The likelihood of Apple releasing an iPhone 6 with a screen larger than the current and previous models just got a little greater.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, "sources familiar with the matter" confirm longstanding rumours that Apple will release a 4.7-inch iPhone, an increase over the current 4-inch models; as well as a 5.5-inch alternative, dwarfing the circa-5-inch Android competition currently on sale from Samsung, HTC and Sony.
Over the last few months various components have been photographed that allegedly unveil aspects of the new iPhone's design. These include the outer casing, which reveals a redesign aesthetic for the new handset, as well as the screen. Although entirely unconfirmed, historically these leaked designs regularly provide accurate first looks as the hardware originates from within the factories building prototypes and early production units.
If Apple does increase the size of the screen and chassis it will potentially create room for a larger battery. It also raises questions about screen resolution, which is important for anybody who regularly purchases apps from Apple's App Store. When Apple started making iPhones with its "Retina Display", software developers had to start producing artwork and code that supported the significantly higher resolution of the iPhone 4. This may happen again if Apple increases resolution further.
Alternatively -- as it did with the most recent iPad mini with Retina Display -- Apple could keep the same resolution the iPhone 5S and 5C provides, but simply make the pixels that make up the screen slightly larger to fill the increased space. This scenario seems the most likely and would allow Apple to maintain parity between all of its devices and software.
Apple typically announces new iPhones in September, with commercial availability following a few weeks after. Should this be true of 2014, those with contracts up for renewal between September and the end of the year may want to hold off upgrading if a larger iPhone sounds appealing.
Image: MacRumours.com mock-up of iPhone 5S next two 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
