According to Gene Munster, analyst for Piper Jaffray, Apple’s next iPhone will be available in October,this year. Munster also says the next iPhone phone will have a revamped body, and will run on 4G data networks such as LTE.
The analyst predicted this news based on a statement made yesterday by Qualcomm, which is presently having trouble meeting customer demand for its radio chips. Those radio chips would be used by Apple to connect iPhone 5 to faster data networks.
Another report on Thursday focused on what materials Apple will make use of to make that redesigned body. Computerworld claims Apple will be using an different material known as LiquidMetal to build the phone. Apple spent $30 million buying the rights to utilize LiquidMetal in 2010.
Rumors have propagated before that it plans to utilize the alloy to manufacture iPhone, although, recent reports shows that the company will make good on those rumors with the release of the iPhone 5 in October.
LiquidMetal is a mix of various different metals, permitting the iPhone to be more durable, will weigh less while giving it a liquid-like exterior feel.It will be light like plastic but long-lasting like aluminum.
LiquidMetal declared it started shipping its first commercial parts in December of last year. President and CEO Tom Steipp said in a press release, “We are very excited about the use of amorphous alloy technology to deliver stronger, lighter, and more corrosion resistant parts to our customers in varying industries globally.”
“These initial shipments represent a significant milestone in our efforts to provide a new class of materials for our customers to consider when designing complex parts.”
What do you think Apple has planned for the iPhone 5? Would you buy a Liquid Metal iPhone? Let us know in the comments.
