iPhone 5 Rumors: Apple Plans All-Glass Design, Larger Screen

I’ve refrained from blogging as many iPhone 5 rumors as I can, but this one is worth looking at. The latest buzz on the Internet suggests Apple will be sticking with an all-glass unit for the iPhone 5 design. What might that tell us about Apple’s next phone? Just a few tantalizing details …

A tip of the hat goes to iLounge, which apparently was contacted by a “repeatedly reliable source,” on “Apple’s developmental pipeline.” According to the source, the iPhone 5 will not carry a metal back à la the original iPhone, but instead will continue to carry an all-glass facade that also may include ceramic. The phone will be thinner, thanks to some new Gorilla Glass technology, but the most intriguing bit of information from the anonymous source was a hint that the iPhone 5 likely will have a larger screen and won’t have the 30-pin dock connector.

I’m feeling optimistic about these rumors, because this is the second time we’ve heard whispers about Apple dropping the 30-pin connector. Often overlooked are the engineering benefits of a bigger screen, too. An expanded 4+-inch screen provides more surface area on the back of the device, allowing for the phone to get thinner, even if there are more internal components. And remember, dropping the dock connector allows for more room inside the device. I’m a bit bummed to hear aluminum won’t make a return to the iPhone, but if Apple is looking to introduce expanded wireless capabilities inside the phone (NFC, LTE 4G, etc.) glass and ceramic are far more friendly than metal, which can often shield or interfere with wireless communications.

Since many iPad 3 parts leaked, but not a single iPhone 5 part has even surfaced, I’m beginning to suspect Apple is building the iPhone 5 under a new ultra-high level of secrecy. Whatever this phone looks like, or is made out of, I think it’ll blow our collective minds, just like Apple CEO Tim Cook has suggested.