Apple iPhone 2017 could feature curved glass body made from liquid metal

Apple is reportedly working on a completely redesigned iPhone 7 lineup packed with innovative technology, but the upcoming Apple iPhone 7 could be succeeded by an iPhone (2017) with a curved glass display screen made out of ‘liquid metal’.

According to Apple World Today, “liquid metal is the commercial name for a series of amorphous metal alloys. The special metal has high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, water resistance and better elasticity”.

The use of the new material and display technology was predicted by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo in a research note. Kuo has an excellent track record for forecasting Apple’s new initiatives. According to him, the 2017 iPhone may adopt the same “glass-backed” structural design which is used for the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s, reported Mac Rumors.

This means the phone will have both front and back glass panels with a metal frame surrounding the edges.

The all new curved glass screen may also be matched with a 5.8-inch AMLOED display. Kuo predicts that depending on the supply of AMLOED displays, Apple could release a 4.7-inch iPhone with LCD display along with the 5.8-inch AMOLED model.

However, if the supply of AMLOED display panels is not adequate, Kuo believes the tech giant will launch two 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch LCD iPhones and keep the 5.8-inch AMOLED variant as the top-end version.

In his research note, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also mentioned that the 2017 iPhone may sport biometric recognition technology and wireless charging.

Related: Apple iPhone 7 may introduce wireless charging from up to 15 feet

Graphically designed illustrations (iPhone Essence), published on Behance.net last month, had indicated that the iPhone 7 could be made from 'liquid metal', which could be the base of the cooling system for the smartphone.

The illustrations by designer Herman Haidin also suggested the next iPhone might be completely waterproof and wirelessly charged.

In related news, Apple launched its 4-inch iPhone SE and a new 9.7-inch iPad Pro last week. Both devices will go on sale on March 31.