Foxconn, a long term Apple partner, might have lost its bid to assemble the glass backs in iPhone 8, as reports from Nikkei Asian Review point out Chinese sapphire manufacturers will be the major suppliers.

Industry insiders revealed to Nikkei Asian Review, the next generation iPhone will come in three models, all supported with glass backs and covers supplied by Chinese manufacturers Biel Crystal and Lens Technology.

"Apple has tentatively decided that all the 5.5-inch, 5-inch and 4.7-inch models will have glass backs, departing from metal casings adopted by current iPhones, and Biel and Lens are likely to be providing all the glass backs for the new iPhones next year," the reported quoted the source saying.

The Chinese manufacturers have greater advantages in glass casing technologies, which is the main reason Foxconn has been dropped as a major supplier for the upcoming iPhone 8 models, the report noted.

Industry outsiders estimated iPhone 8 to be launched in 2017 will be equipped with a glass back and metal frame, Chinese media have cited netizens familiar with smartphone chips that the next generation iPhone will sport 3D glass covers, reported CNA.

From the supply chain end there have been various perspectives, Japanese media also cited insiders that Foxconn was developing glass chassis for smartphones, while Chinese media reported earlier this year Biel, Lens Technology and Foxconn were all iPhone 8 3D glass suppliers.