MacRumors and iPodObserver have both posted what they believe are pictures showing the case of the yet to be announced third generation iPhone. Judging by the images the casing appears to be made of metal and favours a more grippy, matte finish, reminiscent of the latest iMacs. This is welcome news for many I’m sure you’ll agree. I have to say I preferred the more solid and grippier feel of the original iPhone to the current version. I’m kind of sad there is no sign of a hole for a camera flash. If these pictures are real it will be interesting to see how Apple plan on getting around weak signal issues. Anyway, check out the pics below.
Judging from the picture that shows the inside of the shell, that really looks like plastic to me, not metal. My guess is it is black plastic that has been rubberized on the external side. The shiny Logo and Lettering is probably done in a similar process as “Gold Leaf” which you see on many leatherbound books (think of the gold or silver lettering on a leather Bible, for example).
Could very well be, I doubt Apple will use the rubberized stuff, it’s just not hard wearing enough. I’m trying to work out if that camera hole is a bit bigger than the current one. I’m hoping for 5mp in the new phone, although I would probably be happy with a 3.2mp with Auto-focus. Sony Ericsson have used them in their phones for years so I can’t see the lens costing that much.
When I saw the screenshots my first thought, like Chris’, was that it appeared rubberized and the logo is very gold-leaf-like. Not sure how I’d feel about that rubbery surface. I actually wouldn’t mind if they went back to the metal of the 1st gen iPhone. I always thought that looked good although never got to feel one.
I honestly don’t feel the rubberization guys, I’d say it was more like the new iPod Classics, go check them out.