Apple is expected to instead re-adopt the glass-backed body last used for the iPhone 4s. Glass is more fragile and heavier than aluminum, but Kuo does not foresee this being problematic. Many advances have been made in glass technology and materials like Gorilla Glass are sturdier than ever, which may help prevent breakage. Cutting down on the thickness and weight of the display through the use of OLED will allow Apple to use a heavier material for the body without significantly impacting the overall weight of the device.
Kuo also believes Apple will use a metal frame to house the components of the iPhone, which will be wrapped in glass. He predicts a stainless steel frame will be used in the higher-end iPhone, while less expensive models may get an aluminum frame.
Multiple rumors
have suggested there will be three versions of the iPhone: the "premium" OLED model described above and two standard devices,
with sizes that may include 4.7, 5, and 5.5 inches.
 |
| The iPhone 4, introduced in 2010 |
Allen Horng, CEO of Apple supplier Catcher Technology, has corroborated Kuo's report. According to both Horng and Kuo, at
least one 2017 iPhone model will include a glass backing, but Apple may pair one glass-bodied model with one or two aluminum-bodied models. Rumors have disagreed on whether all three models
will include a glass body, as
Nikkei says all iPhone models will have glass backings.
Japanese site Mac Otakara also believes Apple will sell a 4.7 and 5.5-inch aluminum "iPhone 7s" and "iPhone 7 Plus" with a design that's largely unchanged from the iPhone 7 with the exception of a new red color option.
Mac Otakara's information does not agree with other rumors that have pointed towards glass bodies across the iPhone lineup, but if accurate, it suggests Apple will introduce two standard iPhone models alongside one upgraded premium model that includes a glass body and an OLED display.
A conflicting rumor from Barclays Research suggests Apple will offer the iPhone 8
in just two sizes: 5 inches and 5.8 inches. According to Barclays, both models will have a curved, bezel-free display, but only one will feature OLED technology.
Next: iPhone 8 Rumours - Display, Processor and Wireless Charging
No comments:
Post a Comment