14 DAY TRIAL // It may be hard to grasp that Apple will phase out its current iPhone lineup in favor of two bigger models this year, but that’s what the company plans to do, apparently.
A report from the Wall Street Journal says that “Apple Inc. plans larger displays on a pair of iPhones due for release this year,” as it is facing increased competition from rivals with bigger handsets, such as Samsung.
The information comes from unnamed people who are familiar with the situation, but the WSJ has always been one of the most reliable sources of Apple rumors.
These people reportedly added that one of the new iPhones would have “a screen larger than 4½ inches measured diagonally,” while a second model would be more like a phablet, measuring at over five inches. So far, Apple only went as far as 4 inches on the diagonal.
There’s more. Apparently, the Cupertino giant considers these phones completely new, not just upgrades. It will reportedly phase out the iPhone 5c and focus on selling the new versions instead.
“Both new models are expected to feature metal casings similar to what is used on the current iPhone 5S, with Apple expected to scrap the plastic exterior used in the iPhone 5C,” these people said.
No word on whether the iPhone 5s will also be discontinued, but it’s hard to believe Apple will not keep at least one of the older iPhone models aboard as a cheaper alternative. Bigger iPhones means higher manufacturing costs.
One thing left untouched in the WSJ report seems to be the launch date. For the past two years, Apple has launched its new iPhones at autumn events.
Rumor has it that the company might once again use its Worldwide Developers Conference (June-July) as the launchpad for this year’s iPhone refresh.