge as found on all iPhone models to date. That observation would fit with a recent part leak of what was claimed to be the headphone jack and earpiece. But many observers suggested that the center feature on that part looks more like a dock connector than an earpiece assembly. Moving the headphone jack to the bottom of the device would explain the layout of this component.

iphone 5 headphone jack earpiece cable
Update 2: Repair firm uBreakiFix has also received photos of what may be the same part in white. The "iPhone" font on the shell appears to be somewhat suspicious, seemingly of a lighter stroke and/or looser spacing between the letters. But otherwise the part appears identical to the previously-posted part, which seems to carry a more typical "iPhone" typeface.

iphone 5 rear shell white 1

iphone 5 rear shell white 2

iphone 5 rear shell white bottom

Tag: 9to5Mac
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

Diode Avatar
170 months ago
I think its time to sack Jony. That looks hideous

A lot of people on this forum said the same thing about the resigned iPhone 4.

I'll wait to see it in my hands to pass final judgement - but I like it so far.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Vctr Avatar
170 months ago
The headphone jack on the bottom is... odd.
The headphone jack on the bottom makes the most sense from a usability standpoint.

When I listen to music and use my iPhone 4 at the same time, the cord gets in the way of the screen sometimes because of the fact that the headphone jack is at the top. Put the headphone jack on the bottom, and this is no longer an issue.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GeekLawyer Avatar
170 months ago
The headphone jack on the bottom is... odd.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FSMBP Avatar
170 months ago
Looks like this thing is coming out at the end of June...

Guess fall will be the 7" iPad release then.

No, it's not coming out in June. Apple hasn't even released a beta of iOS 6 (which will take months to reach the final version). They haven't released a new iPhone without a new OS ever.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KanosWRX Avatar
170 months ago
Please don't just be a taller screen!! Keep the same aspect ratio or don't bother!!!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
170 months ago
Heck yeah, we're getting all kinds of leaks today, lol.

2 weeks until iOS 6! So excited to hear whats coming from Apple.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)