More shots show different iPhone 4S/5 prototypes, both old
updated 06:15 pm EDT, Mon September 19, 2011
iPhone test mules show up in extra photos
A follow-up snapshot has shown a different iPhone prototype to the one showing its A5 chip as well as shed light on the possible age of the examples. The new image, purported to be of an "iPhone 4S," shows a device with the old, pre-release white iPhone 4 case and parts that are claimed to be for the iPhone 5. Despite MacPost clams, though, it appears to be of a different generation as it has visibly different battery markings and, as it's inverted, makes it impossible to gauge if it's an A5 or an A4 chip.
A follow-up shot from the original source, now known to come from PandaXTech, has provided a clearer view of the A5 and the battery.
Without either the modern white iPhone 4 look or a completely new shape, both are more likely to be different stages of Apple's in-development prototypes than an actual reflection of the final release. Multiple Apple insiders have said that cases showing a redesign are accurate and imply that these are phones from the EVT (engineering validation test) phase, not the DVT (design validation test) where the final shape has to be used. [via MacRumors]
Second view of earlier device: 1,430mAh battery, face up, showing A5
