It looks like Apple is finally ready to ditch the aluminium design it’s been using for the past 3 iPhones. According to rumours, Apple will be adopting a new design for its upcoming 2017 iPhone (iPhone 8?), using glass for the front and back, supported by a stainless steel frame in the middle.
It’s not a completely new design of course, Apple already used a similar design for its iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s that were launched back in 2010 and 2011. The report comes from Digitimes, who also says that Apple is opting for stainless steel because it is sturdier, and reduces costs and manufacturing time:
“The next-generation iPhone is expected to abandon its conventional aluminum back cover design and will adopt a new design using two reinforced glass panes and a metal frame in the middle. The metal bezel will be made of stainless steel using a forging process to enhance its sturdiness and reduce costs and manufacturing time.”
This is not the first time Apple is rumoured to use glass on the front and back, with a stainless steel frame for the iPhone 8. Back in March 2016 (ahead of the iPhone 7 launch), Ming-Chi Kuo from KGI Securities already made a similar report. On top of that, it’s been said that Jony Ive, the Chief Designer Officer of Apple, has been working towards a “single slab of glass” look for the iPhone.
This year marks the 10th anniversary for the iPhone, Tim Cook mentioned that this is only a beginning and “the best is yet to come”, so let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Cupertino company will have something different this year round. Other rumours about the iPhone we’ve seen before include wireless charging, larger 5.8” display, bezel-less design, removal of physical home button, and more. What features are you looking forward to the most?
