Apple is reportedly testing both a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and a 5.5-inch iPhone 6. A new report claims that only one model will likely be released.
We've been hearing for quite some time that Apple has been preparing an two possible versions of the iPhone 6. One model will reportedly use a larger display than the 4-inch display found on the iPhone 5s. The other handset could be Apple's entry into the phablet market and will boast a large 5.5-inch display. The new screen sizes are viewed as a response to the popularity of Android smartphones with displays in the 5-inch range and Android phablets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, which has a 5.7-inch display.
According to a new report by UBS analyst Steve Milunovich, which was relayed to Barron's, says that Apple is working on two new display sizes for the upcoming iPhone 6.The analyst backs up previous reports that Apple is currently working on using a 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch display. He believes that the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will likely ship in August or September to coincide with the release of iOS 8.
Milunovich claims that the 5.5-inch iPhone "may or may not launch at the same time and could be of the same resolution (lower ppi), which would help app developers."
Apple has long been a fan of not shipping iPhones with large displays. It has always taken the approach that consumers want to be able to use their smartphones with one hand, and some of the displays on larger Android devices make holding them without two hands difficult. This could also be the reason that Apple may choose to go with a 4.7-inch display over the larger 5.5-inch model.
The analyst also claims that the iPhone 6 will be released in August or September. It would be very out of character for Apple to launch the iPhone 6 in August, so the analyst's mention of a September launch falls in line with Apple's typical annual iPhone launch time.
As always, and especially when it comes to such high-profile devices like Apple's next-generation iPhone 6, it's best to take all of these reports with a huge grain of salt. Get prepared to be inundated with iPhone 6 leaks as we get closer to its launch.
