It's looking increasingly likely that iPhone models slated for 2017 will adopt a completely glass exterior, according to a well-known Apple analyst cited by technology blog 9to5Mac.
The shiny jet black iPhone 7 design has accounted for 30 percent to 35 percent of preorders of the new phones around the world, KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimated, according to 9to5Mac.
But as the current glossy finish difficult is to manufacture in large quantities, an all-glass chassis could help extend the popular glossy look to all colors of the iPhone lineup, 9to5Mac's Zac Hall reported. The glass casing could use a more durable type of glass, combined with either stainless steel or aluminum, 9to5Mac said, citing KGI.
The report builds on previous speculation that the eighth iPhone generation, which would be released ten years after the original model, will see a design overhaul. Earlier this year, analysts at Pacific Crest, Nomura and Macquarie mentioned the potential for glass casing, along with features like curved screens and a new name, like iPhone Pro.