Cheesy phishing scams notwithstanding, there is an incredible amount of interest growing in Apple’s next-generation iPhone. The rumors about the iPhone 5 started the day that the iPhone 4 began showing up in stores, and almost a year later, they’re reaching a fever pitch. Lately the rumors have been a bit more believable and are coming from industry sources.
Digitimes is reporting that the front cover glass of the iPhone 5 may be curved, a completely different design from the flat face used in all preceding designs. The blog based its report on buzz being generated in the Taiwanese supply chain, noting that manufacturers were “reluctant to commit investment to the purchase of glass cutting equipment due to the high capital involved.”
Apple allegedly reached into its very deep pockets to purchase 200 – 300 glass cutting machines for glass makers to use. These machines are being stored at assembly plants to be brought online as soon as yields for the curved glass covers fulfill expectations. The novel curved glass cover appears to be keeping Apple and suppliers busy right now trying to improve yield rates. Once those rates reach acceptable levels, volume production may begin.
Now that we’ve heard about the curved cover glass, we’ll keep our eyes open for a unique phone lying unattended in a bar…
iPhone 5 rumors prompted by Apple purchase of glass-cutting machines originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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