Kuo: iPhones Won't Adopt RCC for Thinner Circuit Boards Until 2025

iPhones will not adopt resin coated copper (RCC) foil for their printed circuit boards until 2025, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo says that Apple will not adopt this technology in 2024 because of its "fragile characteristics" and "inability to pass drop tests."

Apple Silicon Teal Feature
If Apple and its supplier Ajinomoto can improve the RCC material before the third quarter of 2024, the high-end iPhone 17 models could use it. Resin coated copper does not sound exciting, but it has the potential to slim down the size of circuit boards, freeing up space inside of the iPhone that can be used for larger batteries or other technology. Kuo says that it also makes the drilling process easier for ‌iPhone‌ manufacturing because RCC is fiberglass-free.

Late last month, a Weibo circuit expert claimed that Apple would adopt RCC for circuit boards starting in 2024, but it appears that we might not see the shift until 2025.

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...

Top Rated Comments

StudioMacs Avatar
30 months ago

The battery and circuit board don't overlap in an iPhone, making the circuit board thinner won't provide space for more battery.
Except if the circuit board overlaps itself, there is less real estate used by the circuit board and more for the battery.

Take a 1-story house, divide it into two, and put one half on top of the other. You can now have a bigger pool on the same lot.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Darren.h Avatar
30 months ago
now you gotta worry about your circuit board shattering when dropping your phone.

no thanks.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JamieLannister Avatar
30 months ago
“If Apple and its supplier Ajinomoto…” - they make MSG though…?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lakersfan74 Avatar
30 months ago
the 2024 phones are probably close to being finalized so obviously they won’t be in those phones
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eldaerenth Faexidor Avatar
30 months ago
Why do I get the feeling that future iPhones (15 Pro included) are getting worse regarding quality and reliability. Look at the hasty switch to titanium on the 15 Pro and the crappy FineWoven case. Glad I cancelled my 15 Pro, still VERY happy with my 14 Pro. Besides the weight, it’s a stellar and impressive piece of technological engineering feat.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pcd213 Avatar
30 months ago
Noooooooooooooooooo! I really wanted thisssssssss!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)