Curved Glass 2012 iPhone Rumor Suggests iPhone 6 Will Feature a Form Factor Overhaul
Posted by Michael Nace on Tuesday Sep 27, 2011 Under iPHone 6 Rumors
A new report suggesting that Apple will deploy its glass cutting machines in 2012 for a curved glass display indicates that the iPhone 6 will be the recipient of a form factor overhaul.
The current iPhone 5 rumor mill has gone back and forth in pondering whether the new iPhone set to be announced on October 4th will be a form factor refresh of the iPhone 4, or a completely new design. iPhone users who are eager to see the screen size of the iPhone increase are concerned that the use of the iPhone 4′s chassis on the next iPhone will not allow for a larger screen. For those who are worried about that scenario, a new report may provide even more concern.
According to DigiTimes, Apple is planning to start using its own glass-cutting equipment in 2012, ostensibly for a curved glass display and/or chassis for the iPhone 6: “curved cover glass may be the next big thing in terms of handheld device designs as both Apple and the non-Apple camp are reportedly gearing up for the releases of products with curved touchscreens in the first half 2012, according to industry sources.”
Many iPhone enthusiasts are excited about the prospect of a curved glass iPhone 6, though many iPhone users also see this delay in working on the iPhone’s form factor as yet another piece of evidence suggesting that the iPhone 5 will indeed be a mere refresh in form factor and screen size.
In addition, DigiTimes ends their article with an interesting conclusion: “However, the sources pointed out that curved cover glass may be a short-lived fashion, and it remains to be seen whether major handheld device suppliers are willing to keep releasing new models featuring curved cover glass.” This is clearly just one or several analysts’ perception of a curved glass trend, and we have yet to see what Apple might do with curved glass technology. But for DigiTimes‘ part, they seem to think that, because a curved glass display has little to offer in terms of functionality, it may only turn out to be a fad in the world of smartphones; while it does lend a bit of ergonomics to a smartphone for more comfortable phone calls, it is currently considered to be more of an aesthetic feature.
For Apple consumers, however, aesthetics are critically important, and it is very possible that Apple could use their new curved glass-cutting technology not only for the display, but also for 0ther specs of the iPhone 6‘s chassis, perhaps in a return to the glass back (even if the iPhone 5 ends up to be aluminum-backed). Another thing to consider is Apple’s partnership with LiquidMetal, a company that has developed a strong, lightweight metal alloy that can be molded much like plastic. To this point, Apple has not deployed this technology on the iPhone, however, one can imagine the iPhone 6 to be a masterwork of curved glass and metal for a look and feel that would be unlike anything we have ever seen in the smartphone world.
By Michael Nace
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September 27th, 2011 at 11:49 am
I’ve heard it won’t be called the iPhone6. It will be the iPhone5s. It will be delayed until 2013. :>
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September 27th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
I’m not sure how well I’d like a curved glass screen… I guess you’d really have to hold one to know for sure. But I kinda like the front fo the iPhone being flat.
By the way Michael, my suggestion for you is that you switch some things around in this blog. Maybe instead of a black background, something else? Sort of give the blog a nice clean feel to it!
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September 27th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Perhaps the switch to curved glass to negate the 3rd party replacement screens you see on all the repair sites cheap?
It also would make it easy to spot a counterfeit Apple device.
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October 2nd, 2011 at 12:58 am
It is about time that the smartphone got a new fresh design. it has gotten to the point that one can hardly tell one from another. It’s time for something new. And who else to bring it out but Apple who has been the leader in the smartphone industry since the begining. It makes perfect sense that Apple would be the one to bring a completely new design in a smartphone; if nothing else but to keep up their reputation as the makers of the highest quality most inovative and elegant products on the market. Here is a little something I wrote on the iPhone 5 blog today. Get your tissue out and cry with me.. here goes. So the Iphone 5 will finally be a reality in only a few days… Yay!… And to think I was so sick of my android phone-s that NEVER seemed to work right (when they were working and not crashing) and I wanted into the Apple family so badly I finally just wore down and gave up! So here I am with a new iPhone 4 just about a month old looking at a 2 year contract…………… And Noooow here comes the iPhone 5! I was out of contract a larg part of the year just waiting and waiting and faithfully reading this wonderful blog – Not your fault Michael, you did a wonderful job reporting all the news and rumors – but one day it would be this, then one day that, then one day there would be no new iPhone 5 till next year…. I just gave up… just like my andriod did so often (maybe it was brainwashing me!) (the android) So here I am, I guess it is what it is… I am happy for you all – really! Well maybe it will mean I can get the iPhone 6 sooner! and it will blow this one away, and will be worth the wait, who knows? Thanks for letting me vent a little and cry in my coke or maybe coke and…. Anyway I am still excited to see it finally coming out; at least I will know and get an idea what to expect when I can get my new iPhone SIX!
Peace!
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October 2nd, 2011 at 5:35 am
Sadly, I think Core2 is right.
Together with the new cash cow of the iCloud, Apple is gearing up to close all gaps and maximize profit on the next iPhones.
Cases will he a hotter commodity from now on…
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October 3rd, 2011 at 12:39 am
I was following the iPhone 5 News Blog for a while because I’ve been eagerly awaiting to see when iOS 5 was going to be released. I had no intent on buying the iPhone 5. I’m 90% sure I will be getting the iPhone 6, and I know no one isn’t really sure yet, but does anyone have an idea of the time frame we’re looking at for the iPhone 6 release? Do you think Apple will release during the Summer but a little later than June or is Fall of 2012 a better candidate for the release? Thanks.
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October 10th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
The new iphone 5 on January 2012!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY02Kv973oQ
AppleOfficial
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October 12th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Anything but the iPhone 4 or 4s will be welcome.
Can’t wait.
Will it be an IP6 or IP5 with OS6?
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July 29th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
It does sound pretty odd having iOS 6 on iPhone 5. Or iOS 7 on iPhone 6. This is why im thinking they’ll call it “the new iPhone” just like “the new iPad.” I mean… I cant imagine them ever releasing “the iPhone 10″ because those higher numbers just sound weird saying them.
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