Ming-Chi Kuo: 2018 iPhones Will Have 'More Complex' Metal Frames for Improved Cellular Signal Transmission

[MacRumors]

While the iPhone X launched just three days ago, we're already starting to hear rumors about what to expect from next year's models.

Specifically, oft-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he believes iPhones released in 2018 will feature a "more complex" metal frame design and casing assembly for the purpose of improving data transmission quality.

An excerpt of Kuo's research note with KGI Securities, obtained by MacRumors:

Orders for 2H18F iPhones are market focus; both Catcher and Casetek have won new orders. We believe the metal frame of 2H18F iPhone models will be composed of more parts (iPhone X has four parts) for improving data transmission quality. We believe Apple will need more metal frame and casing assembly capacity and new suppliers because of more complex metal frame design and casing assembly, while models equipped with AMOLED and stainless steel metal frame will increase to two (vs. only one -- iPhone X -- in 2H17). We expect Catcher will obtain stainless steel metal frame and casing assembly orders. If Casetek can pass certification in late 4Q17 or early 1Q18, it also may win aluminum metal frame and casing assembly orders.

Kuo said Taiwanese suppliers Catcher Technology and Casetek have won orders from Apple for the new metal frames, including two models with stainless steel frames, which likely includes the iPhone X and so-called iPhone X Plus.

Kuo has previously said that Apple will likely expand Face ID to all iPhone models in 2018, with a complete abandonment of Touch ID. He also said 2018 iPhones are unlikely to gain a rear-facing TrueDepth camera system.

Article Link: Ming-Chi Kuo: 2018 iPhones Will Have 'More Complex' Metal Frames for Improved Cellular Signal Transmission

 

[pat500000]

me to x: "Well x, we've known each other for few days now......."
x to me: "NO!!! Don't leave me!!"

 

[calzon65]

Would be nice to see the iPhone 9 incorporate some of the technology from the iPhone X like the enhanced battery and not cost $1,000.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Already X is old news. On to the next... Ha.

 

[newyorksole]

I can only imagine what will be in next year’s iPhone.

In the meantime... I’m going to enjoy my X and can’t wait for Apple Pay Cash and iCloud iMessages to release. And HomePod. And AirPower.

Nice stuff to look forward to.

 

[Andres Cantu]

iPhone XI and XI Plus.

 

[Stiss]

The X has been out two minutes and we're already reading into what the next model will feature.

 

[GizmoDVD]

I’m in for an X Plus. Current X is too small

 

[decimortis]

Would be nice to see the iPhone 9 incorporate some of the technology from the iPhone X like the enhanced battery and not cost $1,000.

Will the iPhone 9 become the new PowerBook G5?

 

[jamesryanbell]

A plus version of the X would have a monster sized screen on it. That'd be cool to see.

 

[nebo1ss]

This article seem to suggest there is a problem with the cell reception and they are going to make an improvement.

 

[Oldfash33]

But that Notch tho! Will that be gone?

 

[SashJ]

Would be nice to see the iPhone 9 incorporate some of the technology from the iPhone X like the enhanced battery and not cost $1,000.

Chances are their wont be an iPhone 9.

 

[Greenmeenie]

LiIQUIDMETAL?! Finally?!

 

[alpi123]

Do any of this guy's words actually come true lol we always have some "experts" who claim that the iPhone will have ..., or will be ... and etc but in the end 50% of the things they've said don't happen at all.

 

[SashJ]

But that Notch tho! Will that be gone?

The notch probably wont be gone for at least 3 years. Might be time for you to make the switch.

 

[waigx]

Let's predict Kuo's prediction in following months:
1. 2018 iPhone X will likely have the same design but enhanced hardware
2. 2018 iPhone X will improve the Face ID accuracy and wider sight angle
3. 2018 iPhone X will have new color choose
4. iPad with Face ID won't have the notch
5. 2018 iPhone X will have improved battery life
6. 2018 iPhone X sale will not as good as 2017
...
...
Can you just stop being boring?

 

[goshya]

I’d much rather have an iPhone X ‘minus’.

Formfactor of an iPhone SE without bezels for a comfortable one handed handling.

The iPhone X is a tad too long...

 

[Allbridge]

I didn't buy the X thinking that (after 1.5 years of Plus owning) I am going to hold off for the X Plus. I Love the Plus but I am using my iPhone less and less and really liked how the X felt in hand, not just in size but the weight felt good old iPhone 4 days (which is still my favorite iPhone of all time). The only thing holding me at this point would be FaceID 2.0 and potentially the adittion of the Gold colour back.. (the new "gold" on the 8 sucks though). Decisions, decisions

 

[sigma7]

I'm ready for the iPhone Notch Plus.
Notch will come in red e blue colors lol.

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Isn't this the same idiot that said supply of the iPhone X would be incredibly limited and most wouldn't get their phones until 2018?

Now this is the, "Forget I was totally wrong about the last guess I made and believe me again this time!"

 

[Jbusick7944]

I agree the X feels a little small.
The notch is a non-issue and FaceID is seamless.

But as for Ming? Is this the same Ming that said if you didn't order in 2 minutes you wouldn't get an X until 2018?

 

[SashJ]

Let's predict Kuo's prediction in following months:
1. 2018 iPhone X will likely have the same design but enhanced hardware
2. 2018 iPhone X will improve the Face ID accuracy and wider sight angle
3. 2018 iPhone X will have new color choose
4. iPad with Face ID won't have the notch
5. 2018 iPhone X will have improved battery life
6. 2018 iPhone X sale will not as good as 2017
...
...
Can you just stop being boring?

I dont get this comment. You could apply this to every single company and it would be just as accurate.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I can only imagine what will be in next year’s iPhone

My guess: A confirmation for purchase at about $1299 to cover Apple's innovation of "more complex metal frames" plus new aniemoji.

And hopefully they will kick the camera and/or battery out to an add-on accessory item so they can make it "thinner & lighter"... like everyone wants so badly.

 

[waigx]

I dont get this comment. You could apply this to every single company and it would be just as accurate.

True, so that's the feeling when I see most of Kuo's predictions - including this "2018 iPhones Will Have 'More Complex' Metal Frames"