Apple could use the same 7000 Series aluminium, it used to manufacture the Apple Watch Sport, on next-generation iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, reports Taiwan’s Economic Daily News.
Apple had made its own custom 7000 aluminium alloy for the Apple Watch, which is 60% stronger than regular aluminium and one-third the density of stainless steel, while being light weight. In addition to that, Apple Watch Sport has satin texture because the Series 7000 aluminium is machined, polished and blasted with microscopic zirconia beads. The external surface is also corrosion and scratch resistant, thanks to the anodising process. The same anodising process makes possible alternative colors like Space Gray.
For Apple Watch Sport, we started with 7000 Series aluminum — the same used in competition bicycles. We altered it to create a new alloy that’s just as light, yet even more durable — it’s 60 percent stronger than most aluminum, and one-third the density of stainless steel. It has a bright, lustrous colour and a uniform structure free of defects and impurities. Each case is machined and polished, then blasted with microscopic zirconia beads to achieve a consistent, satin texture. A special anodizing process creates a hard, clear outer layer that helps protect against scratches and corrosion.
Economic Daily News has a mixed track record when it comes to reporting on Apple’s upcoming plans, and the report doesn’t offer many other details, so one should take this report with a pinch of salt. However, Apple is known for introducing new features on one device before expanding to others. Force Touch, for example, was introduced exclusively in the Apple Watch before it made its way onto the new Macbooks, and the same technology is now expected to be included in next-generation iPhones.
Both iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus use anodised aluminium, which makes both devices look and feel pretty good. But, they are not much scratch resistant and easily pickup dents during regular use. The introduction of the Series 7000 Aluminium will hopefully address this issue in the upcoming iPhone 6s and the 6s Plus.