Glass iPhone 8 redesign will only be available on larger-size models

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iPhone8
Don't expect to get the new glass enclosure on Apple's smaller iPhones.
Photo: Imran Taylor

Size won’t be the only thing separating Apple’s next-gen 4.7-, 5.5-, and 5.8-inch iPhones, claims a new report.

According to sources in Apple’s supply chain, the rumored glass exterior form factor will only be available on the larger of Apple’s new iPhones. The smaller sized iPhone will meanwhile continue using an aluminum-alloy chassis, while the mid-sized 5.5-inch iPhone (the current iPhone Plus size) has yet to be determined.

The reinforced glass chassis’ stainless steel metal frame is reportedly set to be manufactured by Foxconn and U.S.-based Jabil Circuit, while the aluminum-alloy chassis will be supplied by Catcher Technology.

So far there have been mixed reports about the features the new iPhones will offer. Originally it was thought that only the larger flagship iPhone 8 would include an OLED display, offering sharper images than Apple’s current handsets. However, a report from yesterday suggested that Apple has placed a new order of 60 million OLED displays from Samsung (which already has an order for 100 million), possibly hinting that all of Apple’s new iPhones will boast OLED displays.

More confusing is the situation with wireless charging. Wireless charging is something Apple has regularly been criticized for failing to implement, with rival companies like Samsung mocking the iPhone in advertisements for missing out on the feature.

Recent reports suggest that all three new models of the iPhone will boast the technology, although it’s not clear how this would work was Apple to continue using an aluminum-alloy chassis for some of its models. Adopting wireless tech is said to be the reason Apple is switching to glass casing as part of the new design.

Would you be happy to see Apple split the industrial design of its iPhones in this way? Leave your comments below.

Source: Digitimes

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