14 DAY TRIAL // The South China Morning Post, citing industry insiders who have “seen the prototypes,” reports that Apple has set the launch date of its next-generation iPhone for September 2014.
A rough translation of the paragraph in question reads, “The tech giant will roll out the iPhone 6 in two sizes – 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch – in September, according to industry insiders who have seen the prototypes.”
The Chinese paper's report seems to be on par with all the rumors about Apple launching two distinct iPhone models which, unlike the 5s and the 5c, will have different screen sizes and features.
For example, both phones will have a pixel density of 441 pixels per inch (much better than current Retina standards at 326 PPI), but one of the phones will have a much bigger display, essentially making it a phablet.
Many industry people are still skeptical about this huge 5.5-inch iPhone, but the reports keep piling on.
The paper also says that the phones will not employ any curved screens, as suggested by others.
“Despite widely circulated rumours that the new phone will be curved, insiders say the iPhone 6 will have a flat screen. ‘The screens will be flat. Apple doesn't do anything until Samsung does it, and then they improve upon it,’ another insider said.”
The same people relayed to the publication that Apple will be axing the current iPhone lineup, phasing out the iPhone 5c, while introducing a new version of the 5s “made from cheaper materials.”
Some analysts have pegged the iPhone 6 launch in summer, at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference where Tim Cook & Co. usually unveil new stuff.
Apple hasn’t used WWDC to launch a new iPhone since 2010, but that’s not to say the company can’t change its mind.