Rumors coming from East Asia on Tuesday claims that Apple will be adding a third form factor to its iPhone lineup in 2017, specifically, a mid-sized 5-inch smartphone said to share some internal components next year's 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch 'S' cycle offerings.
Apple to add 5-inch for its upcoming 'S' variant
Citing some legitimate sources within Apple's Taiwanese supply chain, Mac Otakara reports that the rumored 5-inch model will be boasting some identical specifications as expected from the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus variants, suggesting that the addition is somehow just an extension of the smartphone lineup.
Some highlight features to look up to
The rumored 5-inch iteration is also said to feature a dual-lens camera array with iSight modules that are arranged vertically rather than the traditional horizontal configuration that was first introduced with iPhone 6s Plus. Whether the design change extends to the iPhone 7s Plus -and potentially iPhone 7s -is still unclear as of now.
Also according to the report, Apple's plans could potentially divert, however, as Taiwanese suppliers are expecting to receive some finalized specifications sometime in the first quarter of 2017.
Potential iPhones for next year
Recent reports have added to a growing number of rumors surrounding the next-generation iPhone hardware, but conflicts with predictions that have Apple launching three iPhone models in 2017. In particular, the Cupertino-based tech company is said to market a pair of iPhone 7 upgrades to go alongside a high-end iPhone 8 or iPhone X smartphone.
According to legit Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the said top-tier model will be featuring some innovative technology like an OLED screen that measures 5.1 or 5.2 inches, invisible Touch ID home button, wireless charging, and an all-glass enclosure.
The convergence of the two rumors
With that being said, we can clearly see that the Mac Otakara report seems to back up Kuo's claims of a rumored 5-inch form factor but separates itself in the internal specifications and place in Apple's smartphone lineup. While being just a speculation, for now, Apple might already be asking certain suppliers to ready components for a mid-size 'S' cycle iPhone chassis as plans for an iPhone 8 intensifies.
Rumors until proven otherwise
OLED yields, for example, are of a particular concern for a handset that is produced at scale, while cutting edge technology like a long-distance wireless charging is as yet unproven. For now, these features might be appealing to anyone, but they remain rumors and speculations that are yet to be proven, so it is best that everyone should take them with a grain of salt.
More updates to come soon
The outlook for next year's 'S' cycle smartphone is similarly unclear. Recent rumblings have also claimed that the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus variants will retain the aesthetics that was debuted with iPhone 7 in September of this year, and might not include OLED displays or wireless charging. But then again, reports are always conflicting at best.
Until any legitimate announcement of an update is going to be issued by Apple, all remains to be seen.
