Apple's 2020 iPhones may bring back the boxy design of the iPhone 4

[Shawn Knight]

The big picture: Apple’s 2020 iPhones will reportedly feature a redesign that brings back the metal frame structure made popular on the iPhone 4 / iPhone SE and recently brought back on the iPad. Is this a good idea or should Apple look elsewhere for a redesign?

Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said in a recent research note that the new phones will 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” around the perimeter of the device.

Kuo believes the changes will make it easier for the phone’s internal antennas to send and receive high-frequency transmissions. That could be important considering Apple is expected to support 5G in all of its iPhones next year courtesy of Qualcomm hardware. Apple won’t use its own 5G hardware until at least 2022, we’re told, and will likely test the tech in the Apple Watch first.

The glass or sapphire will simply protect the injection molded structure along the groove.

The redesign could have a substantial impact on Apple’s cost of components. The metal frame and glass case price could shoot up as much as 50 percent each, Kuo notes.

In an earlier note, Kuo said he also believes Apple will introduce new sizes for its 2020 iPhones including a 5.4-inch model, another with a 6.1-inch screen and a third with a 6.7-inch display.

Masthead credit: iPhone by Hadrian. iPhone 4 by George Dolgikh

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/82062-apple-2020-iphones-may-bring-back-boxy-design.html

 

[elementalSG]

"What is dead may never die".

Never knew that this Drowned God of the Iron Born quote from Game of Thrones would also be applicable to current day Apple design...

 

[QuantumPhysics]

Every iPhone prior to the 7, in my opinion sucks because they lack water resistance.
The Pro Max is the most resistant phone they've made to date.
Although I know nostalgia for headphone jacks doesn't die easily, I couldn't bother using any phone under the 7. I've noticed a lot of people who use iPhone just as a phone, web browser and chat keep the iPhone 6 and 6s longer without upgrading.

 

[IAMTHESTIG]

Water resistance is really great for phones and I agree that this should still be considered. I know there are audiophiles out there who hate this being the reason for no 3.5mm audio jack, and to that I say; "Apple, make a Pro Audio version with a damn headphone jack" as it seems the market is big enough. These can be water resistant as well though I will attest from experience that after some water exposure the contacts inside the port start to corrode. I personally hate corded headphones, mice, anything really so I LOVE my wireless earbuds (not Airpods) and I will not be going back to 3.5mm headphones.

Now as for the shape and size of the phone, and the materials used I must admit the more square iPhone seen in this picture and also on my iPhone SE is easier to hold, meaning I have a better grip on it and I am less likely to drop it as a result. It is less comfortable to hold, where the more curvy iPhone 6 and newer feel nice in the hand but slip out more easily. Yes yes most people put a protective case on it and that is a good idea, but I personally like the feeling of aluminum or metal in my hand. I also like the size of the 4" screen iPhone SE. The new phones are way too big for my liking and since I don't consume media on my phone except music I don't want a big screen. Now this is where I see folding or roll-up screens being quite practical, if Apple could make a phone that when folded is the same size and shape as an iPhone SE but opens up to have an 8" screen that would be freaking awesome. Maybe in 5-10 years...

 

[Uncle Al]

Personally, when you consider the cost the phone should have a much better survivability on a simple 4' drop to the floor. Without that I don't care what "design" you follow, it still becomes an over priced, under protected toy that simply isn't worth the money. Plant on top of that their game playing with who may and may not repair them and they rate a big fat zero in my book.

 

[Squid Surprise]

Personally, when you consider the cost the phone should have a much better survivability on a simple 4' drop to the floor. Without that I don't care what "design" you follow, it still becomes an over priced, under protected toy that simply isn't worth the money. Plant on top of that their game playing with who may and may not repair them and they rate a big fat zero in my book.

Since when does greater cost equal greater durability?!?!? I can show you some ridiculously expensive crystal statues.... but do you know what happens when they fall off their pedestals? You guessed it... they break

 

[p51d007]

Oh, I can see it now....a "retro" looking iPhone!!
And, LOL, a MUCH higher price!

 

[Mr Majestyk]

Personally, when you consider the cost the phone should have a much better survivability on a simple 4' drop to the floor. Without that I don't care what "design" you follow, it still becomes an over priced, under protected toy that simply isn't worth the money. Plant on top of that their game playing with who may and may not repair them and they rate a big fat zero in my book.

Since when does greater cost equal greater durability?!?!? I can show you some ridiculously expensive crystal statues.... but do you know what happens when they fall off their pedestals? You guessed it... they break

iTards like to carry their phone in their hand permanently and hate using cases. I see far far more cracked iPhone screens than all other phones combined. Stupid is as stupid does.

 

[koblongata]

Great, I am having hard time picking up a phone these days, they are all so round and slippery...

 

[netman]

Good, a lot more grip than the stupid half-circle edge design....