Apple rumored to be evaluating 3 new iPhone prototypes, one with slideout keyboard
By Neil Hughes
Published: 02:50 PM EST (11:50 AM PST)
A Taiwanese website that has been the source of numerous Apple hardware leaks now claims that Apple has built three hardware prototypes for its next-generation iPhone, including one model with a slide-out physical keyboard.
The
new details come from
tw.apple.pro, but are the result of a
rough online translation. The site's source claimed that Apple has built three prototype models for its anticipated "iPhone 5," and one of them has a "sliding cover" that conceals a keyboard.
Another prototype reportedly built by Apple looks largely like the iPhone 4, but has improved hardware including longer battery life and superior camera. That version of the handset would not be a major physical change from the previous-generation iPhone 4, and would be akin to the iPhone 3GS replacing the iPhone 3G, the report said.
Finally, the site also
reiterated rumors that the next-generation iPad will include a built-in camera, and will
also be thinner than the first-generation model.
In years past,
Apple.pro has got its hands on numerous hardware leaks from Apple's overseas suppliers. Last year it got its hands on a
white panel for an iPhone 4 before the handset was announced, and it also obtained an
iPhone 4 battery in June.
In 2008, it offered a
first look at Apple's redesigned MacBook.
Last July, the same site also
showed off a mysterious small touchscreen which it speculated could be used in an "iPod touch nano." In September, Apple unveiled its
new iPod nano with a small multi-touch display.
In addition, in 2008, the blog posted photos of the
new unibody enclosure of Apple's redesigned MacBook Pro before it was released.
But also in 2008, the site
posted photos of an alleged 13-inch MacBook casing which proved to be false. And in 2009, the blog claimed that Apple was working on a
15-inch MacBook Air, another product that never came to market.
