There is probably no other device which generates as much hype and expectation amongst the masses as an iPhone. The probable next version of this device, called iPhone 5, is no different. It has only been a few months since Apple launched iPhone 4S and only a few weeks since the iPad 3 was launched. However, Apple customers are now eagerly waiting for the next wonder product.
Like previous iPhone releases, the release of iPhone 5 has also been surrounded by rumors and most of them are talking about liquidmetal and in-cell multi-touch display. It is understandable if most of you dismiss these rumors because they are rarely true. But this time, they may have some truth behind them.
Liquidmetal?
The first thing that might come to your mind on hearing liquidmetal is the movie Terminator 2. However, liquidmetal is not science fiction and is already present in Apple products (albeit in small quantities). In fact, Apple purchased the license to use the technology in 2010. It has been using the technology since then for making SIM ejector tools that accompany iPhones and iPads.
If you go to the website of the company that owns the patent for making liquidmetal, you will find that liquidmetal is an alloy. It is about twice as strong as Titanium and has the processing efficiency you would relate to plastic. Essentially, you have an alloy that can be used like plastic but provides tremendous strength. Zinc, copper, nickel, titanium, and certain other materials are used for creating this alloy using a patented bonding method. There are numerous customers for this special alloy, as it is useful in industrial coating, military, and medical industry.
People believe that Apple will be using the alloy for making the casing of iPhone 5. It is possible that this is completely false because even before the launch of iPhone 4S, people were anticipating a metal casing. However, liquidmetal actually exists and is being used in Apple products. It should not surprise you if the next iPhone sports a glossy metal finish instead of the fortified glass you are used to seeing.
In-cell multi-touch technology
This particular technology does not have as much support as the liquidmetal but is still a possibility. In-cell multi-touch technology is built inside the TFT LCD panel, unlike most of the current display technologies that are built over the panel. With the help of this technology, the phone can be lot thinner and lighter. What is even more impressive is that because of the removal of the additional layer, the screen will be brighter.
The problem with this type of panel has always been the price, but certain news sites have reported that the cost of production has reduced enough for Apple to move on to this technology. There have even been reports of Apple purchasing such touch panels from Toshiba and Sharp.
When you put the above mentioned prospects together, you have on of the best smartphones money can buy. However, with Apple products, you can never be sure till the device has actually been revealed.
