iPhone 4G front panel

From the world of Apple rumors and leaks, we have the picture below. What is currently being speculated is that the image below features the front panel of a new iPhone 4G. Compared to the current iPhone’s front panel it appears to be 1/4 of an inch taller. As you can see, there also looks to be a shiny, reflective bit at the top which is something we haven’t seen before. Otherwise, just looking at thefront panel, there doesn’t seem to be any other noticeable new features.

The front panel of the rumored iPhone 4G has been pictured by iResQ, an iPhone repairs site, which of course as you will imagine is picking up all the buzz at the moment. This also makes us wonder if the pics are legit.

iResQ also observes that the front panel has a “reflective, mirror-like surface” near the top of the phone, and speculates that this is a relocated proximity sensor. The current iPhone’s proximity sensor is used to detect when you’re holding the phone up to your ear. If you are, it shuts off the screen to save battery life and to avoid blinding you with light.

If the reflective surface is the proximity sensor, then Apple might be planning to use the sensor for other functions as well.

If this is the real deal, then it is likely that the pictured iPhone 4G will be announced later this year at the WWDC. More pics can be seen if you click on the iResQ source link below, let us know what you think.