There are speculations that the upcoming Apple iPhone 8 will not feature a metal uni-body design. They are also talks that the new smartphone would have a similar design to the iPhone 4. The phone will reportedly sport a metal frame sandwiched between a two glass panels.

Sources from Apple's supply chain have allegedly confirmed the type of material that will be used for the iPhone 8 frame. According to GSM Arena, Apple will use stainless steel to manufacture its future flagship device. The suppliers are no other than Foxconn and Jabil, who also worked with Apple to build the iPhone 4's stainless steel structure.

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The decision also has another advantage for Apple, since the forging process for stainless steel is around 30 to 50 percent cheaper than the CNC-milled aluminum body used by newer iPhone models. The glass panels covering the phone can reportedly transmit signals more effectively than a metal uni-body enclosure. The only obvious downside is that glass is prone to crack due to impact or direct pressure.

One of the rumored features that will arrive with this year's iPhone includes wireless charging. CNET noted that the wireless AirPods might indicate that Apple is leaning towards wireless charging technology. Last year, The Verge reported that Apple has begun recruiting wireless charging specialists.

Apple is apparently also looking to switch its screen technology from IPS LCDs to a more power-efficient AMOLED display. There are speculations that Samsung would supply the required AMOLED screens for the iPhone 8. However, other sources claim that LG might supply Apple with flexible OLED screens.