Apple iPhone 5 cases appear in AT&T’s inventory system [update]

By Andrew Couts September 30, 2011

BGR-case-mate-iPhone-5-cases-ATT — Image used with permission by copyright holder

As if there remains any doubt that Apple plans to unveil the iPhone 5 on Tuesday, here’s another bit of reassurance: A photo leaked to BGR shows that AT&T has cases for the iPhone 5 in its inventory system. Not only that, but the cases come from Case-Mate, according to the photo, which is the same company that “accidentally” posted a page on its website advertising its iPhone 5 cases. The page was, of course, quickly removed.

The list of Case-Mate iPhone 5 cases include the “Pop!” case in four different colors, the “Barely There” in two colors, and the “Tough” in black. This corresponds fairly well with iPhone 5 cases that appear in the photos that were snagged from Case-Mate’s website before the company pulled the page.

iphone-5-case-casemate — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Assuming the photo shows what’s actually in AT&T’s system, it confirms at least one thing: Apple will release a device called the iPhone 5. Whether or not that will be the completely redesigned, “tear drop” device we’ve heard so much about, or something that looks nearly identical to the iPhone 4, we just can’t say.

It’s also still possible that Apple will release two iPhones this year, the iPhone 5 and the rumored iPhone 4S. Recent analyst predictions have somewhat put the kibosh on the two iPhone rumor, but Case-Mate’s sources reportedly believe Apple does, in fact, have both iPhone models set for delivery.

Based on consistent rumors, the iPhone 5 is expected to include an 8-megapixel camera, the dual-core A5 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a larger edge-to-edge screen. Also expected is the groundbreaking voice recognition and navigation system, dubbed Assistant, which is said to allow users unprecedented voice control of their iPhone 5. Like write and send emails just by speaking kind of control.

Either way, Tuesday is coming up fast, at which point the rumors will be put to rest by the soothing presence of fact. But if you want to get a glimpse of what the iPhone 5 would look like if the rumors are true, then check out this German-made prototype. It’s pretty sweet.

For a full rundown of what to expect from Apple’s October 4 event, see our predictions here.

UPDATE: Following the inventory screenshot leak, new photos have emerged at MacRumors, which show that actual iPhone 5 cases have begun to arrive at AT&T retail locations.

att_iphone_5_sleeve_1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

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