14 DAY TRIAL // Citing industry sources allegedly familiar with Apple’s plans, a Chinese site generally keen on reporting rumors is saying that Cupertino has bought between 200 and 300 state-of-the-art glass cutting machines to build curved glass plates for its next-generation iPhone.
The machines in question are expensive, causing cover glass makers to avoid committing investment to the purchase of such equipment.
However, according to DigiTimes, Apple wants a curved iPhone 5 and therefore has agreed to cover the costs for the equipment to be used by glass makers.
The sources reportedly said the glass slicing machines are being stored at associated assembly plants.
The machines will be switched on once yield rates for the production of curved glass reaches a satisfactory level, according to the same people.
There is also no timetable set in place for the volume production of iPhone 5, these sources said, as Apple is still working with those involved in cover glass, glass cutting, lamination and touch sensors, also to improve yield rates.
There has been a lot of speculation lately as to what the next-generation iPhone will look like.
Many believe the handset will not be too different from the current-generation hardware, meaning Apple will focus more on under-the-hood enhancements, as well as benefits through software (iOS 5).
However, just as many pundits also think there will be at least one major aesthetic difference - a bigger screen.
Rumors of a 4-inch edge-to-edge display have been circulating lately with one source even reportedly being forced to pull ads for iPhone 5 accessories, indicating the technical specifications were likely accurate.
A curved design for the next-generation iPhone would also put to rest speculation that Apple is preparing an incremental iPhone 4S update of its popular smartphone, though such an announcement is also a possibility.