A redesign of some sorts is on the cards. After Apple launched the , we think it's likely that it will do something different this time. Rumours mostly focus on the idea of a thinner phone with a metal rear; this could possibly look more like the iPad (or iPod touch). Betting on any Apple device consistently getting thinner and smaller with fewer buttons is always a safe bet, although the size of the iPhone (including screen) as remained fairly consistent for the last five years; suggesting that Apple is largely happy with the decisions it made during the original launch. More controversial design suggestions seem to focus around the Home button, which many pundits are suggesting will become a flatter, squarer shape. Perhaps replaced with a touch-sensitive strip, rather than a physical push button (some people have speculated that the wider button will still push down but will also be touch sensitive so you can swipe left and right across it). Apple has also patented virtual touch controls for the side of a device, presumably to enable it to remove the physical buttons from the iPhone and replace. That Apple dislikes buttons (especially uneccessary ones) is beyond doubt, and we're sure it's design team has given the Home buttons (as well as Volume and Mute buttons) a good stern stare. Whether that translates to actually removing the buttons is another matter - we think they'll stick around for a few more generations yet.
An iPhone 5 mock-up Credit:
Next: iPhone 5 power connection, memory, RAM, battery
New dock (or no dock) This is a controversial one. Apple's focus on continiously shrinking down its devices has seen a rumour surface that the company is looking to shrink down the Dock connector. The Dock connection first introduced on the iPod all those moons ago has become such a commonplace. Another speculative feature is that Apple will look to remove the dock connector completely, either replacing it with a MagSafe-style charging system (power only) and go with wireless syncing of its devices. One patent suggests Apple is looking towards putting a sync connection through the 3.5in earphone socket.