New images of what is reportedly a fully assembled iPhone 6 have leaked. The images show a design that hearkens back to the original iPhone that forever changed mobile computing.
When Apple unveiled the original iPhone in 2007, the smartphone was crafted out of aluminum and glass. It had a rounded case and flat back and its power button was located at the top of the smartphone, along with its SIM slot and headphone jack. Apple placed its volume rocker and ring/silent switch on the handset's left side.
When the company released its successor in 2008, the iPhone 3G featured a new design. Apple retired the aluminum case from the original iPhone and used a curved plastic rear case that was said to allow greater reception for the smartphone's 3G radio. The introduction of the iPhone 3GS in 2009 used virtually the same exact plastic case and was the first iPhone to feature a design that mirrored its predecessor.
Apple would introduce a completely redesigned iPhone 4 in 2010 and it signaled a return to the company using premium materials in its flagship smartphone. Both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S featured chemically treated glass on the front and rear of the device and a stainless steel frame that doubled as the smartphone's antenna. The glass rear panel on the back of the iPhone 4/4S also allowed the smartphone to lie flat, opposed to the curved rear of the iPhone 3G/3GS.
The unveiling of the iPhone 5 in September 2012 once again changed its design from its predecessor and also increased its display for the first time, moving from a 3.5-inch display from the original to a 4-inch Retina display. The same design was also used for the current iPhone 5s, which features a unibody aluminum flat case with chamfered edges.
It's no secret that the upcoming iPhone 6 will feature a new design and larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays. The new iPhone's design is interestingly very reminiscent of the original, with an aluminum-rounded case, complete with a similar embedded Apple logo that has only ever been used with the first iPhone. Apple is clearly going back and using elements from the device that forever changed the company's history and bringing those familiar touches to what is sure to become its most important iPhone to date.
New images of what are reportedly a fully assembled 4.7-inch iPhone 6 have been posted by luxury iPhone vendor, Feld & Volk on the company's Instagram page. The images show off an ultra-thin iPhone and match previous reports that Apple has moved the iPhone 6's power button to its right side in an effort to make one-handed use easier on the larger smartphones.
We should know the iPhone 6's complete story when Apple officially unveils the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 on Sept. 9. We'll continue to bring you all of the latest iPhone 6 news as it happens.
