Apple Swaps Metals for iPhone 8

Apple’s key manufacturing partner Foxconn will assemble the new, stainless steel chassis along with a US-based company, Jail.

The next generation Apple iPhone is set to be launched in 2017, and it is expected that the bezel-less iPhone 8 could feature a bold new design with an OLED display full of holes. The order was placed to Jabil bypassing its usual supplier Foxconn.

These team-ups are said to help ensure there are enough AMOLED displays to go around – for Apple as well as any other companies interested in using the technology. This made Apple switch to aluminum which was first applied in its original Apple Watch.

According to the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple will ditch the aluminum design its been using since 2012 and shift to a glass-back that was last used with the iPhone 4s. While the iPhone 4’s design was well-received, when dropped, the device’s backplate or screen could easily shatter, causing damage to the handset.

The smartphone dubbed as “iPhone 8” is anticipated to feature a glass body, a dual curved edge-to-edge OLED display with a built-in Touch ID sensor and wireless charging.

The downside of the steel frame for customers is that the material could lead to pricier iPhones, according to the Know Your Mobile, though the blog notes that the forging process could reduce production costs over CNC milling.

Back then, Rizzone said that Energous changed its plans following the signing of “key strategic partnership”, which the enthusiasts believe is Apple.

The iPhone 8 would use two reinforced glass panels and a metal frame in the middle.

With the stainless steel in the process, quality control mechanisms will become easy for Apple.

Apple has depended on an aluminium casing so far with its recent flagships including the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s.

The report adds that the design will mean the iPhone 8 will come with a bezel gap around the side of the display, which will appear to dispel rumours that the new device would feature an edge-to-edge display.