One of the world’s creators of luxury iPhones, Feld & Volk, now asserts that it has the actual real shell of a 4.7 inch Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone 6 in hand, not merely a mock-up. Getting a close look at device’s shell, the iPhone modifying company claims that two of the most notable features are inset (countersunk) volume buttons, and a high relief, sculpted metal Apple logo reminiscent of that which appeared on the original iPhone.
This is the second claim in recent days that the buttons on an upcoming Apple (AAPL) device will be recessed or countersunk to make handling easier without accidental button activation. The new iPad Air is also said to feature buttons with this configuration, and with two separate reports apparently confirming the change, it seems likely to be a new design feature that will appear across the whole range of Apple products henceforth.
Putting in a reappearance after a seven year absence, a high relief metal Apple logo, featuring the Cupertino company’s signature bitten fruit, is featured on the back panel as well. The emblem is inset into the back of the case in the same manner on the first generation iPhone. Rather enthusiastically, Feld & Volk claim that the emblem is made out of “liquid metal” because it is difficult to scratch with other metal objects.
Rumors have indeed been flying about Apple’s (AAPL) purported plans to use liquid metal in upcoming products. Liquidmetal is an amorphous alloy which can be molded in the same manner as thermoplastic and exhibits great strength and durability. The name is largely an advertising gimmick to make the metal sound exotic, since it is actually not fluid at room temperature like real “liquid metals” such as mercury are.
The use of liquidmetal for the Apple logo is possible, and the scratch resistance hints at this as well. However, it is also possible that Feld & Volk are simply being enthusiastic about some very ordinary chrome plated aluminum or stainless steel. Given the fact that liquidmetal is extremely tough and elastic, it seems better suited to important technical applications than a logo.
Given Apple’s focus on aesthetics, the use of liquidmetal for the logo cannot be entirely ruled out. Under the guidance of Jony Ive, who has produced some of the most elegant electronics designs ever to grace a pocket or desk, the Cupertino company may view a scratch-resistant logo that stays bright and fresh-looking throughout the device’s useful life to be sufficient justification for using an advanced alloy.
