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Back in April, we first heard rumors about Apple planning to use 7000 Series aluminum alloys for the upcoming "iPhone 6s," taking advantage of some of the expertise gained in using the material for the Apple Watch Sport to make for a stronger iPhone body compared to the 6000 Series aluminum used on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. That device received significant "Bendgate" attention after some early users found the device bending slightly under pressure in their pockets.

Increasingly reliable reports of 7000 Series aluminum for the iPhone 6s followed by hands-on impressions of a "stronger body" and ultimately some measurements showing thickening of the shell's weak points have all pointed toward Apple making some changes to improve the strength and durability of the next iPhone.

MacRumors has recently received data on the elemental composition of the iPhone 6s shell, revealing that the aluminum alloy being used by Apple does indeed include roughly 5 percent zinc, which is in line with many 7000 Series alloys and not found in the iPhone 6 shell. A just-published video from Unbox Therapy is showing similar results, as well as test results showing a significantly stronger body more resistant to bending.

iphone_6s_shell_samples.jpg
Sample points on milled surface of iPhone 6s rear shell

Interestingly, the data we received showed high iron levels of around 8 percent on average, although the iron composition varies significantly among test samples. Unbox Therapy, however, is not seeing particularly high levels of iron in its sample.


We've been told that some iron can be introduced into the shell during the milling process, which can account for some of the variability in measurements shared with MacRumors. The small quantities of iron at levels seen by Unbox Therapy can be used to enhance durability and make the material easier to work with during the casting process.

iphone_6s_shell_composition.jpg
Elemental composition at each sample point

As shown in electron microscope images shared with MacRumors, the iPhone 6s shell is covered with a roughly 10-micron thick anodized aluminum oxide layer to help protect against corrosion. The anodization layer also enables Apple to introduce dyes for various color options.

iphone_6s_anodize.jpg
Scanning electron microscope image showing 10-micron anodization with lighter aluminum color above. Chipped particle can also be seen.

Unbox Therapy also subjected the iPhone 6 and 6s shells to bending tests, finding that while the iPhone 6 shell began experiencing significant bending at roughly 30 pounds of pressure, the iPhone 6s shell withstood at least twice as much pressure before bending.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus at a media event on September 9. If tradition holds, the company would begin taking pre-orders a few days later and officially launch the new phone on Friday, September 18. The iPhone 6s should appear largely identical to the iPhone 6 but contain a number of hardware upgrades including Force Touch support, a new A9 chip with 2 GB of RAM, camera improvements, and more. A new rose gold or pink color option has also been rumored.

Article Link: 'iPhone 6s' Materials Analysis Confirms Stronger, Less Bendable Aluminum Alloy
 
Very well done indeed. That's more than double the durability. I wonder if this alone will make the same model much more costlier for this year.
 
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If only 9 iPhone 6 and 6 Pluses ever bent I don't see why they are spending so much time and money reengineering the case.

Its just to shut up the people spreading the bendgate nonsense. Its for marketing reasons. Its Apple saying "look, we strengthened it case" even thought nobody ever really had a problem with it. Or that's my take at least.
 
I've had absolute zero bending issues with my 6 Plus. Of course the one person who gained the most from the bendgate media frenzy keeps making videos on it.

I didn't have any problems either. I had a friend who put his iPhone 6 in his back pocket while he rode a roller coaster though, so it did bend, but that's definitely not normal pressure.
 
This guy got 67m views for his old bend video, so its all about making some $$ on youtube, not to much info we iPhone buyers need or care about.
 
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It's amazing that this level of testing is being done, from elemental composition to electron microscopy. These tests are not cheap, easy, or done using widely available equipment. All so you can analyze something that will be revealed in a couple weeks. It's great for Apple, generating buzz ahead of time; I don't think this is one of those leaks where it steals the thunder from the reveal. Materials science meets tech meets journalism, who knew.

Dave
 
WOAHH this makes me super glad I'm about to get that S model this year ! :)

The only thing I'll hate about the phone at this point is the looks of the casing... I can't stand those thick lines... luckily protective cases exist :)
 
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WOAHH this makes me super glad I'm about to get that S model this year ! :)

For some odd reason, when I upgraded from my 5 to the 6+, Verizon didn't use my upgrade. I got the discounted price but it was never marked in their system. I talked to a lady and asked her to fix this as I didn't want to be billed later. She told me that I just got lucky. Looks like I'll be jumping on the "S" cycle in a few weeks! :D
 
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