Web sites iPod Observer and MacRumors are displaying shots of what’s supposedly the back of the next iPhone. It’s a new case, with reflective metal etching, that’s textured matte black (not the shiny slick material currently used for iPhones that wants to slip out of your hand).

Anyway, the images are supposedly from China, etched with a brand new model number (circled).

A few reasons to be skeptical: Crappy reception with metal is one of the reasons why Apple went to plastic in the first place (if there’s really metal in it), and it’s really early for a product likely on a June release cycle to already be exposed. And all the other usual possible fakery issues with Apple leaks, rumors (such as with the iPhone “nano” that turned out to be a fairy tale).

Why it’s even partly likely: This same site, the iPod Observer, leaked the iPhone 3G’s black glossy back months ahead of time last year (though not quite this early in the cycle last time).

We’ll wait and see.