If you have a collection of cases for the iPhone 4, and have ordered yourself a new iPhone 4S, it looks like the older iPhone 4 cases may not work with the iPhone 4S, as the photo below demonstrates.
According to the guys over at Android Sale, the iPhone 4S buttons are slightly lower than that of the existing iPhone 4, which would apply to the UK versions of the iPhone 4 cases and also the AT&T versions in the US.
The new buttons on the iPhone 4S are reported to be in the same place as the Verizon iPhone 4, which means that Verizon cases should work with the new model, so I guess those accessory manufacturers will be able to sell all the iPhone 4S owners some new cases.
Compatibility Issues with iPhone 4 Cases
The slight repositioning of the buttons on the iPhone 4S has caused a stir among iPhone users who have invested in high-quality cases for their iPhone 4. This minor adjustment means that cases designed specifically for the iPhone 4 may not align correctly with the buttons on the iPhone 4S, leading to functionality issues. For instance, the volume buttons and mute switch might be covered or misaligned, making them difficult to use. This is particularly frustrating for users who have spent a significant amount of money on premium cases, expecting them to last through multiple phone upgrades.
Moreover, the camera placement and size have also seen slight modifications, which could result in cases obstructing the camera lens or flash. This can affect photo quality and usability, making it essential for users to purchase new cases designed specifically for the iPhone 4S.
Market Response and Solutions
Accessory manufacturers have quickly responded to this issue by producing new cases tailored for the iPhone 4S. Companies like OtterBox, Speck, and Incipio have already released updated versions of their popular cases to accommodate the new button placements and camera adjustments. These new cases ensure that all buttons, ports, and the camera are easily accessible and functional.
Interestingly, the Verizon iPhone 4 cases are compatible with the iPhone 4S due to the similar button placements. This means that users who previously owned a Verizon iPhone 4 and have upgraded to the iPhone 4S can continue using their existing cases without any issues. This compatibility has provided some relief to a subset of users, although it does not help those with AT&T or UK versions of the iPhone 4.
Source Gizmodo, Ubergizmo
Apple has now announced the iPhone 5, have a look at our article on the difference between the iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 to see all about the new iPhone 5.
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