The latest buzz around the upcoming launch of new generation iPhone includes exciting rumors and predictions about its size. Apple is said to be preparing a phablet iPhone that will come in two versions – a 4.7” and a 5.5”, the biggest smartphones the company has ever made. Now, fans are told, bigger iPhone 6 may debut on September 19.
According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, citing “people familiar with the matter”, the technology giant is now asking manufacturers to make 70-80 million units of the two new smartphones. This huge amount (compared to 2013) of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhones needs to be available by the end of the year. Last year, the initial order, according to the same report, was between 50 and 60 million smartphones, when Apple launched the 4-inch iPhone 5S and 5C.
If these speculations are true, this means Apple is answering the increasing demand for oversized devices, instead of keeping offering small displays as it did until now. The Cupertino, Calif., company had around 18% of the global smartphone share in the first quarter of 2014, behind its biggest rival, Samsung, which accounted for nearly 30% of all shipments. With its Galaxy S line, Samsung introduced the “phablet” type smartphone back in 2012, having a 4.8-inch display, and continued launching even bigger models. Generally, king-size phones are becoming increasingly popular, especially in emerging markets (such as China), where the phablet is replacing the traditional computer and laptop, and acts like a combination of tablet and phone.
Traditionally, Apple releases a new iPhone in mid-September. Now, according to an iPhone 6 promotional flyer, posted online by a Weibo user in China, the long-waited smartphone will arrive on September 19. The flyer shows not only the two devices, but their corresponding prices in China, as well. According to it, the 4.7-inch iPhone will cost RMB 5,288, or $850, while the bigger, smarter and more complicated phone will be available for $1,012 or RMB 6,288 in local currency. Further reports from GSMInsider, citing Chinese articles, claim that Apple has already delivered some supplies of iPhone 6 to carriers such as China Mobile and Chine Unicom. This was to test the phone’s 4G LTE connectivity.
The larger screen of the iPhone also means Apple will need to compete with bigger Android smartphones on the price. If $850-1,000 price is accurate, the average cost of around $400-600 for Android phones will be more attractive for consumers. This will again put Apple in its usual high-end mobile market. However, if the competition puts a little higher price tag for its new-generation smartphones, Apple will most certainly win.
