iPhone 5S Changes Highlighted in New Rear Shell Comparison Photos

With the expected introduction of Apple's iPhone 5S now less than a month away, French site Nowhereelse.fr has shared some new photos [Google translation] of an alleged iPhone 5S rear shell. While the part has been seen a number of times in the past, the site has put together some overlays and iPhone 5 comparison photos to help provide an overview of some of the changes expected for the device.

iphone_5s_shell_logic_board_overlay
One example shows an overlay of the iPhone 5S bare logic board, which has leaked several times in recent months. The part contains a number of repositioned screw holes compared to the iPhone 5 logic board, and overlay photos shows how these holes line up exactly with mounting points on the rear shell.

Also of interest is the home button region, as Apple has been reported to be incorporating a fingerprint sensor into the part, perhaps moving to a sapphire-covered convex design to help accommodate the sensor.

iphone_5_5s_home_button_spacer
Nowhereelse.fr's comparison photos show how the metal spacer shield for the home button has changed from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 5S, with the previous nearly symmetric design moving to an asymmetric design with altered screw hole locations and an angled edge along one side.

The exact reason for the design changes on the spacer is unclear given a lack of other parts, but it seems reasonable to suspect that they may be related to accommodating the fingerprint sensor.

Apple's September 10 media event is expected to include the introduction of the iPhone 5S and perhaps the "iPhone 5C", a lower-cost model built around a plastic shell. Apple is also preparing to introduce new iPads in the coming months, although those are not expected to debut at this event.

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Top Rated Comments

JaySoul Avatar
156 months ago
Redefining the phrase "also of interest".
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sclawis300 Avatar
156 months ago
Wow, it looks so much like last years model since we cannot take the phone apart to see the guts anyway. This is very impressive flim flam. Introduce the 5S as new when in reality its so last year. Amazining.:(

wish you had switched to Android a long time ago like you claimed you were going to so we wouldn't have to listen to your complaining.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FoxHoundADAM Avatar
156 months ago
I'm trying to understand what a fingerprint scanner gives me over just a normal home button. If anything let's get rid the big round home button and reduce the bezzle/size of the phone.

Although really I'm in the "want a bigger screen" camp.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eduardo1971 Avatar
156 months ago
As someone with an iPhone 4, I look forward to the new iPhone. Time for an upgrade.:)
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
monaarts Avatar
156 months ago
Is no one else wondering why this looks blue? :confused:
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
monaarts Avatar
156 months ago
I'm trying to understand what a fingerprint scanner gives me over just a normal home button. If anything let's get rid the big round home button and reduce the bezzle/size of the phone.

Although really I'm in the "want a bigger screen" camp.

This is what I envision, and I am excited for it to happen!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)