All 2017 iPhones likely to have glass casing, stainless steel edges may be limited to high...
With the glossy jet black iPhone 7 leading the way in sales, Apple is expected to switch to a more scratch-resistant all-glass finish for the front and back of a 2017 iPhone redesign, with stainless steel edges, rather than aluminum, for premium models.
Via ConceptsiPhone.
Expectations for Apple's 2017 iPhone lineup were shared on Thursday by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, in a research note obtained by AppleInsider. Kuo said that preorders for the iPhone 7 show the jet black model accounting for as many as 35 percent of all sales, despite the fact that it is limited to higher-capacity, more expensive models.
Given that the iPhone 7 series marks the first time Apple has differentiated design based on capacity, limiting the glossy jet black option to 128- and 256-gigabyte models, he believes the company may push further in that direction in 2017, with a new stainless steel frame.
"As all-glass casing is not possible at present given technological bottlenecks, a metal frame surrounding the edge is necessary for reinforced structure design," Kuo wrote. "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."
If true, that strategy would borrow from the Apple Watch lineup, where the entry-level models feature a dull aluminum, and mid-range versions boast a shiny, more durable stainless steel finish.
Via ConceptsiPhone.
As for the expected switch to glass, Kuo noted that glossy metal casings, like are found on the iPhone 7, are prone to scratches. Apple itself has warned consumers that the jet black aluminum polished finish on the iPhone 7 is vulnerable to scuffing and scratching.
Glass, however, is more durable and scratch-resistant while also offering a glossy finish.
The KGI analyst believes all 2017 iPhone models, in both the 4.7- and 5.5-inch sizes, will feature a glass chassis. Previously, his supply chain sources suggested the glass front and back would be limited to the larger Plus model, but the popularity of the jet black iPhone 7 may have prompted the company to revise its strategy.
It's been suggested that the next iPhone will be a complete redesign with an edge-to-edge OLED display, concealing the home button, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, earpiece and FaceTime camera beneath the screen. The radical shakeup to the iPhone's design could be to commemorate the iconic handset's 10th anniversary.
Via ConceptsiPhone.
Via ConceptsiPhone.
Comments
People keep forgetting Apple's patents and investment in that company and technology...
The way it looked in pre iOS 10 versions was definetely more elegant and also provided a separation of string with time from day/date string by having a thinner/smaller font for the latter. Now, it is not the case anymore
So, an iPhone 4.
If you had shown an image of an actual screen as opposed to some fake (so called) concept art (from some random dude), that would have been acceptable.
Here:
Much better looking from asthetics standpoint as well as from function stand point.
http://cdn.iphonehacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/iOS-8-looks-quite-the-same-as-iOS-7-lock-screen.jpg
Also, what is the problem with thin fonts? Don't like them or don't see them that well? No problemo -- there is bold font option in iOS that you can turn on. Use it, instead if demanding that terrible font for everyone else without the way to turn it off!
Now, imaging doing the same if you don't have physical buttons present, and instead you would rely on a touchscreen input to accomplish the same task. Good luck with that!
Also, the mock ups show the standard ear speaker "trench" in the screen. Highly doubt Apple would leave it that way, blocking part of the screen image. Maybe at the top edge?
I'll start paying attention to the next iPhone when it comes time for Apple to release it. Otherwise to me, everyone is just throwing crap at the wall and see if it sticks and then claim they said it first.
Agree. Sometimes knobs and buttons are better. Used to have a microwave with a flat touchpad for all functions. Easy to clean, but slow to enter commands--lots of stabbing. My new one has the touchpad, but also a big rotating knob in the center to select options. Much more efficient. Remember car radios with no tuning knob? Nightmare. Rotating knob came back on high-end units as a feature.
When an iphone is locked, its screen input is deactivated. So, how are you going to separate accidental input created by the surface of your thigh or some other part of your body from activating that gesture? And if you still keep that lock, then how are you going to use that gesture in the first place?