We are only halfway through 2013 and already many smartphone fans are eagerly awaiting 2014 as this is when the iPhone 6 handset is tipped to make an appearance. The model is rumoured to feature a completely new design and a new patent filing has been discovered this week which suggest that a new Liquidmetal material will be used in the construction of the handset.
During the third quarter of this year we are expecting to see the iPhone 5S launched. The model is set to be an incremental update focusing on new features and software but the iPhone 6 is set to be a different story altogether with an all new design. This week a new patent has been filed by Crucible Intellectual Properties which suggests that the handset will be constructed from an all new material. The patent represents a joint venture between Apple and Liquidmetal Technologies and it follows up on the licensing agreement which was struck between the two companies way back in 2010. This will ensure that Apple are the first manufacturer to release a handset made from Liquidmetal. This material is made from a selection of alloys whose combined atomic composition is very similar to glass.
The potential use of Liquidmetal on the new iPhone 6 will not only give the handset a sleek and stylish design but it will also be beneficial to the consumers thanks to its excellent durability and natural resistance to corrosion. From a manufacturer’s point of view the material is ideal for use on phone handsets as it is incredibly malleable. Concerns have been raised however over how Liquidmetal weakens when it is stretched to make large volumes but the new patent outlines ways in which this problem can be overcome. The iPhone 5S is set to be the next Apple smartphone released but production of this model is already underway and to late for Liquidmetal to be incorporated. The iPhone 6 however is tipped for a 2014 release and this can be the first handset where we could potentially see the use of this new type of material.
We are already expecting great things from the iPhone 6 and news that the new Liquidmetal material could feature on the device will only further increase anticipation levels of consumers all over the world.