Rumours of a cheaper Apple iPhone model coming this year refuse to go away. Citing its usual sources from the upstream supply chain, Digitimes reports that the new device could use a redesigned case made of plastic rather than glass and aluminium as seen on iPhones to date. The move (along with others) would allow Apple to drive the manufacturing price down.
The case could also be a blend of plastic and metal. The sources add that it could have transparent portions that would let users see internal components. Past reports have also suggested that it could be made of polycarbonate.
The report adds that the case would be provided by an unnamed US-based supplier.
Component validation is apparently already underway in preparation for a launch sometime in the second half of the year.
Read more: Digitimes