In a new report, Apple is currently testing out multiple screen sizes for future iPhones, including a 6-inch model fitting in the “phablet” zone of smartphones, something Apple has been hesitant on approaching.
The new move from Apple comes as no surprise, considering Android dominance in the larger smartphone screen market. The iPhone is definitely the best selling 4-inch device, simply because most “Mini” Android devices still come with larger screens.
Apple is not likely to go with a 6-inch device for the new iPhone 6, with the iPhone 5S most assuringly being the same design as the iPhone 5 handset with improved internals and some feature changes. It is more likely Apple will up the ante to something reasonable, like 4.5-inches.
Tim Cook said at D Conference the reason they would not look into larger screens at this time is due to the problems that come with larger screens. With the HTC One, Oppo Find 5 and LG G2 showing how five-inch displays can really shine without major problems, the argument Cook presented is becoming more invalid by the release.
Cook did hint at different models of the iPhone coming, we already know the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will be revealed at Apple’s conference on September 10; this much was teased on their press invite. What we want to see next is changes in the size, allowing the iPhone to be even more customisable.
The iPhone is still the best selling smartphone around and we have no doubt both the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C will do well, although the cannibalisation of markets may become something Apple finds hard to change. We look at the iPad Mini dominance in the tablet market now and how this may have effected Apple’s larger iPad overall sales.
Apple needs a push to keep relevancy in the smartphone market, with Windows Phone creeping up in market share and new smartphone competitors from China preparing to jump into other markets – it may be a hard few years for the iPhone.
