A new report sourced from Apple’s Chinese supply chain indicates Apple’s 5.8-inch “iPhone 8” handset will feature a chassis made of reinforced glass with a stainless steel metal frame.
The DigiTimes report says the expected 4.7-inch “iPhone 7s” device will still feature a familiar aluminum casing. The casing for the 5.5-inch model is not yet confirmed. China-based Foxconn and Catcher Technology, as well as U.S.-based Jabil Circuit, are named in the report as suppliers.
The reinforced glass chassis’ stainless steel metal frame will be supplied by Foxconn Technology and US-based Jabil Circuit, while the aluminum-alloy chassis will be supplied by Catcher Technology.
Since the 5.8-inch model is expected to adopt an OLED panel, the smartphone’s price is estimated at more than US$1,000.
Although Catcher declined to comment on its orders or clients, it did note that the company’s revenues in 2017 will see a significant on-year growth as a result of its investment in precision metal milling technologies.
While Jabil is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and owns facilities in California, Idaho, and New York, it also has significant manufacturing capacity in China. It is unclear at this time where Jabil might manufacture any parts it will supply for the new iPhone, making it unclear as to how many stateside-based jobs the deal might bring.
