Plastic Apple iPhone: Is a Cheaper Plastic Apple iPhone Coming Soon?

Plastic Apple iPhone: Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of chatter regarding a cheaper Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone hitting the market in 2013. While it is hard to keep track of all the rumors that are swirling around the tech industry, those who want to catch up can check out these articles: Gene Munster Discussing the Possibility of a Low-Cost Apple Inc. iPhone and Apple Inc.’s Phil Schiller Says No Way to Cheap iPhone.

Today, there is another rumor making the rounds. DigiTimes is reporting that an entry level iPhone could use a plastic chassis as a means of cutting costs.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Press Info

Here is what the report said:

“Apple’s rumored entry-level iPhone reportedly may adopt plastic for its chassis instead of reinforced glass or unibody metal as in the company’s standard iPhone models, to save cost, according to sources from the upstream supply chain. However, Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) declined to comment on its clients or orders when asked about the report.”

“The rumor in the supply chain is that the inexpensive iPhone chassis supplier will reportedly be a US-based electronic manufacturing service (EMS) provider.”

“However, other rumors are circulating that the entry-level iPhone will adopt a chassis mixed with plastic and metal, with the internal metal parts being able to be seen from outside through special design, the sources noted.”

“The sources pointed out that the related upstream components for the entry-level iPhone are currently going through validation and the actual product may show up in the market in the second half of 2013.”

While the fact that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may consider using plastic in its iPhone is interesting enough, there is something else to consider when reading over this information: the mention that the chassis supplier will be a United States based company. This would be a big change to what we are used to seeing from Apple.

AppleInsider adds more to the story with the following: