Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. Apple will launch bigger iPhones, probably next year, and will also release iPhones in colours other than black and white, according to a report from Reuters.
Citing multiple un-named sources, Reuters also said that Apple was considering launching a low-cost iPhone for $99. The larger iPhones are reported to have screen sizes of 4.7in and 5.7in. The bigger of those would make the iPhone maxi noticeably bigger than Samsung’s hefty Galaxy Note phablet.
According to Reuters, ‘Samsung has overtaken Apple in market share through the popularity of its bigger-screen Galaxy “phablets” and by flooding the market with a range of products at different prices.’
Reuters recorded that its sources ‘said suppliers have been approached with plans for the larger screens, but noted it is still unclear whether Apple will actually launch its flagship product in the larger sizes.’
Apple currently has different screen sizes across its iOS devices; iPhone 4 and 4S; iPad 2 and iPad mini; iPad 3 and 4; and iPhone 5. While the 4 and 4S may be withdrawn later this year, particularly if the ITC import ban is upheld, Apple would be reluctant to impose another two screen sizes on its developers.
Some of Reuters sources are based in Apple’s supply partners in Asia, and two of them claim that a cheaper iPhone is scheduled for an Autumn launch, based on orders from the company. ‘Test production for both the standard [multi-coloured] and cheaper iPhone models aims to start next month, with mass production ramping up in August to meet a September launch target,’ said the report.
