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Next-Generation iPhones Could Adopt 7000 Series Aluminum Used in Apple Watch Sport

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Apple's next-generation iPhones could adopt 7000 Series aluminum used for the Apple Watch Sport, according to Taiwan's Economic Daily News. The so-called "iPhone 6s" and "iPhone 6s Plus" would likely use Apple's custom Series 7000 aluminum alloy, which is designed to be 60% stronger than most aluminum, and one-third the density of stainless steel, while still maintaining a light weight.

Aluminum-7000-Apple-800x363.png
Apple elaborated in more detail about the Series 7000 aluminum it used for the Apple Watch Sport on its website, noting that each casing is machined, polished and blasted with microscopic zirconia beads to achieve a consistent satin texture found on each Apple Watch. An additional anodized outer layer helps protect against scratches and corrosion, while the anodizing process also makes possible alternative colors like Space Gray.
For Apple Watch Sport, we started with 7000 Series aluminum -- the same used in competition bicycles. We altered it to create a new alloy that's just as light, yet even more durable -- it's 60 percent stronger than most aluminum, and one-third the density of stainless steel. It has a bright, lustrous colour and a uniform structure free of defects and impurities. Each case is machined and polished, then blasted with microscopic zirconia beads to achieve a consistent, satin texture. A special anodizing process creates a hard, clear outer layer that helps protect against scratches and corrosion.
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Economic Daily News has a mixed track record at reporting on Apple's upcoming plans, and the translated report does not offer many further details, so this rumor should be treated with a proverbial grain of salt. Nevertheless, it is common for Apple to introduce new features on one device before expanding to others. Force Touch, for example, was exclusive to the Apple Watch before making its way to MacBooks, and the technology is also rumored to be included in the next iPhone.

Article Link: Next-Generation iPhones Could Adopt 7000 Series Aluminum Used in Apple Watch Sport
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2015/04/16/iphone-6s-7000-series-aluminum/
Why not offer all 3 including the Stainless Steel and Gold option? It would be a great way to increase the profit margin. People will pay for it so why not?
 
Seems likely to me, as long as Apple can make it cost-effective to maintain the established price points of the iPhones.
 
What are the specs on the aluminum the phone is currently using? I had just assumed it was the same as the watch.

thefredelement said:
I wonder if there will be Gold and SS models...
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MartinAppleGuy said:
I care more for the 'S' standing for Sapphire for iPhone 6S.
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On one hand, I think there is a (small) market for a solid gold iPhone with sapphire glass. On the other hand, that would be one seriously heavy, not to mention expensive, phone.
 
I really hope that these claims hold up with actual use. I ordered a SG Sport and I am somewhat worried after my experience with the Slate iPhone 5. But my SG 5S and 6 Plus have held up quite well, though albeit in a case.
 
MacRumors said:
An additional anodized outer layer helps protect against scratches and corrosion, while the anodizing process also makes possible Space Gray and Space Black variants.
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There is no Space Black Apple Watch Sport.
 
That would be interesting. They seem to subtly increase durability. Isn't the iPhone 6 a lot more water resistant that previous iPhones, and yet Apple don't mention it at all?
 
This makes sense. With the rumors of force touch, dual lens camera and a new housing I think the next phone will be the 7. Too many new features to be an S version.
 
My iPhone has, in the past, been bareback. This it the first model to be housed in a case. Why? Too damn slippery. I don't care what metal they use, just make it less slippery.
 
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Oh no! That means no more curved phones from Apple :D

We need to buy 6+ while its main feature is still available ;)
 
DakotaGuy said:
iPhones could become much more expensive, but if people will pay it... Why not?
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iPhone Edition maybe. doubt they'd mess too much with their baseline models' pricing. but apple has been doing this kind of stuff randomly over the years (20th aniversary Mac '97), the apple watch just marks the first foray into 'mass produced' luxury items. well, moreso anyway. but i could see it slowly creeping into their other product lines if the watch sells
 

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IMO, the SS watch looks much better than the aluminum model. Seeing them side by side puts the SS on another level.
 
HenryDJP said:
I thought the "S" was for speed?
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Only for the 3GS.
For the 4S is was for Siri.
For the 5S is was never noted. Most assume Security (TouchID)

We don't need more speed, haven't needed more speed for awhile. We've crossed the tipping point for a bit.
 
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