While many tech analysts are expecting the Apple iPhone 7 to sport a similar design with the current generation of iPhones, such cannot be said when the Apple iPhone 7s hits the market in 2017.

The tech community went ablaze when notable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to make major changes regarding the design of its flagship smartphone. Kuo said that Apple will transition from using aluminum casing and revert back to the use of glass for its iPhone smartphones.

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Apple is said to be transitioning to glass in order to differentiate its design from other smartphones in the market, especially now that more and more smartphone manufacturers are adopting aluminum casing for their devices. Kuo also noted that the iPhone will experience a slight decline in sales this year which will prompt Apple to make drastic changes to its flagship device, according to The Week.

The use of glass is not entirely a new idea for Apple. The company used glass casings for its iPhone 4s smartphone. However, due to the fragile build of glass, many customers were not happy to find out that a minor drop will instantly shatter the glass. This prompted Apple to use metal casings ever since.

While the main issue in using glass casings is durability, many tech analysts believe that advancements in glass technology means that Apple can find sturdier materials to use. Moreover, Kuo noted that the added weight brought by glass casing might offset a new piece of hardware that Apple is planning to adopt: OLED displays.

Rumors regarding Apple's plan to transition from LCD to OLED have been brewing in the community for quite some time already. Previously leaked documents even hinted that Apple is planning to use Samsung displays for its upcoming devices.

Recent leaks suggest that Apple can start producing OLED iPhones by 2017. However, the company will have to wait until 2018 to fully transition to this new display technology.

According to Mac Rumors, Apple is also considering to tap other tech companies to supply it with much need OLED panels. Rumors claim that Apple is working with AU Optronics, LG Display and Sharp to make this a reality.