New reports this week from the Wall Street Journal and Reuters have bolstered persistent rumors that the next iPhone will have a 4-inch touchscreen, bringing it closer to competing smartphones with 4.3, 4.6 and 4.7 inch displays.
Each iPhone released has featured the same 3.5-inch multi-touch display size, though resolutions have varied. But rumors predating the current iPhone 4S’s announcement have pointed to a larger iPhone screen for 2012, with the exact size of the increase a matter of some debate. In light of these long-standing reports and two leading news sources’ confirmation, the idea that the iPhone 5 will have a larger screen – likely 4-inches – is now all but certain.
According to the stories, screen production will begin next month, with the first iPhone 5 units rolling off the assembly line in August. It is generally accepted that the U.S. release will follow shortly thereafter, likely in September or October. There has also been a great deal of speculation that the smartphone will feature a new design, as Apple has not updated the size, shape or style of its iPhone since the summer of 2010.
Rumors have also persisted that a smaller iPad, with a display perhaps 7-inches diagonally, will be released at some point in the not-too-distant future.
