A “non-functioning replica prototype” of the new Apple iPhone 5 has reportedly turned up at MBK Center in Bangkok.
Tech blog Neowin.com broke the story and photos, as an ex-staffer apparently came across the prototype at the downtown mega-mall. The photos of the phone seem to match earlier reports about the specs of the iPhone 5 and it was described it as a “pretty accurate” finalized design casing.
Next question: How the hell did this end up in MBK? We’re guessing that, if this indeed a real prototype, it was leaked out of a factory in China somewhere. Or maybe it’s just a fake some dude made in Nonthaburi or something… but we’ll never know until the iPhone 5 is officially released. The launch is rumored to be taking place on Sep. 12 in the US, with the phone available for purchase on Sep. 21.
Here’s what Neowin said about the new features on prototype iPhone 5:
The unibody case appears to be redesigned to feature an aluminum shell. The glass backing that appeared in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is notably absent; instead, the entire exterior is a single piece. The casing appears to feature the rumored elongated design of the new iPhone, which is said to be around 4 inches in height. Additionally, a new docking port appears to be in place, and the headphone jack has been moved to the bottom of the device similar to Apple’s iPod line.
