Pages

Feb 14, 2011

One of Apple’s iPhone 5 Prototypes Has A Hardware Keyboard?

Apple leaks say that there are three different prototypes being tested for the next iPhone. The weirdest one seems to be one that looks like an iPhone 4, but has a case that slides out to reveal a hardware keyboard. The slide-out mechanism sounds similar to the Keyboard Buddy, is pretty unlikely, since Apple has pushed the touchscreen-only train so hard the past few years.

The other two prototypes are said to be exteriorly similar to the current-gen, maybe just 1/3 smaller. If the rumors are right, we shouldn't expect a huge aesthetic change, just improvements like an 8-megapixel camera and an upgraded battery.

It's also interesting to note that there are three different prototypes at this stage of the game (February). It could be that Apple still hasn't made up their mind about which unit to release. If this were April and closer to when they needed to test the final design more thoroughly, we'd guess that two of those three prototypes are just decoys, made to throw people off from what the real iPhone is, to avoid what happened with the iPhone 4 last year. Perhaps that's what's happening already?

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't be bothered with iphones

Gaming Day said...

Iphones suck haha the Evo is better

Anonymous said...

Looks goods, since my fingers always press the wrong button on the touch screen anyways,

dubmixt said...

no more Damn You Auto Correct!

Joe Somebody said...

Im an iPhone 3Gs user. I can upgrade to the iphone4 now but I knew july is right around the corner and I know apple will release something in regards to the iphone. So I have decided to wait.

Nokel said...

wouldn't it be better to just make a whole bunch of different models and release them at the same time, that way if someone doesn't like the look or feel of one they can buy a different looking one... It would also mean that when I look around the train i wouldn't see 90% of people using those fucking disgusting little bricks

Thuganomics said...

they finally getting a keyboard?

Boatato said...

Maybe Apple finally realized that the touchscreen only train is wrong and it sucks!

cooperlife said...

keyboards are for windowsfag.

Unknown said...

Seems like the company that is always one step ahead is now a few steps behind.

Master Maniacal said...

All these rumors of a smaller iPhone are going around. If I had to bet money I would say the smaller one would come with a hardware keyboard. Though this is really working against apple's traditional style.

Galfraz said...

I'm surprised they're not doing more of the smooth, flat white and metal sterile look and feel. Always thought Apple thought real keyboards and such to be vulgar as they detract from the symmetrical shapes of their products.

1904 Blogger said...

noooo way

Unknown said...

whooopee doo

Ciriis said...

My lord, if they actually add a qwerty keyboard I might actually consider getting one. I hate using the touch screen to type. Just cant get used to it.

Raw said...

Apple is pretty ridiculous.

Bassislv said...

what? Apple? no, thanks

The Facts of Vidya said...

Love my Iphone 3GS. I'm in no hurry to upgrade since it does all I ask of it.

SportsFanatic said...

that looks sweet
how did you find this?

shishimaru said...

several different models would be nice for a change... Also, yay keyboard (maybe) >:3

Cartz said...

Whats the point in the keyboard... those are "so last week" xD

Nhecas said...

seems nice anda very interesting