iPhone Hardware

Believe it or not, there are differences between the black and white iPhone 4 besides just color. Many have been waiting for Apple to finally launch this device in white after a 10-month delay. Now that the hardware is available, we can get a better idea of exactly what makes the hardware different in the two models. Apple has made some changes to make sure the white iPhone 4 functions the same as the black version.

The photo above, highlighted by AppleInsider clearly shows a modification to the camera sensor. The right camera, from the white iPhone 4, is recessed further back than the black one on the left. Although the sensors are the same, this difference in distance on the white iPhone 4 camera lens looks to be a compensation for additional light passing through the back of the device.

Well this time it's not the antenna, privacy issues or in-app purchasing. Now that the white iPhone 4 is on store shelves, the matter or its dimensions is causing a stir. Turns out the white model is 0.2 millimeters thicker than its black cousin (for the record that's 0.008 inches).

Credit for the photo above goes to Ryan Cash, who has posted several others on his blog comparing the two different units. He claimed that the 16GB white iPhone 4 immediately felt thicker in his hand compared to his 32GB black model. Now iPhone owners are scrambling to try different cases and make sure they fit on the white version.

Hallelujah! The white iPhone 4 has arrived. The Apple Store online lists both Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility models in white with a shipping time of 3-5 business days. The black models are shipping within 24 hours, but if you've waited this long for a white iPhone what's a few more days?

The white iPhone 4 makes no changes or updates to the current model hardware, except for the color of the exterior. Apple is offering the device in 16GB and 32GB versions at the exact same pricing as the black iPhone 4, $199 and $299 respectively. Retail stores will also carry the white iPhone in stock starting today.

A prototype of the next iPhone has allegedly been revealed in photos by MIC Gadget. Some are calling the model an iPhone 4S since it relies heavily on the current iPhone design for its form factor. Seen below, the next generation iPhone in white features a larger screen than its predecessor.

Although the authenticity of the photo can't be assured, this image corroborates several prior reports of a smaller bezel and edge-to-edge screen, cited as 3.7 or 4 inches compared to the current 3.5 inch screen on the iPhone 4. The model pictured above looks like it could be thinner than current iPhone models as well.

Sources describing the next iPhone have fallen into two camps, those who predict a complete redesign from Apple, and others claiming the device will remain much like the iPhone 4. Despite the appearance of several mockups indicating a radical departure from the current design, recent evidence points to a step change and possibly even a name that's more modest: the iPhone 4S. Much like the iPhone 3GS was just an iPhone 3G with improved hardware inside, it's looking more likely Apple could take this route with the next device.

The design above illustrates one of the possible departures from the current iPhone 4 form factor, leading the next handset more in the direction of the iPod touch or iPad 2. Other designs have been described by some in the industry with mysterious sources at Apple and elsewhere that show a similar theme, metal back and slim profile without the silver external antenna so commonly discussed on the current model.