New iPhone is real, plugs into iTunes

Much of the doubt about the leaked new iPhone was removed today with a hands-on of the device itself. The smartphone exhibits all the traits of an Apple device, including labeled parts on the inside, and was even recognized as an iPhone by iTunes. According to Gizmodo, Apple allegedly "killed" the device remotely, presumably by tracking its IMEI number or UDID.

The disguise over the phone also hinted at Apple's influence as it was a unique design meant to imitate the iPhone 3GS' look.

The handset is known to have at least some of the leaked features, including a noticeably higher-resolution (but possibly smaller) screen, a front camera, and the addition of flash to the back camera. It now uses a micro SIM card slot on the side, rather than the top, and may have a secondary microphone to counter outside sound with noise cancellation. Inside, the battery is estimated to be 16 percent larger than before.

Despite some assertions to the contrary, the phone appears to be closer to a finished design and is a slightly heavier design with aluminum trim, metal buttons and the likely ceramic back shown earlier. It reportedly feels "amazing" in the hand and recalls the design simplicity of the iMac and iPad.

The slip is one of the largest leaks of an Apple product in recent memory and virtually eliminates most of the largest mysteries about the next iPhone before its expected unveiling in June. Some unknowns still exist, such as any support for HD video recording and playback as well as the amount of included storage. Most anticipate the phone having a 5-megapixel camera with 720p video capture, a 960x640 display, and between 64GB and 80GB of maximum space.

By Electronista Staff