As is usual, there’s a lot of speculation regarding the details of the new iPhone. What is interesting this time around is that there seems to be evidence for two different models. One an iPhone 4s, that would resemble the current iPhone 4 in terms of design. The other is a device with a larger screen, but has a design that echos the iPad 2 but with a taper and an oblong home button. The 4s rumors are supported by photos of components that would fit in it. The 5 rumors arise due to photos of protective cases that are popping up all over.

While some think there might be two iPhone models I wonder if something else isn’t at play. The putative iPhone 5 design actually resembles the iPod Touch in some ways more than an iPhone. It is thin. It doesn’t seem to have an obvious place for an antenna. Its larger screen would be attractive to iPod Touch users who tend to use it for games.

In any case the new iPhone is highly anticipated. By waiting to introduce it until fall rather than its usual early summer debut Apple has probably raised expectations. The problem is that the iPhone 4 is still an excellent phone. It has an incredibly solid design (glass back notwithstanding), a fast processor, a lot of memory, and a beautiful screen. The jump from the 3gs to the 4 was huge. Even with the extra time it isn’t likely that Apple is going to pull off that size of jump again. I think that the desire for the 5 is due to people wanting to see that same sort of leap forward. A larger screen and thinner device would be improvements, but I’m guessing that if they materialize it will be in the form of an iPod.