Last year we saw Apple introduce an 8GB iPhone 3GS alongside the shiny new iPhone 4, and it looks like the folks in Cupertino are planning to make a similar move this year when it introduces the iPhone 5. According to "two people with knowledge of the matter" speaking to Reuters, Apple parts suppliers have begun manufacturing an 8GB version of the iPhone 4. The device could be launching "within weeks."
One of Reuters's sources also claims that Apple is currently planning to launch the iPhone 5 at the end of September. The new handset is described as looking largely similar to the iPhone 4 but with a larger screen, improved antenna, and an 8-megapixel camera. Those details go against recent leaks and reports alleging that the iPhone 5 may feature a new body with a tapered back.
The news that Apple may be prepping an iPhone 4 with less storage to launch alongside the iPhone 5 isn't much of a surprise, as the company has done the same sort of thing in the past. As I said earlier, an 8GB 3GS debuted alongside the new iPhone 4, and when the 3GS first debuted back in 2009, the 8GB iPhone 3G stuck around for a while as the cheaper alternative to the new iPhone. Moving to the iPhone 5, it's interesting to see Reuters report that the iPhone 5 may look similar to the iPhone 4, contrary to all of those case leaks we've seen lately. Like MacRumors suggests, my guess is that some of these sources may see parts intended for use with the 8GB iPhone 4 and think that they're actually meant for the iPhone 5, leading to claims that the new handset will look similar to the current iPhone. What do you all think? Will the iPhone 5 look mostly the same as the iPhone 4 or will it feature a new body?
