It is possible that Apple may be developing two next generation iPhones with larger, and curved glass displays, destined for release in late 2014. The two new iPhones will feature displays ranging from 4.7 to 5.5-inches. Furthermore, Apple may also be working on an enhanced touch sensor that incorporates pressure sensitivity for iPhone devices after 2014.
Citing a person close to the development, Bloomberg reported that Apple has planned the release of two iPhones in the "second half of next year" and they "will feature larger displays with glass that curves downward at the edges."
"Sensors that can distinguish heavy or light touches on the screen may be incorporated into subsequent models," it said.
The screen size of the new iPhones will be between 4.7- and 5.5-inches, allowing it to compete with rival Samsung's Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. And, if the next generation iPhone incorporates curved glass display, it would directly compete with the likes of Samsung Galaxy Round and LG G Flex.
"The new Apple handsets are still in development and plans haven't been completed, the person said, adding that the company will probably release them in the third quarter of next year," Bloomberg said.
Bear in mind that Apple routinely develops prototype devices that have never seen the light, so this rumor may never come to fruition. However, this isn't the first time we've heard of Apple's plan to release an iPhone with a larger display, so there could be some truth to it all.
Moreover, last week Apple announced it has joined hands with New Hampshire-based GT Advanced Technologies to open a new plant in Arizona that will make sapphire crystals for smartphones. components for its devices. Though sapphire crystals are not very common in smartphones, it appears that Apple sees the future heading that direction and has agreed to prepay $578 million for furnaces to make the component.
With large screen smartphones gaining traction among smartphone users, Apple might have little say in the matter if it wants to compete effectively with the likes of Samsung and Nokia, who recently announced its Lumia 1520 6-inch Windows Phone 8 device.
Back in September and July, the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple may be working on a 6-inch iPhone prototype. Furthermore, a report last month from NPD Display Research suggested that Apple may launch an iPhone with a 4.7-inch display in 2014, along with another device with a 5.7 inch display. If the reports turn out to be true, 2014 may well be the year which will ring the death knell of sub-4-inch smartphones.
