Apple recently launched the iPhone SE catering to the 4-inch display lovers and even before we could estimate the new phone's success or the lack of it, the internet is abuzz with rumours about its next flagship.
According to reliable Apple analyst, KGI Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo, the new iPhone would deviate from the norm and come crafted in an all-glass design, dropping the aluminum completely.
The major design change won't be seen in this year's iPhone 7, breaking away from Apple's tick-tock pattern of introducing design changes every other generation, and instead be seen in 2017's iPhone 8, a report on 9to5Mac notes.
It isn't the first time Apple would be using glass for its smartphone; the back and front of iPhone 4 and 4s were crafted out of the same material held together with a stainless steel band. However, it is unclear how the tech giant will construct the phone completely with glass - a material considered ideal for wireless charging and better antenna reception.
The new iPhone will also feature the much-speculated AMOLED display, which will be thinner and lighter so as to blend well with the slight weight glass composition will bring to the device. Using glass as the primary composition raises concerns about its durability. Kuo believes that drop test issues won't be a roadblock given the history of iPhone 4 and 4s models. Advances in toughening glass for smartphones till the launch is also expected to strengthen the device.
While these changes are not meant for the upcoming iPhone 7, which is most likely to be announced towards the end of 2016, recent leaks have hinted at the next flagship featuring a design similar to the existing iPhone 6s and 6s Plus.
