Smartphone manufacturers stopped producing mobile phones with metal casings primarily because the material was too expensive and interfered with wireless charging technology, according to a report by technology publication How-To Geek.
The publication noted that smartphones featuring all-metal bodies were widespread across the global consumer market a decade ago. Today, phone makers have phased out metal enclosures, replacing them almost entirely with glass and plastic materials.
Journalists at How-To Geek explained that rising material expenses forced companies to abandon metal in favor of more accessible alternatives. Glass was highlighted as an effective option for rear panels, granting manufacturers significantly more creative freedom when designing handset aesthetics, while plastic became widely used in lower-cost devices.
In mobile phone manufacturing, glass and plastic offer distinct practical advantages over metal backings. Tempered glass provides scratch resistance and supports varied surface treatments such as matte or glossy finishes, while plastic materials like polycarbonate offer lightweight, durable construction for budget-friendly handsets at a lower production cost.
Wireless charging and signal interference
A major reason for the phase-out of metal bodies was the growing adoption of wireless charging systems. Specialists at How-To Geek noted that various wireless charging standards became widespread roughly 10 to 15 years ago, but the charging technology does not work through metal surfaces.
Metal housing also poses technical obstacles for internal antenna performance in modern handsets. The material can create physical interference with wireless communication modules, hindering the operation of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, and other networking standards.
How-To Geek is an online technology publication that covers consumer hardware, software guides, and technical explanations of digital trends. Industry experts note that inductive wireless charging transfers electrical power using magnetic fields between transmitter and receiver coils. Solid metal panels block magnetic field transmission and convert energy into unwanted heat, while also acting as electromagnetic shielding that disrupts high-frequency radio signals.
Global market trends and phone design
The shift away from metal back panels comes as glass-backed devices dominate modern consumer preferences and market rankings. Market research firm Counterpoint Research previously reported that the Apple iPhone 17 retained its position as the best-selling smartphone in the world, capturing a six percent market share in the second quarter of 2026.
Counterpoint Research is a global technology research firm specializing in mobile ecosystem analytics and market intelligence. Leading technology companies, including Cupertino-based Apple, have increasingly combined outer glass panels with internal structural frames. This design approach allows modern flagship smartphones to support high-speed wireless charging pads and multi-band cellular connectivity while maintaining structural durability.
