If you're new to AirPods, considering buying a pair, or just want to pick up some new tips.
Apple Still Searching for Engineers with Plastics Expertise
Apple continues to expand and improve its current plastics division, today posting a new job listing for a Senior Materials Engineer with a specialty in plastics (via 9to5Mac). The position asks for someone experienced with plastics materials to join the iPhone/iPad Materials team.
According to the job notes, Apple is seeking an engineer with 10 or more years in the mold making industry to develop new plastic materials and processes to "meet the structural and aesthetic requirements of a wide range of part designs."
Prototype of Apple's Upcoming Low-Cost iPhone
Apple is also looking for several other employees with a specialization in plastic, including a Plastic Tooling Engineer and a Manufacturing Design Engineer. Apple originally began seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer back in January and the position, which remains unfilled, asks candidates to "Identify, develop and launch new tooling and process capabilities in support of new Apple product developments."
While Apple has focused heavily on aluminum for the iPad, the iPhone, and the MacBook line for the last several years, the company continues to use plastics in products like the Apple TV, the AirPort Extreme, and other accessories.
Most notably, Apple's upcoming low-cost iPhone features a colorful polycarbonate shell, the first plastic-shelled mobile product Apple has produced since the iPhone 3GS.
Apple does use plastics for internal parts, but multiple job listings focus on the aesthetic use of plastic, which suggests that plastic may be a renewed area of interest for the company and could play a larger role in future Apple products.
According to the job notes, Apple is seeking an engineer with 10 or more years in the mold making industry to develop new plastic materials and processes to "meet the structural and aesthetic requirements of a wide range of part designs."
Apple is also looking for several other employees with a specialization in plastic, including a Plastic Tooling Engineer and a Manufacturing Design Engineer. Apple originally began seeking a Manufacturing Design Engineer back in January and the position, which remains unfilled, asks candidates to "Identify, develop and launch new tooling and process capabilities in support of new Apple product developments."
While Apple has focused heavily on aluminum for the iPad, the iPhone, and the MacBook line for the last several years, the company continues to use plastics in products like the Apple TV, the AirPort Extreme, and other accessories.
Most notably, Apple's upcoming low-cost iPhone features a colorful polycarbonate shell, the first plastic-shelled mobile product Apple has produced since the iPhone 3GS.
Apple does use plastics for internal parts, but multiple job listings focus on the aesthetic use of plastic, which suggests that plastic may be a renewed area of interest for the company and could play a larger role in future Apple products.
[ 105 comments ]
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73 months ago
Maybe look at fisher-price? They have been creating plastic phones for years...and they even make cool farm animal sounds
73 months ago
As much hate I'll get for this, I really hope they don't expand the line any further with more plastic products.
I really like the weight and feel of aluminum and glass and Apples current design consensus seems so much better than the plastic fantastic of 06 and before. :(
Plastic being cheap feeling is entirely subjective. To me, the iPhone 5 feels cheaper than the 4 because it doesn't have the glass coating, and the lack of heft and weight to the thing makes it feel like I'm holding a tin can with a nice screen attached to it. It's the same way with plastic. Not everything made with the stuff feels like the Galaxy S4.
73 months ago
As much hate I'll get for this, I really hope they don't expand the line any further with more plastic products.
I really like the weight and feel of aluminum and glass and Apples current design consensus seems so much better than the plastic fantastic of 06 and before. :(
I really like the weight and feel of aluminum and glass and Apples current design consensus seems so much better than the plastic fantastic of 06 and before. :(
73 months ago
plastic is the future.
I just want to say one word to you. Just one word... Are you listening?... :D
73 months ago
I think we should all realize just how much bull poo the price argument has.
Let's see the TRUE manufacturing cost re aluminum shell vs a plastic shell.
I think many would be surprised, with mass production just how cheap the aluminium shell actually is.
It' not like $150 each to make in mass volume.
Let's see the TRUE manufacturing cost re aluminum shell vs a plastic shell.
I think many would be surprised, with mass production just how cheap the aluminium shell actually is.
It' not like $150 each to make in mass volume.
73 months ago
Does it really matter anymore with Google knocking the price of the Nexus 4 to $199 off contract? Thats $30 cheaper than an iPod touch with no rear camera and weaker specs. And speaking of the iPod touch Apple is not going to release a sub $300 phone with the iPod touch around. I dont see this iPhone 5c being cheaper than $399 off contract. And Im pretty sure Google will be very aggressive with the next Nexus device as well.
Plastic, metal or glass; it really does not matter. Features at a good price is what people want.
Plastic, metal or glass; it really does not matter. Features at a good price is what people want.
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