Recently rumors suggested that when the iPhone eventually hits Verizon, it will contain a redesigned internal antenna based on requests from Verizon higher ups. The information came from a source claiming to have handled prototypes of the Verizon iPhone, who has also claimed that the iPhone will not be an iPhone 4.
That information now appears to be incorrect. Spencer Webb, an antenna engineer and patent holder, spoke with ComputerWorld and said that Apple is unlikely to change the design of the antenna because, “the antenna design is architecturally fixed in the design, and it would take them a while to make whatever the next design is.”
Webb also stated, that it was unlikely Apple would revamp the iPhone 4′s antenna for a Verizon model due to both technical and business reasons. Apple tends to keep designs the same for a few years, in part to help consumers and accessory makers. Webb expects that Apple will keep the iPhone 4 design for at least three years.
The logic makes since, as the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS were nearly identical and accessories were compatible between the two devices. The original iPhone’s design was a bit different, which meant that cases and docks designed for it did not work on the 3G / 3GS models.
Webb also downplayed the notion that Apple could use a non-conductive coating on the metal band that surrounds the iPhone 4 and serves as the antenna. Earlier rumors suggested that Apple may have already begun using a non-conductive coating to resolve the “death grip” issues with the iPhone 4.
