iPhone 2010 To Have Touch-Sensitive Casing

Goldman Sachs believes the next-generation iPhone will pack a 5 megapixel camera and a touch-sensitive casing, similar to Apple's Magic Mouse. It will begin its life in manufacturing facilities some time in April, in time to hit store shelves by June.iPhone 2010 reports, rumors and predictions are likely to come in a steady stream for the foreseeable future. The latest comes from analyst firm Goldman Sachs. In an interview, analyst Robert Chen said that the next version of the iPhone will include not only a better camera, but a touch-sensitive case. "Apple's going to put a lot of innovation, not just on the hardware, but also on the software of the new iPhone."

Despite the success of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, Apple's competitors have taken the fight to Apple's front door and are offering more feature-rich devices. Most of the Android devices announced in the last three months come packing 5 megapixel cameras and some have the ability to record HD video. That trounces the iPhone's 3.2 megapixel camera and VGA video capturing capabilities. Any bump in the iPhone's camera will simply be matching the competition rather than besting it.

A touch-sensitive casing, on the other hand, could offer something unique. Goldman's Chen doesn't elaborate on what he means, but given Apple's forays into touch controls for its products, there are all sorts of possibilities. Gestures could be used to answer/end calls, unlock the device, alter settings, and more. There will be some practical limitations, but even a few simple features would be enough to set the iPhone apart from the swelling competition.

Both Google and Microsoft are doing some interesting things with their unlock screens and notification bars that best what Apple is offering. The next-generation iPhone not only needs to make big steps in hardware, but also in the software. Chen notes that the next iPhone will likely have new software on board that will reflect forthcoming changes to the iPhone Apps Store.