More iPhone 5 metal back, 4-inch screen, NFC rumors

By Rene Ritchie
last updated

Adding more -- if decidedly similar -- fuel to iPhone 5 rumor fire, China Times is reporting that trial production has begun on the device, and that it does indeed have a 4-inch screen, metal back/chassis, NFC (near field communications), and perhaps an improved antenna and dual GSM/CDMA support. All this packed into pretty much the same form factor as iPhone 4.

They claim, however, it will only ramp up production in Q3, 2011 (July to September) which would be later than Apple's typical summer release schedule.

Are the rumors getting steady enough that you're starting to believe this is what we'll see in the 5th generation iPhone?

[China Times via GadgetDNA via MacRumors. Note: Image above shows aftermarket iPhone 4 metal back conversion]

Rene Ritchie
Rene Ritchie
Contributor

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.