An Australian technology website, leaked an Apple patent application that reveals the much anticipated iPhone 5 will have a metal body.

The document was spotted by The Australian, on a Sydney-based Channel News and describes the iPhone 5 as being “manufactured from a single sheet of metal” and “thinner than previous Apple devices”.

“Drawings attached to the patent application indicate an iPhone type device that has a bezel edge,” says Channel News.

The Aussie news channel said that the patent was lodged, a year after the iPhone 4 was launched, with IP Australia.

Executives from IP Australia said “It would be most unusual for any Company to lodge an application for a patent after the launch of a new product. This appears to be for a new product.” reported Channel News.

This is very exciting news. I was hoping on the return of the metal body like the original iPhone 1G that, personally, i think it was the nicest design the iPhone has seen so far.

(Source: The Australian)