iPhone 5S Rear Shell Comparison to iPhone 5 Shown in New Image, Specs Revealed

The rear shell that could be for the iPhone 5S or 6 was recently compared to the iPhone 5 in a new image.

This new picture shows some of the changes that could be made to the next-generation iPhone based on the differences between the two. The image was put together by Nowhereelse.fr.

The image shows the overlay of the iPhone 5S logic board. The part has a number of repositioned screw holes in comparison to the iPhone 5 board. The holes line up perfectly with mounting points on the leaked rear shell.

The site also compares the area where the home button will be and the next-gen device features a new metal spacer shield that has a different shape. This could be made to accommodate the rumored sapphire-covered convex design for the new home button. Apple will use the new design to bring in a fingerprint sensor for security purposes.

KGI securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a new research note this week that points to the next-gen iPhone coming with this component.

He describes it as a convex shaped button that will give Apple more space to fit the fingerprint sensor on the device.

"Convex home button creates space for fingerprint sensor; yield to improve," wrote Kuo in the report. "We think that a fingerprint sensor will be placed under the home button of the iPhone 5S [or iPhone 6]."

Apple will use sapphire for the home button in order to prevent it from becoming scratched or damaged as a convex shaped button will not be as durable as what is found on the current iPhone models.

"A convex home button could be more easily scratched, so a harder material is required," continued Kuo. "We believe Apple will switch from plastic to sapphire, whose hardness is second only to diamond."

Sapphire will also prevent the fingerprint sensor from being scratched, according to the report.