Apple to bring back LCD iPhone with metallic-case next year
For the 2017 iPhones -iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X- Apple introduced new glass rear-panels, but reports suggest that Apple would be taking a step back from it for a 2018 iPhone. Nikkei Asian Review claims Apple is developing a 6.1-inch LCD iPhone with metal casing. So, one upcoming iPhone is likely to have a body similar to older iPhones. Here's more!
Nikkei says Apple's working on three different iPhones
Nikkei, citing some sources familiar with the iPhone maker's plans, said the upcoming 6.1-inch LCD model of the Apple smartphone would sport a metallic rear panel (like the iPhones released before iPhone 8). It also stated this iPhone would be available in several colors. The report added Apple is working on two OLED iPhones; one with 5.8-inch screen and another with 6.3-inch display.
KGI Analyst's predictions similar to latest reports
Nikkei's latest claims are in line with the predictions of KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo who said that Apple would be launching three iPhones next year. Kuo also claimed that one of them would feature a TFT-LCD screen; this would be the most affordable device of the three. The LCD iPhone, he said, would start at around $649-749 (approximately Rs. 42,000-48,000).
Two big-screen iPhones to be launched next year
Kuo said all the three upcoming models would have a full-screen display, a notched design, TrueDepth camera setup similar to iPhone X. He said the phones would be available in three sizes: a 5.8-inch OLED screen phone, a giant 6.5-inch OLED model, and a low-end LCD 6.1-inch iPhone. Kuo said he expects the iPhones to be launched and shipped without any delays next year.
Casetek to supply metallic cases?
Nikkei's report says that if Apple uses metal backing for the next model, iPhone assembler Pegatron's subsidiary Casetek could supply iPhone panels for the first time. Analysts say Casetek has a good chance to get the order for metallic cases for the LCD iPhone.
Metal vs. glass casing on the iPhones
Apple had used metallic cases on the older iPhone models from iPhone 5 to iPhone 7, meaning they feature a piece of metal as their rear panel. However, things changed with the iPhone 8, and the high-end iPhone X released this year. The new iPhones sport glass backing in order to facilitate wireless charging, a new feature introduced in 2017.
Metal backing is a huge plus
Experts say that metallic cases offer one big benefit: durability. iPhone X, Apple's most expensive phone ever, has a glass rear panel. Drop tests of the premium device show that the glass panel on it is especially susceptible to breaking. However, it is unclear whether the upcoming LCD iPhone model with metal casing would still support the wireless charging feature.
