(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Parts firm ETrade Supply has posted several photos of what it believes may be the rear shell for next-generation iPhone, which we are referring to as the iPhone 5S in accordance with Apple's recent pattern of naming the devices.

The part is extremely similar to that from the iPhone 5, in line with Apple's pattern of maintaining a given body style for two generations before making more significant modifications. This iPhone 5S part is, however, distinctly different from its iPhone 5 counterpart in several ways, most obviously in the arrangement of the screw holes for attaching the logic board.

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Comparison of iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 rear shells with logic board screw holes boxed in red

Aside from the logic board screw holes, there are other subtle differences between the two parts highlighted in purple, blue, and yellow in the photo comparison.

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The exterior of the shell contains the same text as seen on the iPhone 5, with placeholders being used for the various model, IMEI, and regulatory identifiers.

Given that the origin of the photos is unknown, it is certainly possible that this part is an old iPhone 5 prototype design that was discarded in favor of the design that was ultimately used. Alternatively, the part could also be a fake or a knockoff, although at a glance the part seems to show similar levels of quality to that seen on the genuine iPhone 5 part and a knockoff part intended to be used for replacement on iPhone 5 devices would be certain to retain the arrangement of logic board screw holes.

A pair of reports from DigiTimes last month indicated that trial production on the iPhone 5S is already underway with Apple targeting the "middle of 2013" for a launch.
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IF this is a 5S may be it might be out before my contract ends ^^ was debating on the 5 or wait for 5S,

But maybe this just could be a 5 with some parts moved around...

looks like ill camp out for a 5S if its worth it :p i stil got teh 4S

I have a 4, Can upgrade in 6months if this is a 5S and not a 5 with parts put in different i hope its out before then as parts dont get leaked/made this early

I bet it will have the same EXACT shell as the 5. :dumb:

Its not dumb, most company's dont change the design on there new phones, Its all about the hardware these days.

iPhone,

iPhone 3G and 3GS same design..

iPhone 4 and 4S same design..

iPhone 5 and 5S same design ?

If it is a 5S with a same design then its just the way Apple market things

I thought the 3's were different. I thought they just didn't change the 4s because they couldn't change anything. Actually I don't see why they can't make their phone smaller. Look t their iPad. Look at their laptops now. Super, ultra thin. Bad ass.

Not interested. I can't wait until Apple unveils iOS 7 though, it's about time for a change. I might actually seriously consider buying an iPhone 6 if iOS 7 is something new and refreshing.