Apple's iPhone Casing Supplier Says 'Only One Model' Will Shift to Glass in 2017

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to adopt a glass body for at least one iPhone model set to debut in 2017, reports Nikkei, citing a statement from Catcher Technology CEO Allen Horng. Catcher Technology is one of Apple's main suppliers for the casing of the iPhone.

According to Horng, Apple is planning to use glass for the casing of the 2017 iPhone to differentiate itself from the multitude of aluminum-bodied smartphones on the market.

"As far as I know, only one [iPhone] model will adopt glass casing next year," Horng told reporters after the annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. "I don't think this move will have an impact on Catcher's revenue as glass casing still needs a durable metal frame which requires advanced processing technology and would not be cheaper than the current model."

Horng does not expect Apple's transition to glass to impact Catcher's business because Apple will still be using a metal frame for the device. Horng says there will be no Apple iPhone using a glass-only casing without a metal frame in 2017.

The information sourced from Catcher Technology aligns with predictions from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who has also said Apple will use a glass-backed design for the 2017 iPhone. Kuo has also indicated that a glass body may only be present in some of the devices planned for 2017, suggesting Apple may release a mix of glass-bodied and aluminum-bodied devices if more than one iPhone is planned.

The 2017 iPhone is rumored to be a radical upgrade to the iPhone, so it is not clear if Apple will stick with its 4.7 and 5.5-inch screen sizes, introduce new screen sizes, or consolidate down to a single iPhone once again. From Kuo:

In 2017, the ratio of new iPhone models using aluminum casing will likely drop significantly from current 100% to 40% or less. In addition to reiterating our view from the March 25 report, we believe the share of new iPhone models using aluminum casing will significantly fall from the current 100% to 40% or less.

Apple last used glass for the body of the iPhone 4s in 2011, with devices since the iPhone 5 in 2012 featuring aluminum bodies. In 2017, Apple may pair the iPhone's glass body with an edge-to-edge OLED display that includes a Touch ID sensor embedded into the glass, doing away with the home button for a sleek, all-glass look.

Because of the major changes rumored for the 2017 iPhone, there is speculation that Apple will name the device the "iPhone 8" rather than the "iPhone 7s" to denote its status as a significant upgrade.

Article Link: Apple's iPhone Casing Supplier Says 'Only One Model' Will Shift to Glass in 2017

 

[sputnikv]

why would you fragment these things

 

[sniffies]

Don't care about glass. Which model will shift to wood?

 

[dannys1]

Unless its near the size of an iPad mini i'll be getting the glass one and definitely using it naked, whilst you all get metal ones and wrap them in Chinese plastic and screen protectors

 

[chrismail627]

So basically, more fragmentation. As if things weren't complicated enough. How about just releasing the same specs and the same design in different sizes?

 

[5105973]

These crazy iPhone 7 rumors are alternately putting me to sleep or exploding my brain.

 

[Dr.Chroma]

At this point, any changes would be appreciated. Time to retire the iPhone 6 line.

 

[Col4bin]

All-glass iPhone 8 Pro...

Maybe with a more durable ceramic back and glass front?

 

[smacrumon]

If it can't be all models using glass housing, well it must be the 4 inch using glass PLEASE! But really, enough of this fragmented nonsense, introduce all iPhone 8 models with glass, keep it all consistent and neat please for customers and developers. Otherwise, I'm going to jump ship, just watch me, I'll do it, Apple. #AllGlassOrGone

 

[Corrode]

Back to this.

 

[goobot]

If it can't be all models using glass housing, well it must be the 4 inch using glass PLEASE!

If anything the 4 inch would be the one to not get it.

 

[Tim Chef]

iPhone 7 rumour same body style - people go ape sh.t.

2017 iPhone rumour different body style - people go ape sh.t.

 

[RedOrchestra]

i'll be getting the glass one and definitely using it naked

I thought it was only teenagers and chavs that were still hanging the iPhones out as bling?

 

[now i see it]

According to Horng, Apple is planning to use glass for the body of the 2017

Horng says there will be no Apple iPhone using a glass-only casing without a metal frame in 2017

I have to admit that this is an excellently written article.

 

[Jack Delgado]

Early 2016: iPhone 2017 will have a radical redesign, OLED screen, glass body, flush camera, no bezels
Mid 2016: Okay... so it looks like some of the iPhones will have a glass body.
Late 2016: Only some iPhones will have an OLED screen due to supply constraints
Early 2017: iPhone Pro Plus to adopt in-screen fingerprint technology, iPhone 4.7 retains home button
Mid 2017: Chassis for both phones revealed, iPhone Plus Pro has glass body, no bezels, no home button
Late 2017: iPhone 7C Anniversary Edition released, made of plastic and featuring 3 home buttons ($1099 for 16GB model)--other phones mysteriously absent, replaced in the lineup by watch bands made of cheddar cheese.

 

[igorsky]

iPhone 7 rumour same body style - people go ape sh.t.

2017 iPhone rumour different body style - people go ape sh.t.

Macrumors in a nutshell!

 

[decimortis]

Unless its near the size of an iPad mini i'll be getting the glass one and definitely using it naked, whilst you all get metal ones and wrap them in Chinese plastic and screen protectors

There's nothing wrong with using a phone with your clothes on, either.

 

[KPandian1]

So, Corning is yet to cone up with a glass that is lighter, heat efficient, and transparent so as to work ad a through way to cell tower signals?

Where is their Gorilla glass promises of continuous betterment?

I own GLW - disclosure.

 

[smacrumon]

If anything the 4 inch would be the one to not get it.

What's your reasoning? If it's based on popularity, the 4 inch SE has been quite the hit apparently.

 

[bqchamps]

Because of the major changes rumored for the 2017 iPhone, there is speculation that Apple will name the device the "iPhone 8" rather than the "iPhone 7s" to denote its status as a significant upgrade.

Obviously they want to hurry up and skip "7", so they can get to the number "8", because China considers the number 8 to be lucky. Lots and lots of Chinese iPhone sales!

 

[dmylrea]

The 2017 iPhone is rumored to be a radical upgrade to the iPhone, so it is not clear if Apple will stick with its 4.7 and 5.5-inch screen sizes, introduce new screen sizes, or consolidate down to a single iPhone once again. From Kuo:Apple last used glass for the body of the iPhone 4s in 2011, with devices since the iPhone 5 in 2012 featuring aluminum bodies. In 2017, Apple may pair the iPhone's glass body with an edge-to-edge OLED display that includes a Touch ID sensor embedded into the glass, doing away with the home button for a sleek, all-glass look.

Sounds like they are taking features from the Amazon Fire Phone (all glass), the Samsung S7 Edge series (wrap around OLED) and from a yet-to-be announced LG phone that incorporates an in-glass fingerprint reader! And, Apple will say how great of an innovation it was and that it's the best phone ever!

 

[2457282]

why would you fragment these things

So basically, more fragmentation. As if things weren't complicated enough. How about just releasing the same specs and the same design in different sizes?

Fragmentation --

 

[cocky jeremy]

Back to this.

If you're clumsy, yeah.

 

[BB8]

It always seems so strange to me that people complain about glass phones because the back might shatter. If you drop your phone you risk shattering the display, too. You should never be dropping your phone. If you find yourself dropping your phone frequently, buy a case.

 

[Dr.Chroma]

Back to this.

I never had this issue. Your mileage may vary. There are mishaps with Phones, don't blame the glass. So if I drop my iPhone 6s and the screen shatters, should I say "Back to this."