New iPhone 5 Smuggled Out of the Factory (PHOTOS)

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Friday, July 27, 2012

It seems that manufacturers cannot go a week without losing some kind of part that belongs to the upcoming iPhone model.

However, this time it appears that one producer of the handset has lost the whole device.

A Chinese case manufacturer recently posted up pictures of what is believed to be the next-generation iPhone, or iPhone 5 that looks strikingly similar to a white 3D prototype created from leaked back plates not too long ago.

This model features the new 19-pin dock port that the new iPhone is rumored to have. It also has a bigger screen with the earphone jack moved to the bottom.

News of the device having a 19-pin dock connector surfaced in a recent article by Reuters.

The report stated that the smartphone will feature a redesigned dock connector, different from the previous iPhone models.

Apple has added this smaller, 19-pin connector to replace the 30-pin version in order to make room for the earphone jack that will be moved to the bottom of the device.

Reuters cited two sources "familiar with the matter" for its information.

By adding this new dock connector, all accessories used with the past iPhone models will not be compatible with the next-generation model without an adapter.

This will also allow accessory vendors to reinvent some of their products used on the Apple devices.

"It represents an opportunity for accessory vendors," said Pete Cunningham, London-based analyst at technology research firm Canalys to Reuter. "The iPhone connector has been a standard for a long time now and I would expect the same to be true for a new connector, should Apple change as expected."

Apple has not commented on this change, but various tech publications have long speculated that the company was doing away with the 30 pin connector in order to create more space. The smaller connector would give Apple more scope for new product designs or a bigger battery.