Next Generation iPhones to Get Redesigned Metal Frame Similar to iPhone 4 [Report]

Apple's next generation iPhones will get a new metal frame that is similar to the one used by the iPhone 4, reports TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

We predict that the new 2H20 iPhone design will change significantly [...] The metal frame and the front and rear 2/2.5D glass are still used, but the metal frame surface will be changed to a similar design to the iPhone 4, replacing the current surface design.

The frame is said to feature "a more complex segmentation design, new trenching and injection molding procedures, and sapphire or glass cover assembly to protect the trench injection molding structure."


Grooving and injecting of the metal in the new iPhone frame may reduce the negative impact of metal shielding on the transmission efficiency of the internal antenna. Use of sapphire or tempered glass on the groove will reportedly protect the injection molded structure.

These changes will increase the cost of the metal frame and glass case significantly, says Kuo. The maximum increase is expected at 50-60% and 40-50%, respectively. If the grooved cover is tempered glass, the cost of the metal middle frame and chassis could increase by 25-35% and 20-30%, respectively.

It's believed that the new design will be a major selling point. Combined with 5G support, Apple could ship 85 million units in 2020 compared to an estimated 75 million new iPhones in 2019.

Previously, Kuo has predicted that the new iPhones will come in 5.4-inch, 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch sizes.


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