In 2007, Apple released the iPhone terminal (popularly known as iPhone 2G) which came with a case made mostly of aluminum. The device was sold in several million copies and then Apple knew that the second model would have an even greater success. The problem for Apple was that it couldn't manufacture enough aluminum cases to build enough iPhones like this. that the decision was apparently made to make a plastic case for the iPhone 3G/3GS. Although the decision of the Apple company was forced by the impossibility of offering users a different design, the two terminals had a resounding success and the plastic cases proved to be extremely good, so good that some owners of iPhone terminals 4/4S still regrets them
It is interesting how Apple is pioneering some materials but does not feel like sticking to them. The first iPhone had a brilliant aluminum body excellent in many ways. However, iPhone 3G and 3Gs received plastic bodies because the company did not have enough capacity to produce aluminum chassis. Glass chassis of iPhone 4 and 4s is also a result of seeking original materials with sufficient production capacities. And even if the next iPhone features exactly the same body it will not have a big effect on sales although creating some dissent. Once again, although chassis materials have a very important role for the image of a device it is not at all crucial.
For the iPhone 4/4S, Apple chose to build a terminal with a glass case that could be produced in tens of millions of copies. Their decision did not satisfy all customers considering the numerous complaints related to the fragility of these devices, but what must be considered here is that in terms of design, Apple makes decisions based on which it builds at least two generations of a product . This was the case with iPhones, but with iPod Touches and the iPad tablet, things are different because these devices come with aluminum casings and sell well, but not quite as well as iPhone terminals.
In conclusion, if Steve Jobs had found a manufacturer to his liking, then the iPhone 3G/3Gs would have looked different.
