It's just the start of the year and the Apple rumour mills are churning pretty hard. Up until now we've heard that the company is testing the
next iPhone and even iOS 7 along with plans to
acquire social navigation app Waze that might give some 'direction' to Apple Maps.
MacRumours now reports that analysts believe the next iPhone may come in multiple colours and even different sizes. The blog mentions Brian White, Topeka Capital Markets analyst who has issued a report mentioning that Apple could offer the device in various colours. Apple has introduced the 5th generation iPod devices in a range of new colours and White is of the notion that this might spark Apple to follow the trend right up to the iPad.
Our checks indicate that the next iPhone will have more choices for customers. This entails an expansion in both the colour patterns and screen sizes with the next iPhone (i.e., likely called the iPhone 5S) that we currently believe will be launched in May/June with certain supply production starting in March/April.
Brian further thinks that the company will bring a new iPhone model with varying screen sizes that will help the benefit the company in terms of reach. He specifically mentions a smaller iPhone version that could allow Apple to target markets like China and open up opportunities in India. And of course, he believes that Apple could unveil a larger screen size compared to the recently updated 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5.
But White isn't the only analyst who believes so. His report seems to be in line with Jefferies analyst Peter Misek's research finding which states that the next iteration of the iPhone will feature a new super HD camera/screen, a better battery and NFC along with an IGZO screen for Retina+, 128GB storage, and coming in 6 to 8 colours.
MacRumours pointed out that Misek mentions many iPhone 6 prototypes doing the rounds, especially a 4.8-inch screen model that he finds interesting. According to him, the device has a Retina+ IGZO screen, a new A7 quad-core processor variant, a new design with no home button and even fully in-built gesture controls.
Misek even goes on to mention a budget iPhone offering at a $200-$250 price point on an "unsubsidised basis", but claims that the project has not yet been given the go-ahead.
But it doesn't end there, Misek's findings lead him to believe that Apple will be launching the fifth-generation iPad around June this year, with an IGZO display to counter thickness and weight. He also feels that the iPad mini is reportedly scheduled for an upgrade around the same time and may launch in multiple colours with Retina display.
Analyst reports are based on a limited number of findings and it's best not to infer too much. As far as larger screen sizes go, MacRumours notes that this may not happen soon considering the company just increased the size to 4-inch in its smartphone since its inception. And when it comes to Misek, he has had a mixed record in the past. But Apple loves to surprise us always and if any of this is true, we'd keep you updated with the details.