4th gen iPhone “midboard” for sale?

First it was a SIM tray reported to be for the 4th gen iPhone. Today a new “iPhone 4th gen” part has surfaced on a Chinese retailer. This part in particular is the “midboard” of the phone. According to the manufacturer, the part will be shipped within 5-12 days. Further piquing our interest are claims that the 4th gen iPhone’s back cover will be added to the site “soon”. Is it possible such parts for Apple’s uber secretive next gen phone are already leaking? Over 8+ months in advance is stretching it pretty far. Lest we not forget that this same site, China Ontrade, did have reliable early information concerning the iPhone 3G’s display assembly. Of course, that leak was a mere month from the iPhone 3G’s actual release — not 8+ months as is the case with this midboard and possible back casing.

Further casting doubt is the fact that unless the iPhone 4th gen is coming out within the next month, Apple, as well as many other companies simply don’t manufacture parts so far ahead of the devices scheduled release date in case problems/last minute changes crop up. Any hopes of a pre/post holiday new iPhone are pretty much a fairytale. Apple has now solidified early/mid summer as the iPhone season. Of course, a nice new year surprise wouldn’t leave me complaining at all.

As much as I want to believe this information and take the parts that come forward as legit, the pessimist in me simply sees too much doubt. Feelin’ the same?

Slashgear > Gizmodo