iPhone Hardware

Most of the time when you hear about Apple and Google battling each other for smartphone sales the iPhone 4 gets compared to the latest and greatest Android device. Some forget that Apple continues to sell the previous model iPhone 3GS on AT&T Mobility at a cut-rate price of only $49 with contract. Turns out that consumers continue to snatch up the iPhone 3GS.

Let's face it, the iPhone 4 is nice for many reasons, but if you're new to smartphones, Apple products in general, or you're upgrading from an even older iPhone, the 3GS covers many bases. Video recording, Voice Control and the latest Apple mobile operating system are all included. Did we mention the 3GS costs only $49 with a two-year contract?

Evidence of a delay in the normal summer iPhone launch schedule continues to surface, pointing to a possible fall release for the iPhone 5. Apple is silent on the issue, however according to a report from news site MacRumors, AT&T is not expecting a new model in June or July. The information comes via a MacRumors reader who phoned AT&T to ask why his upgrade eligibility date had been moved back five months.

The responding customer service representative explained with this statement, "Apple has informed us that they do not plan to release the iPhone in the June to July timeframe, though there will be a newer version in the future. Unfortunately, we have not been given a release time for the new phone." The rep continued by explaining that the release date for the iPhone 5 would be posed on the AT&T website as soon as they were informed of the date.

Intel already manufactures x86 processors for Apple's desktop computers, and now the company may be taking a closer look at mobile ARM chips like the Apple-designed silicon featured in current model iPads and iPhones. According to the EE Times, Intel is courting Apple with the intent of manufacturing processors for future generations of Apple mobile hardware.

Currently the A5 processor is manufactured by Samsung, however this is already slated to change. On the horizon is chip maker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), who has already signed a deal with Apple to take over the foundry relationship. TSMC could begin getting revenue from Apple business before the end of 2011.

There's been much ado over nothing when it comes to differences between the white and black iPhone 4 lately. The most hyped involves an alleged increase in depth on the white model, listed in Apple's official specifications as 0.37 inches (9.3 mm). The depth, otherwise known as thickness from front to back, was widely reported to be 0.2 mm thicker than the black iPhone 4.

Apple has been criticized for not indicating the difference in its technical specifications, and users everywhere are fretting that iPhone 4 cases won't fit the white model properly. The only problem is that the difference in thickness is an illusion. Consumer Reports never shies away from an Apple controversy, and they promptly put the white iPhone 4 through rigorous testing with high-quality calipers.

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.

Engadget reports that Vodafone UK already has the white iPhone 4 in stock. The device has made it into inventory computers and one source even sent photos of the packaging seen below. Apparently some lucky customers were sold the white iPhone 4 ahead of schedule, with the store employees noting the sale as a common black iPhone 4 to fly under the radar.

Vodafone told their crew to hold off on selling the highly-anticipated handsets "until next week" according to the report. Is it possible Apple would launch these white models in the UK without giving the US some white iPhone love? After all, retailers stateside have been spotted preparing for the white iPhone for months, and promotional materials have clearly stated the device would launch in spring of this year.