Rumor: Apple to launch three iPhone models in 2015 including new 4" handset
The latest scuttlebutt out of East Asia claims Apple has plans to release a total of three new iPhone models during its annual refresh cycle in the second half of the year, one of which will incorporate a 4-inch display.
Apple's 4-inch iPhone 5s (left) and iPhone 5c were the last models to sport 4-inch displays.
According to hit-or-miss publication DigiTimes reports Apple's 2015 iPhone lineup will consist of the usual "S" designation, which brings evolutionary changes like processor speed bumps, alongside a brand new "C" class.
Industry sources are reportedly referring to Apple's supposed next-generation 4-inch device as the "iPhone 6C," a take on the low-end, polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5c that debuted in 2013. As an entry-level product, the 6C is rumored to run on current generation A8 system-on-chip silicon, while the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones will run an unannounced A9 chip.
All models will get NFC, Touch ID fingerprint recognition and Gorilla Glass-covered low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) panels like those seen in the current iPhone 6 series, the report said. Apple partner suppliers Japan Display and LG will provide stock for iPhone 6, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6C, while Sharp is said to help out with iPhone 6S Plus.
Finally, the publication said Wistron is expected to manufacture the iPhone 6C, while Foxconn and Pegatron handle high-volume 6S assembly.
Rumors that Apple would return to the 4-inch form factor first surfaced in December, when analyst Timothy Arcuri said the device may come with purpose-built components to alleviate manufacturing costs.
Although Apple's big-screened iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were extremely successful, helping move 74.5 million iPhones over the fourth quarter of 2014 alone, some longtime users were put off by the move to larger display sizes. Even as a "budget" model, a next-generation 4-inch iPhone could satisfy customers who want the latest hardware, but not at the cost of device size.
Apple's 4-inch iPhone 5s (left) and iPhone 5c were the last models to sport 4-inch displays.
According to hit-or-miss publication DigiTimes reports Apple's 2015 iPhone lineup will consist of the usual "S" designation, which brings evolutionary changes like processor speed bumps, alongside a brand new "C" class.
Industry sources are reportedly referring to Apple's supposed next-generation 4-inch device as the "iPhone 6C," a take on the low-end, polycarbonate-bodied iPhone 5c that debuted in 2013. As an entry-level product, the 6C is rumored to run on current generation A8 system-on-chip silicon, while the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones will run an unannounced A9 chip.
All models will get NFC, Touch ID fingerprint recognition and Gorilla Glass-covered low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) panels like those seen in the current iPhone 6 series, the report said. Apple partner suppliers Japan Display and LG will provide stock for iPhone 6, iPhone 6S Plus and iPhone 6C, while Sharp is said to help out with iPhone 6S Plus.
Finally, the publication said Wistron is expected to manufacture the iPhone 6C, while Foxconn and Pegatron handle high-volume 6S assembly.
Rumors that Apple would return to the 4-inch form factor first surfaced in December, when analyst Timothy Arcuri said the device may come with purpose-built components to alleviate manufacturing costs.
Although Apple's big-screened iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were extremely successful, helping move 74.5 million iPhones over the fourth quarter of 2014 alone, some longtime users were put off by the move to larger display sizes. Even as a "budget" model, a next-generation 4-inch iPhone could satisfy customers who want the latest hardware, but not at the cost of device size.
Comments
But yea, I agree. Not in teh plastic.
We had two 5Cs for a year, and while the camera was not good at all, the plastic back held very well against everyday use. We did not put protective cases on - scratches were quite indistinguishable, comparing to the black anodized aluminum of the 5, especially with the sharp chamfered edges. However, the glossy plastic was extremely slippery - it might have been not a bad idea for a matte finish, Jony...
As long as it's not plastic.
I always bought the newest iPhone and didn't mind to pay the price Apple was asking for it.
But with the 'big screens only' choice Apple caught me on the left foot.
I applause that Apple will bring back the 4'' Phone with newer technology but I hate that
they give that treatment only to last years phone.
I hope they give the 4" the same specs as the new 6s version. Why should the 4" be stuck with last years specs.
Because the latest, greatest components are often supply constrained, and it would make no sense for Apple to allocate them to a phone that will in all likelihood sell much less than the others. I'm sure people who prefer a 4" phone exist, but I haven't met a single one in the real world.
One word: "taptic."
I wonder how Apple will price it? $99 subsidized? No way, it'll be the 6 price. $49? Unlikely. $0 and discontinue 5S, no way.
Why not make it 3.5 inches? The iPhone 4s is a great size; imagine it sleeker with updated circuitry. Being the only phone maker with a high end compact device would help distinguish the lineup from the bevy of big screen barges. It could be the start of a revolution.
I agree. The 3.5 inch phone has much better proportions. The 4 inch phone looks stretched in comparison.
Oh, and Apple should call it the "iPhone mini". "Six C" sounds horrible.
The iPhone 6 stopped me upgrading as they are too big. Apple should not be following the industry fashion towards bigger phones but making smaller ones that are more usable. They have the background to do something groundbreaking.
I hope one day an Apple timepiece will be my phone, bigger iPhones only delay progress.
A 2 inch iPhone would actually be pretty cool.
A faster iPod touch would be welcome after 3 years, an A7 chip at least.
Based on that I don't see Apple have any problem to leave 4" in the past.
Apple should call? Lol
iPhone mini
iPhone
iPhone +
sounds better than
iPhone 6C
iPhone 6S
iPhone 6S +
"Apple has always had the discipline to make the bold decision to walk away. We walked away from the floppy disk when that was popular with many users. Instead of doing things in the more traditional way of diversifying and minimizing risk, we took out the optical drive, which some people loved. We changed our connector, even though many people loved the 30-pin connector. Some of these things were not popular for quite a while. But you have to be willing to lose sight of the shore and go. We still do that" said Tim Cooks.
Based on that I don't see Apple have any problem to leave 4" in the past.
This could work both ways. "Continuity" makes the 3.5 inch iPhone a sensible product: leave the phone in the bag and use your ? watch, iPad, Macbook ...
I agree. The 3.5 inch phone has much better proportions. The 4 inch phone looks stretched in comparison.
Oh, and Apple should call it the "iPhone mini". "Six C" sounds horrible.
16:9 is what you are going to get, and today that means 4 inch, and you are going to like it!
Indeed, the 4S is a classic design, but times change, and the 4 inch screen is the (current) practical format for video media viewing. Maybe a 3.5 inch screen in the 16:9 format for the candy bar look, and skip the 4 inch display? That would be a very svelte answer to a "mini" iPhone.
Give it the same design cues as the current design, premium performance and Apple Pay and that would be what I would prefer from Apple.
But I bought a 6 Plus anyway.