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Purported iPhone 6S case analysis suggests stronger, Bendgate-proof frame [Video]

While rumors out of the supply chain have claimed for a while that the next iPhone hardware will include a more durable build, a new video analyzing a purported iPhone 6S shell shows some expected and surprising differences in the updated casing compared to the one used by current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus models.

The thinner and larger iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launched to a bit of a controversy with ‘bendgate‘ becoming a meme as users questioned the new hardware design’s durability. If the new casing is indeed used on next month’s expected iPhone 6S hardware refresh, the shell will include added strength around the volume buttons where the current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are believed to be weaker and susceptible to pressure.

Specifically, the back plate for the claimed iPhone 6S measured 138.2mm tall by 67.16mm wide while the current iPhone 6 casing comes in at 138.09mm tall by 66.91mm wide in the video comparison. While not noticeably different at first glance, the slight added dimensions have been rumored as an answer to last year’s bent iPhones controversy.

In the region where the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are especially believed to be weakest, around the volume and power buttons, the casing thickness is also bumped up between these two cases. The claimed iPhone 6S plating measures in at 1.90mm thick in this region while the existing iPhone 6 plate is 1.14mm thick in the same spot.

Finally, the video analysis shows that the updated back plate with taller, wider, and thicker dimensions is actually lighter on the scale when compared to the current back plate. The iPhone 6S casing weighed in at 25g compared to the iPhone 6 casing at 27g, although that lightness may not translate to the overall product being lighter as the expected Force Touch display could add some weight. This weight difference could be contributed by switching to a different grade of aluminum currently employed by Apple Watch Sport models as has been rumored.

Apple is expected to show off its new iPhone hardware next month around September 9th alongside an updated Apple TV and possibly new iPads.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSMUGGu7l-4&feature=youtu.be]

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Comments

  1. applegetridofsimandjack - 9 years ago

    The so called bending issue is a non-issue. The iPhone 6 bends when you dant to bend it, by applying abnormal pressure on the phone. I could bend my 1.3cm thick Samsung phone any day.

    People put their iPhones in their back pockets and then sit on it… Total douches people who do this and then complain their phone bent.

    I could just as well complain of my lighter not working while using it in my swimming pool.

  2. RP - 9 years ago

    I have to believe there will be a repeat of the 5s intro with the elimination of the 5 and intro of a less expensive to manufacture version to take it’s place. It makes better sense to keep people paying the full price for the 6 design for another year, than to keep it on the market for $100 dollars cheaper cannibalizing from the S and fueling innuendo about a failed weaker case still on the market.

    • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

      They will keep the 16 GB version of the 6 around.i just wonder if they will keep both the 6 and 6 plus available.

      • RP - 9 years ago

        I will still bet that that modified supposed plastic 4″ iPhone 6 is real. That seems like the most obvious solution. The plastic body is already less expensive tried and true solution, and there is pent up demand for a smaller modern form factor. I have to believe this is the only sober way this can go.

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        Apple still sells the 5s and 5c, I more see Apple updating the internals of the 5s then the 5c. I don’t think either one will be updated.

        One the Asian market loves the 5″ and 5.5″ sizes and contains the emerging markets Apple wants, so don’t see them offering a 4″ model.

        Two for developers is better with just the 2 screen sizes.

        Three ai think Apple will go without a home button for the iPhone 7 and have smaller bezels making its size comparable to the older 4″ models.

      • RP - 9 years ago

        yes they still sell the 5s and c, but the 5 was discontinued with the 5s. I have to believe they will do the same again.

        And I do agree with you that the 7 will be a far sleeker design. They cannot go thinner, but they could certainly do without the large side bezels and humongous forehead and chin. I am not sure about the home button being eliminated because it is so damn handy, but sleeker and slicker yes. The 6 has been the ugly duckling. It’s sold well because it is an iPhone after all, and because of pent up demand for a larger screen, but it is a sorry looking device. Especially when comparing it to the gorgeous 4&5 designs.

      • taoprophet420 - 9 years ago

        I hope they put the home button and Touch ID where the Apple Logo is. I know they have a patent for it and think it’s better then building Touch ID into the display.

        The on,y draw back about the Logo used as the home button and Touch ID is all cases would have to have a cutout I don’t use cases so it would matter to me.

      • Matt Russell - 9 years ago

        I think the 6 Plus is gonna go no matter what. It feels awkward having a phone with the title “6 Plus” in a lineup where’s there’s a new iPhone that’s more than “plus”. It also would definitely cannibalize the 6S sales as many people out there won’t care for force touch and a better camera and just want the bigger screen. Plus, adding Rose Gold and the new pink color will make the iP6 look awkward in terms of colors in the lineup. Expect Apple to discontinue both the 6 Plus and normal 6, as well as the 5C of course, and have a new 6C for $99, while keeping the 5S for free.

  3. wirma.ch/en (@wirmachen) - 9 years ago

    “Bendgate proof”? So that means it’ll still bend but somehow avoid the scandal?

  4. e. w. parris (@ewparris) - 9 years ago

    Now the first two weeks will be al about dumbness doing their best to bend it.

  5. srgmac - 9 years ago

    I thought the bendgate thing was completely made up? Guess not if they’re actually changing the design of the phone to compensate…heh.

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.