Apple might release a 4 inches iPhone in the second half of 2015
If 2014 has been a busy year for Apple, 2015 promises even more surprises from the tech giant, as rumors of new iPhone models are leaking early. One in particular leads to Apple possibly considering a 4 inches iPhone, planned to be released in the second half of 2015.
The size of the smaller handset should be similar to the one Apple has used since the first inception of the iPhone. The reasons behind the decision should be fairly transparent, as Apple is set to retire the iPHone 5c in 2015, right around the time the Apple Watch is released.
The iPhone 5c is currently the only handset in production that does not have Touch-ID, while iPhone 5s users will be able to use Apple Pay, one of the main reasons why Apple is likely to release a smaller phone, as soon as the 5c reaches its end of line.
While consumers reception of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus has been a welcome upgrade, Apple is definitely working towards offering comprehensive choices, just as it did with the Macbook Air and iPad 3, offering a smaller iPhone means one more option to chose from.
3 things that would make the 4-inch iPhone perfect
Sapphire glass
Very little has surfaced on the smaller iPhone, except for rumors pointing to the possibility that its screen could be made with Sapphire crystal, as well as other future handsets.
The chance is minimal, considering the GTAT fiasco, but still plausible, as news from the Chinese manufacturer Foxconn tell of a new 133 acres manufacturing plant to be built next to an iPhone 6 factory in Zhengzhou. The facility could start manufacturing Sapphire exclusively for Apple’s next generation devices, as early as next year.
Cat-like reflexes
According to a recent report, Apple has recently acquired a patent to allow iPhones to minimize damage from accidental drops, using a system of gyroscopes and internal motors.
3D Display
Apple’s supply chain partner TPK has been working on a revolutionary technology capable of delivering 3D imaging without the need for special glasses or headsets. This is actually not a rumor, as TPK is actually capable of manufacturing such 3D touchscreens through Foxconn’s own partner, GIS, which means, it’s merely a matter for Apple to determine the best way, if any, that the technology can be integrated into the manufacturing process.