New video again shows off supposed plastic Apple iPhone case

Apple's iPhone remains the top-selling handset in the world, but a new video seems to support the notion that the Cupertino company is not resting on its laurels and may be close to releasing a plastic-backed version of the iPhone to address lower-cost markets.

The case shown in the new video is virtually identical to previously leaked images that also purported to show a plastic iPhone body. The video, posted by YouTube user DetroitBORG, shows a partially completed case without the necessary cutouts for volume and mute buttons or a SIM card tray. 

The video creator also makes it a point to show the plastic iPhone case alongside Apple's last plastic iPhone, the iPhone 3GS. The device appears best described as the intersection of the 3GS with the current iPod touch. 

Should the previously leaked images and this video prove accurate, the lower-cost iPhone will be slightly thicker and wider than the current iPhone 5, with a 4-inch, presumably Retina display. Both the previous images and the new video point out that the lower-end model will likely come in an array of color options, and a number of different colors could also be an option on the higher-end model. 

The plastic-backed iPhone would represent an attempt by Apple to reach into the lower-end market for smartphones. Industry consensus points to an apparent slowing in the high-end of the smartphone segment, with much of the growth in the industry now occurring in developing markets. Apple CEO Tim Cook, though, sounded less convinced speaking yesterday during the company's quarterly conference call.

"I don't subscribe to [the notion that] the higher end of the smartphone market has hit its peak," Cook said. The Apple chief declined to comment on any possible lower cost devices or the possibility that Apple would begin accepting trade-ins in its stores in order to boost supplies to sell in developing markets.