next generation

Apple is known for retaining the external look and form factor of the iPhone in between major upgrades, tweaking things a little and adding an "S" to the number. Now that more parts have surfaced as Apple prepares its latest smartphone for production, it seems that the iPhone 5S could have more significant design changes in store.

For the most part, these upgrades will be internal while the size and shape of the 5S will remain the same. More evidence has surfaced, however that Apple will release the iPhone 5S in different colors besides silver and black, as a gold SIM card tray matching those previously leaked is included in the latest batch of photos from BGR. So what does Apple have up its sleeve for the next generation iPhone?

Tired of fingerprint scanner rumors? Well get used to them, because it looks like fingerprint sensors are going to be the big iPhone rumor this year. According to the Taiwanese website TechNews, the next-generation iPhone will feature a sapphire crystal capacitive touch home button with fingerprint scanning technology. The iPhone 5 iSight camera is also made with sapphire crystal to cut down on scratches. Using the same material for the home button would help keep the fingerprint sensor intact and functional.

TechNews also claims that the next-generation iPhone will be all small upgrade from the iPhone 5, and will feature a 4-inch display. The Taiwanese website's supply chain sources believe that the so-called "iPhone 5S" will be released sometime in August alongside the rumored budget iPhone. Previous rumors have also suggested that the new iPhone will feature a new 13 megapixel camera with a larger rear flash, and it will be available in an iPod touch-like array of colors.

When it comes to the iPhone camera, the hardware has remained basically the same since the iPhone 4S launch. That's set to change based on information from a credible report detailing the next generation camera to be featured on the iPhone 5S. Tinhte.vn claims its sources at Wonderful Saigon Electrics have the inside scoop on new camera modules they're manufacturing for Apple.

A jump in resolution from the current eight megapixel CMOS image sensor to a 13 megapixel version on the iPhone 5S will be a significant change. Besides higher resolution, the new cameras are said to have better low light performance for improved night shooting. This could be an important distinction for Apple, considering smartphone and camera manufacturers alike are striving to compete on this front.

It goes without saying that mysterious photo leaks from anonymous sources can't always be trusted. Apple itself has been known to develop and test several prototypes before deciding which model to put into production for the masses, so even legitimate leaks don't mean much. Even so, Tactus claims this photo depicts the back of the upcoming budget iPhone coming later this year.

Analysts and the rumor mill have been talking about a less expensive iPhone model for some time, which would presumably make it possible for Apple to further increase the market share of the handset. Not only could a cheaper iPhone make the device more accessible to more people, it would certainly lower production costs for Apple while introducing the App Store and iTunes to more paying customers.

Apple has announced it has sold over five million iPhone 5 devices in just three days. The iPhone 5 officially went on sale in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK on September 21. Apple plans to release the new device in 22 more countries on September 28 and in more than 100 countries by the end of the year. Apple also announced more than 100 million iOS devices have been updated with iOS 6 since its launch on September 19.

"Demand for iPhone 5 has been incredible and we are working hard to get an iPhone 5 into the hands of every customer who wants one as quickly as possible," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "While we have sold out of our initial supply, stores continue to receive iPhone 5 shipments regularly and customers can continue to order online and receive an estimated delivery date. We appreciate everyone's patience and are working hard to build enough iPhone 5s for everyone."