Whether the above image of an alleged next-gen iPhone backplate proves to be valid or not, the pictures are clear as day and can prove to be a very good hint at what’s to be unveiled by Apple in the coming months.

The new image showcases a comparison between the black and white versions of the next-generation iPhone back. The black and white coloring is, of course, just a trim, with a large portion of the back – as you can see – made of metal. It is unsure at this point what purpose this metal serves, but the metal is definitely present in all photos.

By the looks of it, Apple is trying to take cues from their implementation of a uni-body design which they introduced in their notebooks in late 2008. The purpose of the unibody is to allow Apple to produce thinner and lighter, yet stronger, devices.

There is much more to see, including high-res shots, which can be found via the stories source at 9to5Mac.