AppleLeaks (via MacRumors) has posted photos claiming to be that of the logic board for the next-generation iPhone. The report cannot verify if this component is intended for the all-new “iPhone 5” or the rumored, cheaper iPhone 4 replacement that is currently being dubbed the “iPhone 4S”.
At any rate, this new board has a similar shape as the board currently used in the CDMA iPhone 4, while also making room for a SIM-card slot, which of course is absent on the CDMA iPhone 4. The different chips have been rearranged on this new board due to the inclusion of the SIM-card slot.
More interestingly, however is the new shape of the larger area on the board used to house the main processor. On the iPhone 4’s board, the A4 housing is square in shape. On the iPad 2, the only Apple product currently shipping with a A5 processor, the area is rectangular in shape. This same rectangular shape is present on these new boards intended for the next-generation iPhone.
Of course, it is widely expected that the new iPhone will sport the A5 chip, but more uncertainty revolves around the new iPhone 4 model (currently dubbed the “iPhone 4S” by the rumor mill), and whether it will also receive an upgrade to it’s A4 processor, or if Apple will leave it alone to keep the manufacturing costs down.
Lastly, it’s worth repeating that the wide consensus is that the next-generation iPhone will be a “world mode” device. Meaning, that it can function on both GSM (AT&T) and CDMA (Verizon) networks. This newly discovered board does indeed have a SIM-card slot, which means that the device will at least function on a GSM network. CDMA support would stem from the inclusion of a chip that could handle both network signals. The same kind of chip that currently ships in the Verizon iPhone, but with world mode capabilities currently disabled.
In summary, this board has more in common with the CDMA iPhone 4, while also hosting features indicative of GSM support. The board also shows signs of A5 processor support. The only real remaining question is whether this board will be solely used in the “iPhone 5”, or if it will be coming to the “iPhone 4S” as well.
Image courtesy of MacRumors
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TAGS: logic board, next-generation iPhone
