As expected, next iPhone to look like the last iPhone

As many consumers expected, the next iPhone will look the same as the iPhone 5, at least according to a report.

Since the release of the third iPhone in 2009, Apple has followed each new iPhone redesign with an “S” iPhone that gets only an improvement in internal components and software features.

The iPhone 3GS, for example, looked the same as its predecessor, the iPhone 3G, but it was much speedier. The iPhone 4S looked like the iPhone 4, but the iPhone 4S introduced Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.

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Now, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that the next iPhone will be “similar in size and shape” as the iPhone 5. If that is in fact the case, don’t be surprised if it’s called the iPhone 5S.

The report also says Apple plans to begin production of the 5S -- or whatever it’s called -- during the current quarter, or before July. Many analysts have predicted it will be released some time this summer.

The report also says Apple is working on a less expensive version of its smartphone, which would use a different material for the body of the phone. The iPhone 5 uses aluminum.

Apple could not be reached for comment.

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