The iPhone 8, an iPhone the rumor mill is expecting to be released in 2017, disrupting Apple’s generational “s” upgrade, may not have an aluminum backing if KGI Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo is to be believed. AppleInsider has obtained a copy of a note that Kuo, who is infamously known for being accurate with his Apple predictions, passed along to KGI Securities investors.
The all-glass casing would come as part of the AMOLED displays Apple seems to be planning on introducing in 2017. Apple just recently signed a rather large contract with Samsung to start providing the new display technology in 2017. This unfortunately leaves the iPhone 7 in the dust, assuming Apple keeps to their current release schedule cycle and releases the iPhone 7 in September 2016.
However, a major design change to an all-glass display would be a big deal, as it would disrupt the “s” release schedule cycle that typically occurs the year following a generational jump. The rumor mill at the moment is assuming that Apple will release the iPhone 8 in 2017, but Apple could be planning on announcing a higher end version of the iPhone 7 Plus instead.
This is backed up by the fact that Apple’s contract with AMOLED displays with Samsung is only for 5.5-inch sized displays, the same size as the iPhone 6s Plus. The AMOLED technology, necessary to counterbalance the added weight of an all-glass iPhone carriage, requires less energy to power while also being brighter than a normal LCD display. The Apple Watch currently uses AMOLED display technology.
If the idea of an all-glass iPhone excites you, you better start saving up now: It could be the most expensive iPhone Apple has released yet. And don’t forget about the extra cost of AppleCare. It would be a shattering experience if you dropped it otherwise.
