The rumor mill churns incessantly in anticipation of Apple's next-generation iPhone, and speculation is as vivid as ever. Two new reports, however, offer some credible hints that the new iPhone might indeed feature a larger screen than its predecessors.
In a report last week, Bloomberg cited "three people with knowledge of the plans" according to whom Apple has already ordered larger screens for the next-generation iPhone from its Asian manufacturers. The report also claimed that late Apple CEO Steve Jobs had his say in the development of the new iPhone. Previous reports also mentioned that the sixth-generation iPhone was one of the last products Jobs personally worked on before passing away in October 2011.
Two Prototype Phones
A new report on Tuesday, May 22, goes on to bolster claims of a larger display. According to 9to5Mac, Apple has started testing phones with a larger screen measuring 3.95 inches diagonally, compared to the 3.5-inch screen on the current iPhone.
"These prototype phones are floating around Apple HQ in thick, locked shells in order to disguise the exterior design to 'undisclosed' employees," 9to5Mac reported. "We know of two next-generation iPhones in testing with a larger display: the iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2. These phones are in the PreEVT stage of development and are codenamed N41AP (5,1) and N42AP (5,2)." The Apple-centric site adds that Apple keeps certain models for internal-only users, so it is not certain which of the two models will be the final version to launch later this year.
More Pixels
The report also asserts that Apple will add more pixels to its "resolutionary" Retina display, resulting in a 1136 x640 resolution, a slight upgrade from the current 960 x 640. Other features mentioned in the report include a smaller dock connector, as other previous rumors have indicated, and custom-built iOS 6 apps to take full advantage of the new resolution.
A larger screen size would enable Apple to better compete with Samsung's Galaxy smartphone lineup, which have larger screens and enjoy immense popularity in the smartphone space. Apple remains the leading smartphone maker in terms of brand, according to analysts, but Samsung is surging higher and higher as the world's No.1 mobile phone maker.
Meanwhile, Apple keeps its next-generation iPhone tightly under wraps, and has not even announced it yet. Most reports point to a launch sometime this fall, with the actual production of the iPhone starting in June.
