As iFans wait eagerly for the most valuable company in the world to launch the next-gen iPhone and iPad 5, a new report reveals that Apple is looking at bigger screens for its smartphone and tablet.
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Apple is testing a 4-inch plus smartphone screen and a slightly less than 13-inch screen, which are meant for its iPhone and iPad, respectively.
WSJ has apparently received the information from reliable sources who are officials at Apple's suppliers.
"Apple Inc. and its Asian suppliers are testing larger screens for iPhones and tablets, officials at the company's suppliers say. In recent months, Apple has asked for prototype smartphone screens larger than 4 inches and has also asked for screen designs for a new tablet device measuring slightly less than 13 inches diagonally, they said," reports WSJ.
The latest information would hint that Apple is keen on bigger screen devices, which could be an attempt to take on competition from arch-rival Samsung which has a diverse portfolio. Currently, the iPhone 5 and iPad 4 sport 4-inch and 9.7-inch screens, respectively, whereas the iPad mini has a 7.9-inch one.
The WSJ's sources also let on that Apple and its suppliers were prepping to "to ramp up production of a new iPad later this month." The new iPad, per the sources, will be the same size as the older versions and also have the same resolution. It will, however, have a lighter and thinner display, which would integrate touch sensors with a thin film instead of glass (like on the existing iPads).
As far as the new iPhone is concerned, suppliers begun mass producing components in June itself.
"One person said Apple told its assembler, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., to get ready to ship the new iPhones in late August," reveals the WSJ report.
Moreover, the WSJ report also reaffirms rumors surrounding the affordable iPhone Lite, which will come in multiple hues and tout a non-metal body.
"Apple has also been working with its manufacturing partners in Asia on a less expensive iPhone that will likely use nonmetal casing, to differentiate itself from the aluminum casing of high-end iPhone 5. The shells of both iPhone models will come in multiple color options, officials at suppliers said earlier," notes the WSJ.
With Apple gearing up to launch the iPad 5 and next-gen iPhone soon, it will be interesting to see if the bigger screen sized iDevices make their debut as well.
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