Apple Confirms iPhone 4th Gen Stories?

The story of the stolen iPhone 4G has made it to most top news sites on the Internet. Even Fox News took the time to run a story on the leaked iPhone HD photos. The trouble for Apple is, Gizmodo had not even gotten started with its iPhone HD report. An exclusive video of iPhone 4G all but ended the speculations about the “realness” of the story. Is the device really what we will be getting sometime in June or July? Perhaps not. But it could be an advanced-stage prototype. If this is a hoax, it’s been an expensive hoax for Gizmodo and is well-done.

The story could potentially be a hoax, but how can you explain the letter Gizmodo has received from Apple to return the device. Apple has either really dropped the ball here or is hoping to avoid more details being found out by the media:

It has come to our attention that GIZMODO is currently in possession of a device that belongs to Apple. This letter constitutes a formal request that you return the device to Apple. Please let me know where to pick up the unit.

So the device could be real (though it is most likely a prototype that will differ slightly from the final product). So is Apple’s wrath. It’s still not known whether the company will sue. But I would not be surprised if they punish Gizmodo in one way or another. But it’s not as if that has stopped Gizmodo from breaking stories in the past.

Your thoughts: how would you handle this leak if you were Apple?