After the release of the purported iPhone 5 design document, we've received a couple of mockups what the iPhone 5 might look like. While we don't normally indulge the purely speculative mockups, the recent rumors have given us some guidance as what the iPhone 5 might look like.

The first comes from MacRumors user bikr who we asked to try to closely approximate the leaked document, with a tapered design and elongated home button.

mock
The design has a slightly sloping taper to it from top to bottom, reminiscent of the MacBook Air.

Meanwhile, CiccareseDesign has created their own mockup but was a little more free with their design choices. They retained the top-to-bottom taper, but ignored some of the other elements. They call this the "iPhone Air".

iPhone Air 05
A few of the other images show that the designer took some liberties, retaining the squared off design of the iPhone 4. Obviously, this is not likely to be predictive of what the actual iPhone 5 might look like.

Top Rated Comments

nathanjbrown Avatar
182 months ago
I have a hard time buying the tapered design. Holding the phone in portrait would be fine, but in landscape it would feel lopsided; out of balance and, therefore, out of the norm for an Apple product. When the iPhone 4 was released, engadget likened it's weight and construction to a Leica camera. A lofty claim! When I got my hands on mine, I completely agreed. The fit and finish - the feel of it in hand - was superb. That tapered design would be a step in the wrong direction.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
stanluca Avatar
182 months ago
Makes me feel

like I'm living a Teenage Dream!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bikr Avatar
182 months ago
Some important notes here..

I was asked for a iPhone 5 mockup that resembled the cad drawings that were released, from the iphone 5 case rumor.

I didn't conceptualize this design at all, nor did I submit this to MacRumors unsolicited.

I was approached by MacRumors for a mockup, and I provided a really early, trivial piece I was working on personally. I was told that a few of the details didn't match, and I offered to revise it and make it match the CAD drawings more precisely. The image you see is what resulted..

I'm a little perturbed that the article made it seem like I sent these in as original concepts and unsolicited.. Not nearly what happened..

(http://skitch.com/bikr/fcgkx/keyshot-2.1-pro-floating-license-untitled.bip-64-bit)

Click for large view (http://skitch.com/bikr/fcgkx/keyshot-2.1-pro-floating-license-untitled.bip-64-bit)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmemuffins Avatar
182 months ago
Qwerty! Qwerty! Qwerty! Qwerty!

No! No! No! No!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
myrtlebee Avatar
182 months ago
I'm sorry- I've worked in design for years and the second mockup is simply not practical. The weight distribution would be a nightmare- in both portrait and landscape. The thing would be entirely top-heavy and extremely awkward to hold (for a few seconds, let alone an entire phone conversation). Forget gaming.

The first is a bit more subtle and practical, but still would not be optimal for a phone by any means.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Liquinn Avatar
182 months ago
If it looks anything like that I won't buy it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Lower Logo Feature 1

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Monday June 30, 2025 1:08 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are less than three months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max in September this year. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models:Aluminum frame: iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to have an...
A18 Pro Chip

New MacBook With A18 Pro Chip Spotted in Apple Code

Monday June 30, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
Apple is developing a MacBook with the A18 Pro chip, according to findings in backend code uncovered by MacRumors. Earlier today, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip. The machine is expected to feature a 13-inch display, the A18 Pro chip, and color options that include silver, blue, pink, and yellow. MacRumors...
iPhone Car Key WWDC 2025

Apple Announces 13 Automakers Planning to Offer iPhone Car Keys

Friday June 27, 2025 11:42 am PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. During its WWDC 2025 keynote, Apple said that 13...
maxresdefault

Five Features Coming to AirPods Pro 3

Friday June 27, 2025 10:52 am PDT by
Apple hasn't updated the AirPods Pro since 2022, and the earbuds are due for a refresh. We're counting on a new model this year, and we've seen several hints of new AirPods tucked away in Apple's code. Rumors suggest that Apple has some exciting new features planned that will make it worthwhile to upgrade to the latest model. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Heal...
macbook air spacegray purple

Apple Planning to Launch Low-Cost MacBook Powered By iPhone Chip

Monday June 30, 2025 3:20 am PDT by
Apple is planning to launch a low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In an article published on X, Kuo explained that the device will feature a 13-inch display and the A18 Pro chip, making it the first Mac powered by an iPhone chip. The A18 Pro chip debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro last year. To date, all Apple silicon Macs have contained M-series...
anker power bank recall

PSA: Anker Recalls Multiple Power Banks Due to Fire Risk

Friday June 27, 2025 4:16 pm PDT by
Popular accessory maker Anker this month launched two separate recalls for its power banks, some of which may be a fire risk. The first recall affects Anker PowerCore 10000 Power Banks sold between June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022 in the United States. Anker says that these power banks have a "potential issue" with the battery inside, which can lead to overheating, melting of plastic...
Chase Sapphire Reserve Apple Perk Feature

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Introduces New Perk for Apple Customers

Wednesday June 25, 2025 2:08 pm PDT by
Chase this week announced a series of new perks for its premium Sapphire Reserve credit card, and one of them is for a pair of Apple services. Specifically, the credit card now offers complimentary annual subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple Music, a value of up to $250 per year. If you are already paying for Apple TV+ and/or Apple Music directly through Apple, those subscriptions will...
replay all time playlist apple music

Apple Music Debuts All-New Personalized Playlist

Monday June 30, 2025 7:16 am PDT by
As part of its 10-year celebrations of Apple Music, Apple today released an all-new personalized playlist that collates your entire listening history. The playlist, called "Replay All Time," expands on Apple Music's existing Replay features. Previously, users could only see their top songs for each individual calendar year that they've been subscribed to Apple Music, but now, Replay All...