Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Planning New 4-Inch iPhone for 2015

[MacRumors]

Apple is reportedly planning to expand its 2015 iPhone lineup to include a new 4-inch model, according to Asian sources [Google Translate] cited by G for Games. The smaller form factor would bring back the ease of one-hand usage that was lost when Apple introduced its larger iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus handsets. The supply chain sources suggest the new phone may debut in the second half 2015 with female users as the targeted audience for the smaller phone.

Even without a new 4-inch model, Apple's history of product lineups suggests the 4-inch iPhone 5s would remain in the lineup in 2015 as the low-end offering once the current models slide down and the iPhone 5c is presumably discontinued. But if Apple wants to maintain a 4-inch option beyond the 2015 lineup, it would make sense to invest in an updated version of that size as the iPhone 5s ages.

Still, the sourcing on today's rumor is not entirely clear and a track record is unknown, so it is difficult to assess the potential validity of the claim. As a result, we would not put too much stock in it for the time being until or unless additional information surfaces in the coming months.

Even without a new 4-inch model this year, iPhone sales have been strong for the new 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, with Apple setting a new sales record in the first weekend of availability. While the iPhone 6 is outselling the 6 Plus, the larger handset is holding its own in the phablet market, accounting for 41 percent of large-screened smartphone sales in the past three months.

Article Link: Sketchy Rumor Claims Apple Planning New 4-Inch iPhone for 2015

 

[LostMyiPhone]

aint happenin.

 

[penajmz]

If true it would sell too! Many people want a smaller iPhone with better internals.

 

[Traverse]

I really don't see why they wouldn't. The 4" size did well for it's time. Anecdotally, I know many people that are still on their 4/4S because the current phones are too big.

There is still a market as long as Apple doesn't handicap it in some way.

 

[GoCubsGo]

The "news" title is hilarious. Notwithstanding, I'm not sure I believe Apple will continue to produce a phone with a 4" screen. It would make sense though if they did and called it their budget phone.

 

[Moonjumper]

Apple gave good reasons for going with the 3.5" and 4" sizes. Those still apply.

The multiple ways a mobile phone can be used are good reasons for the new sizes, but the physical size is more important to some than the screen size. Offer all 3 sizes.

 

[chambone]

Of course it'll happen. Anyone who thinks they will only sell 4.7 and 5.5 inch phones from now on is delusional.

 

[andrekate]

Anecdotally, I know many people that are still on their 4/4S because the current phones are too big.

Here i am.

 

[sflomenb]

I'm short and have small hands and I can use my 6 Plus fine one-handed with Reachability. Going back down to 4" would be a step backwards.

 

[Jazper]

aint happenin.

Hmm, well there's still a market for it considering the 5C. The end of production on that might indicate a 4" model that looks like the 6's.

Although the 5C sales weren't that big - not sure if that was because of the design or the fact people wanted a slightly better specs

 

[iPadCary]

Can you say: "F-R-A-G-M-E-N-T-A-T-I-O-N" ? Sure, I knew ya could.

 

[_Refurbished_]

This is about as likely as Apple making a 5.5 inch phone.

Oh wait...

 

[lars666]

Yeah, keep all the different iPhone/iPad mini air plus pro sizes coming (even if this size already exists/existed), Apple, until finding and buying the right Apple product for you becomes as difficult, time-consuming and painful as buying from any other "normal" company... Apple should mabye re-read the chapter in the Steve Jobs biography describing how he radically tightened the confusing, unfocussed portfolio after coming back.

 

[nfl46]

This would actually be pretty interesting. Personally, I wouldn't do it. Just shrink the bezel on the 4.7 and you could easily have one hand use. My Moto X (1st Gen) is living proof.

 

[cpg716]

Apple Pay would be the real reason for this.. The only real reason.. Could still be the iPhone 5S but with Apple Pay.. (adding that NFC chip)..

 

[longofest]

I hope this is true... Apple abandoned a lot of people who appreciated the smaller size of their devices. It would be nice if they continued to give them a solution - one that didn't rely on just saying "buy last year's phone" (or a year from now... buy a 2 year old phone).

 

[nerdAFK]

"female users"?

No, they like big stuff!

 

[maflynn]

Interesting, there's been some chatter by a few members wanting a smaller phone. Perhaps there is more demand then I thought. Still, its only a rumor, we'll not know until we get closer to next fall.

 

[ZombiPod]

I really hope this is true.

Now, please give it the same internals as the larger phones, make it thicker if need be.

– someone, who is still on a 4S, because in his eyes this was the perfect form factor.

 

[iansilv]

[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]image[/url]


the new phone may debut in the second half 2015 with female users as the targeted audience for the smaller phone.

Article link: sketchy rumor claims apple planning new 4-inch iphone for 2015

that is so sexist and demeaning i am so mad everybody protest!!! ....

 

[_Refurbished_]

Can you say: "F-R-A-G-M-E-N-T-A-T-I-O-N" ? Sure, I knew ya could.

How would this cause fragmentation? Apple already uses a 4" form factor.

If Apple "settles" on three sizes it's a non issue.

This is fragmentation:
http://gizmodo.com/what-android-fragmentation-looks-like-its-growing-1624662310

 

[jrlbruins]

nice

sold thats what im getting i hate big phones

 

[newyorksole]

Lmaoo I'm sorry . Dumbest article in a while . They sell the 5s and probably will continue to sell the 5s .

Female user target audience ? Uhhh nah .

 

[iPadCary]

I'm short and have small hands and I can use my 6 Plus fine one-handed with Reachability.

Bah! To blazes with "Reachability"!
Y'know what'd serve the exact same purpose but is much more intuitive & sensible?
Horizontal/vertical scrolling SpringBoard® icons ....
At least have the option in SETTINGS for it, anyway, jeez Louise ....

 

[carlgo]

A smaller phone would be a great option for many people, just as the giant one is for others.

When is the chin and forehead going to disappear? This is looking very old fashioned and wastes space.