It would be safe to assume that next week is going to be filled with next-gen iPhone related news and rumors, so why not start it off with a bang?

Apparently a Chinese blog has posted what it claims to be the very first photos of the next generation iPhone in action.  The photos are close-ups of the iPhone’s screen instead of the whole device, because the blog claims that the device they are using is merely a prototype next-gen iPhone and may not reflect the final design.

The photos are mostly close-ups of upcoming features to be included in the next-gen iPhone.  A couple of the photos show what looks to be a new auto-focus feature, where you can move a blue square via touch-based controls to the desired area or object you want to be in focus.  Another photo shows off the long rumored digital compass software.  The blog also contains quite a few other images worth checking out.

Since this is just some random Chinese blog, it’s hard to say if the images are indeed legit, but from what our eyes can see, we don’t see why not.

What do you think?  Could these photos really be the next generation iPhone in action?

[via iPhone Blog]