How much different could the iPhone really get? I mean, the design hasn’t changed much in the last two and a half years. It’s so popular in fact that countless hardware manufacturers around the world have tried to mimic it’s design. Some have succeeded more than others while some have come across as blatant rip-offs. Even if you can’t stand the iPhone, you have to admit that it’s design is at least part of it’s success.

Continuing on that same look, if the image above is any indication of the iPhone 4.0, it looks like we’re in for another year of another iPhone looking roughly the same as the year before. Though there are a few subtle differences. For instance, in the case comparison above, we can see that the claimed iPhone 4.0 case is slightly taller than the old iPhone 3G/3GS form factor. Besides being taller, it’s said that it will also be thinner. The second more easily discernible difference is the mirror-like surface right above the speaker. Current speculation has it pegged as some sort of new proximity sensor. Super.

On the rumor that the next iPhone will be thinner yet — how much thinner can they get? I mean, the iPhone is already borderline too thin. Any thinner and longer will be too much. Think if they added a few millimeters and stuffed in a larger battery. I know the iPhone’s battery management isn’t too bad, but it certainly isn’t good either.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. It’s only a rumor for now. But if it did materialize that the picture above is legit, would you be happy/sad/angry with a thinner yet iPhone?

AlleyInsider