Apple might use metal case for 6.1-inch LCD iPhone in 2018, report says
Apple reportedly has plans to return to a metal chassis for at least one of next year's iPhone models, a long-standing design last implemented with the iPhone 7 series in 2016.
Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, Nikkei reports the company is mulling a metal case design for a 6.1-inch LCD model rumored to launch in 2018.
"The 6.1-inch LCD model will likely sport a metal back [like older iPhones] that will come in several colors," the person said.
The source claims Apple supplier Casetek, a subsidiary of Pegatron, would likely win orders for the LCD iPhone. Casetek already handles production of aluminum cases for iPad, and the general design of next year's iPhone could be similar -- a shallow metal frame into which operational components are laid.
A separate source also notes Casetek has been experimenting with new casing designs for the 2018 LCD iPhone. If the firm is able to finalize a suitable production process, it could link up with parent company Pegatron in fulfilling whole iPhone orders, according to an industry executive cited by the publication. The situation would be similar to that of Foxconn, which boasts its own metal parts production unit.
One of the sources reconfirmed rumors that Apple is looking to debut two new OLED handsets in 2018.
The report claims one OLED iPhone model will run 6.2 or 6.3 inches long, while the other will be 5.8 inches. Nikkei likely misinterpreted the information, however, as Apple will likely introduce a larger OLED model alongside a successor to its 5.8-inch iPhone X -- measured on the diagonal -- next year. That means the new, larger OLED model will boast a display measuring 6.2 or 6.3 inches on the diagonal.
Today's rumors are in line with predictions from noted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who last month revealed Apple is working on a lineup of three iPhone models for 2018. In a note to investors, Kuo said the company will release a next-generation 5.8-inch iPhone X and a plus-sized variant with a massive 6.5-inch OLED screen.
The analyst also made note of a 6.1-inch LCD model that will "differ significantly" from its OLED siblings. According to Kuo, Apple is looking to incorporate a lower resolution display to achieve a comparatively low price point between $650 and $750. Still, the low-cost model is expected to ditch Touch ID for Apple's TrueDepth camera system and Face ID, meaning the company will be able to greatly reduce bezel size.
Citing sources familiar with Apple's plans, Nikkei reports the company is mulling a metal case design for a 6.1-inch LCD model rumored to launch in 2018.
"The 6.1-inch LCD model will likely sport a metal back [like older iPhones] that will come in several colors," the person said.
The source claims Apple supplier Casetek, a subsidiary of Pegatron, would likely win orders for the LCD iPhone. Casetek already handles production of aluminum cases for iPad, and the general design of next year's iPhone could be similar -- a shallow metal frame into which operational components are laid.
A separate source also notes Casetek has been experimenting with new casing designs for the 2018 LCD iPhone. If the firm is able to finalize a suitable production process, it could link up with parent company Pegatron in fulfilling whole iPhone orders, according to an industry executive cited by the publication. The situation would be similar to that of Foxconn, which boasts its own metal parts production unit.
One of the sources reconfirmed rumors that Apple is looking to debut two new OLED handsets in 2018.
The report claims one OLED iPhone model will run 6.2 or 6.3 inches long, while the other will be 5.8 inches. Nikkei likely misinterpreted the information, however, as Apple will likely introduce a larger OLED model alongside a successor to its 5.8-inch iPhone X -- measured on the diagonal -- next year. That means the new, larger OLED model will boast a display measuring 6.2 or 6.3 inches on the diagonal.
Today's rumors are in line with predictions from noted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who last month revealed Apple is working on a lineup of three iPhone models for 2018. In a note to investors, Kuo said the company will release a next-generation 5.8-inch iPhone X and a plus-sized variant with a massive 6.5-inch OLED screen.
The analyst also made note of a 6.1-inch LCD model that will "differ significantly" from its OLED siblings. According to Kuo, Apple is looking to incorporate a lower resolution display to achieve a comparatively low price point between $650 and $750. Still, the low-cost model is expected to ditch Touch ID for Apple's TrueDepth camera system and Face ID, meaning the company will be able to greatly reduce bezel size.
Comments
An LCD phone with FaceID is not gonna have rounded corners or a Notch; LCDs can’t do that.
But that doesn't mean Face ID will have a notch. It could be without the Notch, It could have a bezel slightly thicker from top to bottom to fit for the true depth camera.
If that is the case, assuming it has the same size as a Plus model, it will have smaller screen size, hence the 6.2".
So basically, this is an iPhone that takes cost into its design. as Face ID component has a roadmap that point to its production cost being lower that both iPhone 6s and 7 Touch ID. The LCD will likely be the same as 6s, i.e without wide color gamut.
Along side with Dual Sim, sounds like exactly why the rumours where iPhone code name "Hangzhou" designed for China.
What we have then, its an iPhone 6s Display, FaceID, new casing, likely A12, exclusively Intel Modem, and Apple charges you $650.
Considering iPhone 6s Plus is starting at $549 this is entirely possible. And likely very profitable for Apple.
*The iPhone available in several colours is also an important hint.
Edit: Forgot to mention this iPhone will likely use Apple's homemade WiFi chip as well. Apple manage to get W1 as bluetooth, W2 with 802.11n, I expect W3 to be 802.11ac compatible. I wanted 802.11ax, but Apple seems to be very conservative with everything Wireless. And that is another ~15 dollars saving.
Wife now has the IPhone X, and I have her old 6s.
While in the store, picked up the SE... and would be very keen on an iPhone miniX - same 4" size screen but all X no bezel, no chin etc.
And replace my iPad mini with a new iPad miniX too... ;-)
As for a metal case if the goal is durability im all for it.
Imagine an Apple car that unlocks an configures performance based on whom is sitting in the drivers seat. Or how about a robot that keeps track of all humans it interacts with. Not to be left out of course are iPads and Macs niether of which needs the space savings of a notch.
Actually, both my friend and her son are saying they do not want a plus sized phone. She just doesn't want to have to deal with it and her 11 year old son thinks (correctly) that a plus would not fit well in his smaller pockets.
I currently have a plus but don't intend to get another -- they're just too big and bulky to carry -- especially while exercising, but even just sitting at a desk I tend to take it out of my pocket and lay it on the table (I didn't have to do that with my SE sized 5).
A combination of SE and an iPad for home would be good -- except for dealing with music and maps in the car. I could solve the car problem by upgrading to an ApplePlay radio -- but I don't intend to keep the car long enough to justify that investment. So, when I upgrade it will probably be to a midsize (4.7") phone.
... Just can't afford it.
So, the X (or one of its children) will likely be my next, next phone (after its price comes down a bit -- or I can get an Apple Refurb)