Apple’s Path to Slimmer iPhones Delayed Resin Coated Copper (RCC) Adoption Postponed Until 2025
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that iPhones won’t be incorporating resin-coated copper (RCC) foil for their printed circuit boards until 2025. Kuo pointed out the primary reason for this delay – the RCC’s vulnerability and inability to pass drop tests. However, there’s a glimmer of hope. If Apple and its supplier Ajinomoto manage to enhance the RCC material before the third quarter of 2024, the iPhone 17 series might embrace this technology sooner.
What is Resin Coated Copper (RCC)?
Resin Coated Copper (RCC) is a unique combination of uncured B-stage resin and a layer of copper foil. It serves as a specialized dielectric material for creating multilayer circuitry, especially in High-Density Interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards (PCBs).
The adoption of RCC holds the promise of reducing the size of circuit boards significantly. This reduction in size opens up valuable space inside the iPhone, allowing for larger batteries or the integration of other cutting-edge technologies. Ming-Chi Kuo emphasizes that RCC also simplifies the drilling process during iPhone manufacturing, mainly because it is fiberglass-free.
What’s Delaying the Adoption?
Kuo’s insight sheds light on Apple’s cautious approach. While RCC offers exciting possibilities, its fragility and performance in drop tests are causes for concern. Apple, renowned for its commitment to quality and durability, is unwilling to compromise these aspects. As a result, the widespread implementation of RCC in iPhones has pushed to 2025.
Looking Ahead: Potential Innovations
Despite the delay, the prospect of utilizing RCC in the iPhone 17 series is not entirely ruled out. If Apple and Ajinomoto manage to refine the RCC material, it might find its way into the upcoming iPhone models sooner than expected, potentially reshaping the future of iPhone design.
While the timeline has extended, Apple enthusiasts can anticipate a slimmer and more advanced iPhone experience once RCC technology finally makes its debut. As Apple continues to innovate and overcome technological challenges, the delay signifies a commitment to delivering products that meet the company’s stringent quality standards.
Stay tuned for updates on Apple’s journey towards embracing RCC technology, and get ready for a new era of sleek and powerful iPhones in the years to come.
