iPhone 9 photo leak points to a new rear camera

We're only about a month away from Apple's next iPhone launch, and that means leaks are coming in thick and fast, with a new leaked photo claiming to show the iPhone 9 direct from the factory floor.

Updated: a second image leak from a separate source appears to support the blurry shot below. More details at the end of this article.

The image was posted on /Leaks and gives us a rather blurry look at the rear of a device, which is said to be Apple's 'affordable' 6.1-inch iPhone 9.

Compared to the iPhone 8 (in the image above), the handset in the leaked shot appears to have a larger camera sensor, hinting that perhaps Apple will equip this new iPhone with new camera technology.

The new iPhone, or just a dummy unit? (credit: /Leaks)

The new iPhone, or just a dummy unit? (credit: /Leaks) (Image credit: /Leaks)

Alternative alignment

If this photo does indeed show the iPhone 9 and not a prototype, dummy unit or fake, then it looks like Apple may shift the position of the flash as well, moving it from the side to beneath the camera.

This vertical stack is already in use on the iPhone X, so it makes sense that the Cupertino-based firm brings all its handsets in line with the same general layout.

An separate iPhone 9 image leak from Czech site Letemsvetemapplem supports the first shot, again showing what is claimed to be the next iPhone handset with a large, single rear camera and a LED flash below it.

There are a few images in this leak, and one apparently shows us the side of the iPhone 9 in both white and black - although we're not convinced by the finish. It doesn't look overly premium, which raises our suspicions over whether it's a genuine shot of the phone.

The handsets in the shots appear to have a glossy, shiny back, backing up other rumors that the new iPhone 9 will come with a glass body; however the low quality of the photos, and the lack of solid source information, means we're taking them with a sizable pinch of salt for now.

John McCann
Global Managing Editor

John joined TechRadar over a decade ago as Staff Writer for Phones, and over the years has built up a vast knowledge of the tech industry. He's interviewed CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech firms, visited their HQs and has appeared on live TV and radio, including Sky News, BBC News, BBC World News, Al Jazeera, LBC and BBC Radio 4. Originally specializing in phones, tablets and wearables, John is now TechRadar's resident automotive expert, reviewing the latest and greatest EVs and PHEVs on the market. John also looks after the day-to-day running of the site.