Apple to equip higher-end models of 2017 iPhone with stainless steel frame?
KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims in a new report that Apple is likely to reinforce the new glass casing of the 2017 iPhone with an aluminum frame while using stainless steel for higher-end models.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus are made of the 7000 series aluminum.
Following up on his earlier report of an "all-glass" casing for the 2017 iPhone, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo just released a report with more information on what to expect next year.
Kuo believes that the popularity of the Jet Black models for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus has prompted Apple to go ahead with the choice of a glass casing for the 2017 iPhone as glass has a higher gloss finish. To reinforce the new glass casing, he claims that Apple will use an aluminum metal frame while reserving stainless steel for the higher-end models.
Kuo - Metal frame can be stainless steel or aluminum, with former more likely for high-end models. As all-glass casing is not possible at present given technological bottlenecks, a metal frame surrounding the edge is necessary for reinforced structure design. As stainless steel has a better look than aluminum and costs more, we expect only high-end new iPhone models to come with a stainless steel frame next year.
In addition, Apple is likely to use curved 2.5D cover glass, not curved 3D design on the 2017 iPhone due to mass production considerations and drop test performance. Foxconn is reportedly the main manufacturer of the 2017 iPhone while Corning, Lens Technology and Biel Crystal are said to be supplying the new glass material.
Source: MacRumors
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