Apple has posted the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c blueprints/schematics for case manufacturers on its website.
The schematics not only reveal the dimensions of Apple’s new iPhones, it also reveals the minutest of details that would be important while manufacturing an iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c case such as the distance between the back facing camera, the rear mic and LED flash etc.
Apple has provided precise instructions on how to build an iPhone 5s or iPhone 5c case, for example, Apple advices case manufacturers not to obstruct the glass inlays at the bottom of the backplate with metal, which we’re assuming is to ensure that it does not affect the signal strength. It also provide tips on how to make the case opening for the Lightning connector.
As 9to5Mac points out, Apple has also provided guidelines for iPhone 5s’ Touch ID sensor.
1.3.3 Touch ID Sensor
Cases that are designed for the iPhone 5s must not inhibit the use of the Touch ID sensor. See Figure 2-1 (page 13) for the keep-out area.
Due to the Touch ID sensor, it looks like case manufacturers like LifeProof may not be able to offer waterproof cases for iPhone 5s as they will have to leave an opening for the Home button. They could make a flap or some other mechanism that covers the Home button, but it could be very inconvenient.
iPhone 5s schematics
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iPhone 5c schematics
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[via 9to5Mac]