New in OS X: Get MacRumors Push Notifications on your Mac

Resubscribe Now Close

Ming-Chi Kuo: 2018 iPhones Will Have 'More Complex' Metal Frames for Improved Cellular Signal Transmission

Monday November 6, 2017 6:43 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iPhone X launched just three days ago, we're already starting to hear rumors about what to expect from next year's models.


Specifically, oft-reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said he believes iPhones released in 2018 will feature a "more complex" metal frame design and casing assembly for the purpose of improving data transmission quality.

An excerpt of Kuo's research note with KGI Securities, obtained by MacRumors:
Orders for 2H18F iPhones are market focus; both Catcher and Casetek have won new orders. We believe the metal frame of 2H18F iPhone models will be composed of more parts (iPhone X has four parts) for improving data transmission quality. We believe Apple will need more metal frame and casing assembly capacity and new suppliers because of more complex metal frame design and casing assembly, while models equipped with AMOLED and stainless steel metal frame will increase to two (vs. only one — iPhone X — in 2H17). We expect Catcher will obtain stainless steel metal frame and casing assembly orders. If Casetek can pass certification in late 4Q17 or early 1Q18, it also may win aluminum metal frame and casing assembly orders.
Kuo said Taiwanese suppliers Catcher Technology and Casetek have won orders from Apple for the new metal frames, including two models with stainless steel frames, which likely includes the iPhone X and so-called iPhone X Plus.

Kuo has previously said that Apple will likely expand Face ID to all iPhone models in 2018, with a complete abandonment of Touch ID. He also said 2018 iPhones are unlikely to gain a rear-facing TrueDepth camera system.

Related Roundup: iPhone XS
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
[ 76 comments ]


Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
waigx
25 months ago
Let's predict Kuo's prediction in following months:
1. 2018 iPhone X will likely have the same design but enhanced hardware
2. 2018 iPhone X will improve the Face ID accuracy and wider sight angle
3. 2018 iPhone X will have new color choose
4. iPad with Face ID won't have the notch
5. 2018 iPhone X will have improved battery life
6. 2018 iPhone X sale will not as good as 2017
...
...
Can you just stop being boring? :rolleyes:
Rating: 15 Votes
Avatar
goshya
25 months ago
I’d much rather have an iPhone X ‘minus’.

Formfactor of an iPhone SE without bezels for a comfortable one handed handling.

The iPhone X is a tad too long...
Rating: 9 Votes
Avatar
Jbusick7944
25 months ago
I agree the X feels a little small.
The notch is a non-issue and FaceID is seamless.

But as for Ming? Is this the same Ming that said if you didn't order in 2 minutes you wouldn't get an X until 2018?
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
OldSchoolMacGuy
25 months ago
Isn't this the same idiot that said supply of the iPhone X would be incredibly limited and most wouldn't get their phones until 2018?

Now this is the, "Forget I was totally wrong about the last guess I made and believe me again this time!"
Rating: 8 Votes
Avatar
calzon65
25 months ago
Would be nice to see the iPhone 9 incorporate some of the technology from the iPhone X like the enhanced battery and not cost $1,000.
Rating: 7 Votes
Avatar
pat500000
25 months ago
me to x: "Well x, we've known each other for few days now......."
x to me: "NO!!! Don't leave me!!"
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
GizmoDVD
25 months ago
I’m in for an X Plus. Current X is too small
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
Chupa Chupa
25 months ago
Already X is old news. On to the next... Ha.
Rating: 6 Votes
Avatar
Oldfash33
25 months ago
But that Notch tho! Will that be gone?
Rating: 5 Votes
Avatar
newyorksole
25 months ago
I can only imagine what will be in next year’s iPhone.

In the meantime... I’m going to enjoy my X and can’t wait for Apple Pay Cash and iCloud iMessages to release. And HomePod. And AirPower.

Nice stuff to look forward to.
Rating: 3 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]