Apple predicted to launch A9-powered 4-inch iPhone in mid-2016
Yet another report claims that Apple is planning to refresh its 4-inch iPhone model with revamped hardware next year, and with an earlier than usual timeframe.
IHS analyst Kevin Wang posted to his Weibo account to share the details, referring to the rumored handset as an "iPhone 6c." Apple currently sells a 4-inch iPhone 5s for $449, or free with a new two-year service contract.
According to Wang, Apple is apparently planning to debut its improved 4-inch iPhone in mid-2016 powered by an A9 processor. If accurate, that would be a change for the company, which has launched new iPhones in the fall in recent years.
AppleInsider's own sources indicated this month that Apple is considering an earlier-than-usual launch for the anticipated "iPhone 7" as well. The rumors would seem to suggest that Apple could debut both a next-generation iPhone model, as well as a faster 4-inch model, at the same time. Monday's report was first spotted by G for Games.
Wang's claims corroborate details shared by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also expects that Apple will launch a new 4-inch iPhone with A9 system-on-a-chip next year. Kuo expects that Apple will stick with a metal casing for the new, smaller iPhone, rather than using the plastic back it adopted for the iPhone 5c.
Kuo also suggested that Apple would withhold its force sending 3D Touch capabilities from the new model, leaving that exclusive to higher end offerings.
As for Wang, he correctly predicted earlier this year that the iPhone 6s would boast a 12-megapixel rear camera with smaller pixels. Pixel sizes on the iPhone 6 lineup were 1.5 microns, but that shrunk to 1.22 microns with the launch of the iPhone 6s.
IHS analyst Kevin Wang posted to his Weibo account to share the details, referring to the rumored handset as an "iPhone 6c." Apple currently sells a 4-inch iPhone 5s for $449, or free with a new two-year service contract.
According to Wang, Apple is apparently planning to debut its improved 4-inch iPhone in mid-2016 powered by an A9 processor. If accurate, that would be a change for the company, which has launched new iPhones in the fall in recent years.
AppleInsider's own sources indicated this month that Apple is considering an earlier-than-usual launch for the anticipated "iPhone 7" as well. The rumors would seem to suggest that Apple could debut both a next-generation iPhone model, as well as a faster 4-inch model, at the same time. Monday's report was first spotted by G for Games.
Wang's claims corroborate details shared by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also expects that Apple will launch a new 4-inch iPhone with A9 system-on-a-chip next year. Kuo expects that Apple will stick with a metal casing for the new, smaller iPhone, rather than using the plastic back it adopted for the iPhone 5c.
Kuo also suggested that Apple would withhold its force sending 3D Touch capabilities from the new model, leaving that exclusive to higher end offerings.
As for Wang, he correctly predicted earlier this year that the iPhone 6s would boast a 12-megapixel rear camera with smaller pixels. Pixel sizes on the iPhone 6 lineup were 1.5 microns, but that shrunk to 1.22 microns with the launch of the iPhone 6s.
Comments
Apple launching a "c" phone mid cycle would throw a wrench into competitors gears and disrupt their plans without any chances to breathe.
Please tell me why we should take anything these charlatins say at face value or put any stock into their "claims"?
It should be called iPhone 7s. The "s" is for "compact".
I tend to believe Apple will do this at some point. The 5S is getting a bit dated, they will give it either an internal spec bump with the same casing, or update both. I don't think the 4" model will ever be high-end again, though.
They'll probably wait until they can increase screen size with the same phone dimensions or even thinner.
The 5s is a great jump from the 5 and includes TouchID.
Expanding the size range of offerings isn't a bad idea. For my use-case I wouldn't go smaller than my 6s Plus, but my use is for a very mobile minicomputer, essentially never used as a voice communications device.
I'm conflicted. I like my iPhone 6, but I can't operate it with one hand. Sometimes I use my wife's iPhone 5s, it felt so nice.
I hope this isn't just a rumor. This would help to explain the supposed drop in orders from their suppliers if they're releasing it in mid-2016. I'd guess that 10-25% of people are happy with this size and would choose it over a 4.7 or 5.5 inch model. For people like me who prefer to use an ipad at home, it's a perfect size.
The 4" version shouldn't be a second class citizen, but rather a slightly thicker version of the iPhone 6 with a 4" display and a parody of features and battery life at the same price. If this was the case even if at price parody I'd consider switching back to a 4" phone. I find the 4.7" too big for my pockets and I never much use my iPhone to watch videos and certainly not long videos.
Of course with equal performance as a 6s I'd expect battery performance to take a hit, a big hit just from the available case volume for batteries being so reduced.
It should be called iPhone 7s. The "s" is for "compact".
7c?
Wait, I've changed my mind. I want an iPhone Plus Pro Mini Air. That way, it has a huge screen, does everything an iPhone was really meant to do, fits everywhere because it's a Mini, and is as light as possible. Oh, and I want it to be a cross between magenta and cyan with red stripes going from top to bottom.
Ahh, forget it. I'm tired of constantly asking Apple to make a new product, that's slightly different than what they already have, but that fits my very specific wants. I'll just get an Android where I have a sea of options. I like Android, they tell me upfront that they don't really know what's best and are happy to sacrifice features and building materials to give me a cheaper model (if that's what I decide I really want). It's nice to have that kind of choice/variety/fragmentation! Think of all the different devices a programmer could choose to make an app for too!