robjn

melgross said:

What I don’t understand is why Apple can’t use a metal case, as they have been, with a cutout in the back for the oval charge coil. They could fill the oval with glass, or ceramic. It would be much less breakable.

They could!

With the current design much the glass is supported by a steel sheet. This sheet has a cutout to create a ‘wireless charging’ window.

Apparently, Apple prefers the look of an ‘all glass’ back rather than a metal case with a glass window. Such a window would interfere with the iconic Apple Logo styling.

Apple Watch Series 3 LTE proves that Apple have the technology to make antenna lines disappear entirely. So it would not be unreasonable to expect an iPhone with a single piece frame (externally).

Kuo typically gets his information a bit confused. The new glass backed iPhone X has a steel plate inside that is spot welded to the frame to form the casing - could the suppliers be referring to internal structural steel parts?

In order to not be misled again (remember the “function area”) it is important to try to deduce what data is factual and what Kuo has added based on his own assumptions.

In this case it is probably factual that the frame will be made of more pieces - because that is unexpected and something a supplier would likely know.

What Kuo says about the purpose of this new design being to improve radio signal reception is probably his own invention. He knows antenna lines are there for the cell antenna and so his assumption is that more parts are for a similar reason. Suppliers of a metal frame don’t know anything about the purpose or design intent in relation to radios. They simply don’t need to know that. Kuo invented it or chose to repeat someone else’s assumed explanation.

There might be several other explanations for a frame design that uses more parts. So we should keep an open mind and not charge in the direction Kuo points.

The headline for for this article should at least end with a question mark.

NY1822 said:

but i was told by analysts through their channel checks that Apple was still undecided in August 2017? 

Nope.
Impossible.

In order to manufacture at this scale you must have the design locked down many months before. In this case 11-12 months.

Only very minor changes can be made late or in some situations decisions to leave a part out if it does not effect other parts.

Really, the media and analysts were foolish to give those reports any credence. They were not based on any facts or current information.

Wow!

Remember, Apple themselves said that it is more likely to be fooled by a close family member. If anyone had any doubts about how good it is - this video should convince them - hope it goes viral!