Apple's 'iPhone 7' lineup said to be waterproof, sport new antenna-concealing tech
Catcher Technologies will help supply chassis components for upcoming iPhones said to be both waterproof and use "new compound materials" to conceal their antennas, according to a new rumor.
Catcher will likely supply about 30 to 35 percent of chassis shipments for the new hardware, Taiwan's Commercial Times reported on Tuesday citing work by a research firm, as summarized by DigiTimes. That would keep the company as Apple's largest chassis partner.
Although the possibility of a waterproof iPhone design was previously rumored, no other sources have mentioned antenna changes. Apple could conceivably be hoping to integrate the part into the chassis itself.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are already more water-resistant than their predecessors, thanks to an added gasket and various silicone seals. Going waterproof, though, would involve a thorough redesign, including figuring out how to seal off ports, switches, and buttons.
The suggestion of new materials might also be consistent with rumors that Apple is considering a non-metallic chassis. Since the iPhone 5 Apple has tended towards an all-aluminum design, but other materials might improve structural stability and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Apple in fact adopted tougher 7000-series aluminum for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but presumably at extra expense.
Apple could potentially launch a 4-inch "iPhone 6c" as soon as April, and new flagship iPhones earlier than the traditional September timeframe. It's only the latter that are expected to be waterproof.
Catcher will likely supply about 30 to 35 percent of chassis shipments for the new hardware, Taiwan's Commercial Times reported on Tuesday citing work by a research firm, as summarized by DigiTimes. That would keep the company as Apple's largest chassis partner.
Although the possibility of a waterproof iPhone design was previously rumored, no other sources have mentioned antenna changes. Apple could conceivably be hoping to integrate the part into the chassis itself.
The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus are already more water-resistant than their predecessors, thanks to an added gasket and various silicone seals. Going waterproof, though, would involve a thorough redesign, including figuring out how to seal off ports, switches, and buttons.
The suggestion of new materials might also be consistent with rumors that Apple is considering a non-metallic chassis. Since the iPhone 5 Apple has tended towards an all-aluminum design, but other materials might improve structural stability and/or reduce manufacturing costs. Apple in fact adopted tougher 7000-series aluminum for the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, but presumably at extra expense.
Apple could potentially launch a 4-inch "iPhone 6c" as soon as April, and new flagship iPhones earlier than the traditional September timeframe. It's only the latter that are expected to be waterproof.
Comments
Water resistance really isn't a concern for me either but I suppose it's a selling point.
do want a water resistant phone. not sure why anybody wouldn't.
1) drunk and dropped on pavement (screen smashed)
2) drunk and dropped in toilet (waterlogged)
I've seen this multiple times from different sources so although anecdotal, it seems likely to be true to me.
Of course staying sober and in control of one machinery would also be a solution.
If a phone can receive a text or a phone call, it ought to be able to prioritize and allow some calls or texts to have a priority. Hey, kids call home..... Screen locked. Interested in others ideas.