Claimed ‘iPhone 5 engineering samples’ show physical mockup of rumored next-generation iPhone design

GottaBeMobile claims to show photos of what it is calling “iPhone 5 engineering samples.” These photos appear to be of a physical construction of the rumored next-generation iPhone design. The report calls the metal mockup (which in the end may simply be a case maker’s mold, we speculate) slightly taller than the iPhone 4/4S, yet thinner and a design with the same width…

However, it is possible that these are actual engineering samples manufactured in Apple’s supply chain. This case would lend more credence to the previously rumored taller design with a two-toned back.

In late May, we published photographs of purported next-generation iPhone parts. Our article showcased the design seen above, including a two-toned back (with a metal plate), microphone on the device’s back, a smaller dock connector, centered FaceTime camera and taller display.