Apple to possibly debut completely redesigned iPhone in Fall 2012

BGR has just reported that Apple is possibly debuting a completely redesigned iPhone in the fall of 2012, following the trend first set by the iPhone 4S, of new Apple products being launched later in the year, instead of mid-year releases. According to the report, the new iPhone will incorporate an aluminum back panel (similar to that of the iPad 2) rather than the glass found on the current iPhone models, the iPhone 4 and 4S.

From BGR:

We have also learned that Apple is planning to use a rubber or plastic material — similar to the material used in the company's bumper cases — that will be built into the new iPhone case. In all likelihood, this material will be used as a bezel surrounding the front edge of the phone (like the iPhone 3GS bezel) and it will serve two purposes. First, it will join the glass iPhone face with a new aluminum back plate. It will also cover a redesigned antenna system that surrounds the device, allowing Apple to build the rear case out of aluminum without having to use a large plastic insert above the antennas as the company does on its iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G.

The revamped design is also rumored to see the the usage of a rubber or possibly plastic bezel covering akin to that on Apple's iPhone bumper covers, with it serving as protection for the device's antennas from direct skin contact.

Reports from earlier stated that Apple's next-generation iPhone will utilize an aluminum case akin to the one found on the iPad 2, as well as a potentially larger display. SlashGear readers, what do you make of the whole situation? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[via Mac Rumors]