Nikkei Asian Review is adding to recent reports that Apple will move to an all-glass design with the iPhone 8 next year, while reporting that the lineup will add a 5-inch model. Apple previously used an all-glass design with the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s, but switched to aluminum backs with the iPhone 5 through iPhone 7. And a 5-inch iPhone 8 would add a new option to the current lineup which includes 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch flagship models.
Last month, KGI separately advised that the 2017 iPhone design would shift to an all-glass design as well. The idea is that the high-gloss Jet Black finish introduced with the iPhone 7 is highly popular but difficult to manufacture and prone to scratching. While glass may be known to shatter on impact, the surface holds up much better to scratching.
The all-glass front and back is expected to be combined with a metal casing around the edges similar to the iPhone 4 design. KGI has forecasted that high-end models could use stainless steel metal while lower end models rely on aluminum. The all-glass iPhones coming next year are also widely expected to adopt AMOLED displays.
While Nikkei reports that the iPhone 8 will be offered in 4.7-, 5-, and 5.5-inch versions, previous reports have pointed to the possibility of a 5.8-inch version. Also up for debate is whether or not the 2017 iPhone will introduce a curved display: KGI appears to think not while Nikkei expects the 5.5-inch iPhone to go curved.
At the time of the curved display report, Nikkei also mentioned the possibility of a larger iPhone model, however, while the latest report settles on 4.7-, 5-, and 5.5-inches for now.
Nikkei’s reporting today advises that plans could change between now and the iPhone 8’s launch next year.
