iPhone 5: Photos of Assembled iPhone Parts Leaked by Japanese Repair Site

By Anu Passary | Aug 01, 2012 09:14 AM EDT

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"Rumors rumors everywhere and to the iPhone 5 they all link". Apologies to Coleridge for the poetical sacrilege, but the constant iPhone 5 leaks make one wonder if Apple's next-gen smartphone is the only thing occupying our minds! Joining the rampaging rumor bandwagon is the recent leak of supposed assembled parts of the next Apple phone.

As the anticipated fall launch date nears, the iPhone 5 leaks and rumors seem to be picking up pace. According to 9to5Mac, Japanese repair site iLab has released several new images of the purported iPhone 5 that reportedly showcase a fully-assembled device. The photographs surfaced on Sunday, July 29, and have created quite a stir, fuelling assertions that the images are authentic and not an Apple decoy.

The leaked photos match up to the circulating rumors on what the iPhone 5 is expected to look like, the features it will sport. The current leak is the most comprehensive when compared to the previous ones, as it offers a detailed view of the fabled iPhone 5. The phone sports a smaller 19-pin dock connector, a 4-inch display, a two-toned unibody design, a centered FaceTime camera, and the headphone jack shifts to the phone's bottom. A metal panel dominates the rear plate a departure from the previous glass one, which is again in keeping with the rumors. The signage on the back panel is amiss; however, considering that this is a prototype the same can be overlooked.

Earlier this month, a Chinese website - Tabao - was hosting pre-order listing from prospective sellers. One could effectively even pre-order the alleged iPhone 5.

Critics aver that the leaked images could perhaps be the work of an Apple fan. A few 3D imaging and printing tweaks could have done the trick. A distinct possibility, however, the big question mark looms over the likelihood. Moreover, the raised portion between the screen and back panel, along with the gun-metal sides seem to be non-Apple, a departure from its standard design conventions.

The debate of the authentic versus the phony rages on and can only be quelled when and if the iPhone 5 releases this fall.

With people holding out for the iPhone 5, the Apple brouhaha continues on its journey showing no signs of letting up. Apple on its part continues to be the passive spectator, soaking in all the drama and furore with a monk-like calm. The closest Apple CEO Tim Cook came to revealing anything was when he stated that "I am fairly convinced that there's an incredible anticipation out there for a future product. And as you would expect given what we would be able to deliver in the past...it's a reasonable amount."

The only other hint has been from Verizon chief, Fran Shammo, who let slip that a "big smartphone" was dropping during the fourth quarter this year.

With the Cupertino-based company falling short of Wall Street expectations, it remains to be seen if the next Apple smartphone offering will materialize in fall and signal the death knell for its rivals.