Here’s Why 4-Inch iPhone Is Not Part Of Apple iPhone 7 2015 Release Date Plans

Rumours surfaced anew that along with the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch screen profiles, the iPhone 7 release date will include a 4-inch device. Nothing is definite yet but the handset could end up being called the iPhone 6C or 7C.

As expected, the iPhone 6C/7C is touted as the sequel to the fairly successful iPhone 5C. The first plastic-wrapped iOS smartphone was initially billed as Apple’s budget phone but its little price difference from the iPhone 5S and non-premium build proved its undoing – the 5C did well but performed below expectations.

While the latest DigiTimes report cited supply chain sources that seemed to add credibility to its claim that a 4-inch new iPhone, packing moderate powers and the headline features of its top-tier siblings, is in the works, there are a number of indications that say otherwise. Some are provided below:

Likely upgraded iPhone 5S

DigiTimes said that AU Optronics of Taiwan will supply display panels to Apple this 2015. The deal involves the delivery of 5.5-inch, 4.7-inch and 4-inch panels to Apple’s manufacturing sites. Obviously, the first two panels are for the two existing iPhone sizes in their upcoming iterations but what about the 4-inch kind.

Assuming the report is spot on, the 6C or 7C materialising anytime soon remains a remote possibility. What’s closer to reality, as suggested by a BGR report, is the repackaging of the 4-inch iPhone 5S with upgrades components. The screen size will be as it is, which fits the DigiTimes report.

iPhone 7 in two variants only

Further supporting this scenario is the recent call made by Ming-chi Kuo of KGI Securities – that the Apple flagship smartphone this year will not be the iPhone 6S but the iPhone 7. The device will retail in two models, the 4.7-inch build and the 5.5-inch edition that presumably will take the name iPhone 7 Plus.

In the same note, Kuo, as reported by MacRumors, is ruling out the possibility of 2015 iPhone with a 4-inch screen profile. The tech giant is focused on refreshing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, most likely retaining the screen size of the 2014 flagships, the analyst said.

Regardless, speculations that suggest of a 4-inch iPhone 7 variant will only be confirmed or debunked come the device’s release date this 2015. Supposedly, mass production will start June this year en route to a likely commercial debut in September or October.

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, email: r.pineda@ibtimes.com.au.