Apple's 'iPhone 8' again rumored to feature reinforced glass back, stainless steel frame
A new report from Chinese manufacturers reinforces the reports that the next wave of iPhones will have three releases in 4.7-, 5.5-, and 5.8-inch screen sizes, and names China-based Foxconn and Catcher Technology, plus U.S. based Jabil Circuit as suppliers.
The latest rumor from DigiTimes claims that the reinforced glass chassis for the "iPhone 8," is expected to use a 5.8-inch OLED panel pre-shaping, will come from Foxconn and U.S. manufacturer Jabil Circuit. Though Apple is said to be purchasing 5.8-inch screens, reports have indicated that the actual usable screen size will be in the 5.1- to 5.2-inch range.
The aluminum casing expected in Apple's 4.7-inch model, meanwhile, is said to come from Catcher Technology. That device, known colloquially as an "iPhone 7s," is expected to once again feature an LCD display like the iPhone 7 and its predecessors.
While Catcher didn't respond to comment on its client list, it did point out that it was expecting significant growth in fiscal year 2017 as a result of its investment in precision aluminum milling technologies.
A previous rumor pegged Jabil Circuit as a possible "iPhone 7s" case manufacturer. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and maintains facilities in California, Idaho, and New York.
Despite the corporate headquarters being located in the U.S., Jabil does have significant capital investment in manufacturing capabilities inside China. It is unclear at this time where any future iPhone parts may be manufactured, and it is likely already too late in the design and sourcing process to shift any "iPhone 7S" or "iPhone 8" construction to the U.S., nor is it probable that any rumored tax reform would take place immediately and in full after implementation by the Trump administration.
The new report also seemingly slams the door on reports that Casetek was "aggressively sending" casing engineering samples to Apple to attempt to garner orders for the device.
"From iMacs, iPads to MacBooks ... the [iPhone] is the only product we have not supplied," Chuang said in an interview in Nov. 2016. "We will focus on developing this business next year."
The premium "iPhone 8" could cost more than $1,000. Rumors claim that design features of the "iPhone 8" include a glass back, curved edge-to-edge OLED display, and assorted sensors including a fingerprint reader and FaceTime camera embedded in the glass.
Apple is also expected to launch immediate successors to the iPhone 7 at the same time, sized with the same 4.7- and 5.5-inch screens. Reportedly, the "iPhone 7s" family, including a 5.5-inch model, will retain LCD display technology.
Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities claims that while all three 2017 iPhones will feature wireless charging technology, the OLED model in the "glass sandwich" will need a new thin graphite sheet component to prevent overheating.
Samsung has reportedly garnered orders for 5- and 5.5-inch OLED screens for future iPhones.
The latest rumor from DigiTimes claims that the reinforced glass chassis for the "iPhone 8," is expected to use a 5.8-inch OLED panel pre-shaping, will come from Foxconn and U.S. manufacturer Jabil Circuit. Though Apple is said to be purchasing 5.8-inch screens, reports have indicated that the actual usable screen size will be in the 5.1- to 5.2-inch range.
The aluminum casing expected in Apple's 4.7-inch model, meanwhile, is said to come from Catcher Technology. That device, known colloquially as an "iPhone 7s," is expected to once again feature an LCD display like the iPhone 7 and its predecessors.
While Catcher didn't respond to comment on its client list, it did point out that it was expecting significant growth in fiscal year 2017 as a result of its investment in precision aluminum milling technologies.
A previous rumor pegged Jabil Circuit as a possible "iPhone 7s" case manufacturer. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and maintains facilities in California, Idaho, and New York.
Despite the corporate headquarters being located in the U.S., Jabil does have significant capital investment in manufacturing capabilities inside China. It is unclear at this time where any future iPhone parts may be manufactured, and it is likely already too late in the design and sourcing process to shift any "iPhone 7S" or "iPhone 8" construction to the U.S., nor is it probable that any rumored tax reform would take place immediately and in full after implementation by the Trump administration.
The new report also seemingly slams the door on reports that Casetek was "aggressively sending" casing engineering samples to Apple to attempt to garner orders for the device.
"From iMacs, iPads to MacBooks ... the [iPhone] is the only product we have not supplied," Chuang said in an interview in Nov. 2016. "We will focus on developing this business next year."
The premium "iPhone 8" could cost more than $1,000. Rumors claim that design features of the "iPhone 8" include a glass back, curved edge-to-edge OLED display, and assorted sensors including a fingerprint reader and FaceTime camera embedded in the glass.
Apple is also expected to launch immediate successors to the iPhone 7 at the same time, sized with the same 4.7- and 5.5-inch screens. Reportedly, the "iPhone 7s" family, including a 5.5-inch model, will retain LCD display technology.
Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities claims that while all three 2017 iPhones will feature wireless charging technology, the OLED model in the "glass sandwich" will need a new thin graphite sheet component to prevent overheating.
Samsung has reportedly garnered orders for 5- and 5.5-inch OLED screens for future iPhones.
Comments
They've proven that there are 2 decisive markets for iPhone, those that want new but not the most $, and those that want the absolute best whatever it may be.
They probably won't keep the 7 around, or it will be available in a single model/capacity.
What resolution would it be? I suppose it will retain the same 1920x1080 resolution as the Plus, but with an even higher pixel density.
another theory I have is that the "iPhone 8" will be called something else. Turning it into anew product line like the iPhone plus.
The notion that "these days" Apple makes low-value entry level models just to trick you into buying the higher models is also nonsense. If they implement these models, the 7s will be a normal upgrade to the previous 7, but the 8/X/Pro will have extra features that you pay more for -- such as magical charging or whatever. Something that you really had no right to expect otherwise. In Apple marketing parlance, these models are usually called "Pro". Does the MBP make the MB a decoy product that only exists to sell you the MBP? Of course not, that's absurd. They wouldn't invest in the manufacturing lines, logistics, and warehousing costs just have them setting on a pallet nothing being sold to anyone. No, they have different features. People like my dad have no interested in magical charging or micro displays -- he was happy w/ his 16GB iPhone so will be equally happy w/ a 7s non-pro or whatever it is. Entry level is fine for entry level customers.
Same w/ the MBP Escape (sans touchbar) -- it exists for people who'd rather spend less and get less. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But yeah, it's easy for some to victimize themselves when there's something more expensive out there.
My guess is "iPhone Pro." The rumored $1000 price isn't unreasonable given the price of the (12.9") iPad Pro compared to the price of the iPad Air 2.
I wouldn't be surprised is they redesigned the 7/7s and plus to have slimmer bezels.
After all most most of the attention is on the mythical 8
If Apple made the 4.7 iPhone with a lot less bezel making closer to the size of the 5/5s in terms of height
Then they wouldn't really need the SE any more now would they?
Just food for thought