Apple could be taking a huge backward step with the iPhone in 2017

We'll be honest - we weren't really blown away by the iPhone SE.

Nor the iPhone 6S, for that matter. In fact, ever since the iPhone 4, a crude summary of Apple's devices would be that their handsets have got a little bigger and curvier with every iteration.

The regular march of must-have improvements has trickled to an uninspiring annual drip ever since 2010's solid slice of beauty that was the iPhone 4 - which is why we're thrilled to hear that Apple could be headed back to the good old days of glass-backed design. 

Word comes from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo - the Godfather of all Apple leakers - that Apple is done with its metal-body models, and wants to turn back the clock for 2017:

We expect the 2017 new iPhone model to adopt a structural design similar to that of iPhone 4/4s, meaning it will be equipped with glass on both the front and back sides, and a metal frame [surrounding] the edges. The difference is that the new model will likely come with a curved screen and curved glass casing, with other important features including a 5.8-inch AMOLED display, wireless charging, and more biometric recognitions (facial or iris). Given the curved design, the new model may look smaller than an existing 5.5-inch iPhone.

While Apple's iPhones have continued to sell well in recent months, the Californian company is noticing a concerning slowdown in its growth of sales - suggesting that the same people keep buying their handsets. To court more international fans away from the likes of Samsung, HTC and Google, Apple could switch to entirely new designs for 2017. If Kuo is on the money - and he has been before - the iPhone 7, set to be unveiled in September, would be the last of Apple's current metal body designs.

Who knows, perhaps they could adopt a new naming policy to move away from the ridiculous prospect of owning the "iPhone 10S Plus".

Tell us what kind of iPhone handset you'd prefer below.  

[Via: MacRumors]

(Image: Rex)