Reuters: Apple Considering Larger iPhones with 4.7-Inch, 5.7-Inch Screens

Reuters reports Apple is looking into making larger iPhone models with 4.7-inch and 5.7-inch screens, according to its sources, which includes those within Asian supply chains:

Apple is looking at introducing at least two bigger iPhones next year – one with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5.7-inch screen – said the sources, including those in the supply chain in Asia. They 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.

“They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you’re not really sure whether this is the final prototype,” said one person with direct knowledge of the matter.

The report also repeats previous rumours which stated Apple will launch its iPhone 5S with fingerprint sensor and a lower-cost plastic model in 5-6 colours to target emerging markets. One person said Apple has discussed a price of $99 for the plastic model, but nobody knows what the final price would end up being. Two other sources say test production for the iPhone 5S and lower-cost model is set to start in July, with mass production slated in August to meet a September launch.

“Trial production was originally planned to start in June, but the mixing of colours is taking longer than expected as Apple has very high and idealistic standards,” said one source in Asia, adding 20 million plastic iPhones are expected to ship in the October-December quarter.

The iPhone 5S is reported to have its displays produced by Sharp and LG Display and produced by Foxconn, while the lower-cost iPhone would be built by Pegatron. The WSJ similarly reported back in May Pegatron would assemble the rumoured low-cost iPhone.

Previous rumours starting back in January by the WSJ cited Apple was working on a lower-cost plastic iPhone. Well-sourced KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously stated Apple will release an iPhone 5S with fingerprint reader and lower cost polycarbonate model based on the iPhone 5, with a launch slated for 2013 Q3.

The Reuters report attempts to portray Apple’s decision to consider a larger iPhone is based on its rival Samsung (and larger iPhone trolls like Donald Trump). Yet, Apple’s most recent video shown at WWDC 2013 stating its design intention would be laser focused would make us think otherwise for the time being (there’s even a new dedicated ‘Designed by Apple’ page on its website):

If everyone is busy making everything, how can anyone perfect anything? We start to confuse convenience with joy, abundance with choice. Designing something requires focus.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has consistently stated the 4-inch Retina display provides customers with a larger display “without sacrificing the one-handed ease of use that our customers love,” among other trade offs such as battery life.

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