Apple Ordering Screens of 'At Least 4 Inches' for Next-Generation iPhone

The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has placed orders for screens measuring "at least 4 inches diagonally" for the next-generation iPhone, marking a significant increase in size over the displays used in every iPhone model released to date.

Apple Inc., which is expected to launch its next-generation iPhone later this year, has ordered screens from its Asian suppliers that are bigger than the ones used in iPhones since they debuted in 2007, people familiar with the situation said.

Production is set to begin next month for the screens, which measure at least 4 inches diagonally compared with 3.5 inches on the iPhone 4S, the latest phone from Apple, the people said.

Apple is reportedly working with LG, Sharp, and Japan Display (the newly-merged display businesses of Sony, Hitachi, and Toshiba) on the new screen.

iphone 4in 4s ciccarese
Rendered mockup of taller iPhone with 4-inch display (left) and iPhone 4S (right)

The Wall Street Journal's report does not specify what aspect ratio the larger display will use, and other rumors have conflicted on whether Apple will maintain the existing ratio or increase the screen's height while keeping the width consistent with existing models.

Update: Reuters has filed its own report making similar claims, although one of its sources seems more firm that the screen will measure 4 inches diagonally, as opposed to the "at least 4 inches" reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Apple Inc plans to use a larger screen on the next-generation iPhone and has begun to place orders for the new displays from suppliers in South Korea and Japan, people familiar with the situation said on Wednesday. [...]

The new iPhone screens will measure 4 inches from corner to corner, one of the sources said.

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Top Rated Comments

dylin Avatar
159 months ago
please dont changing the height only
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Prother Avatar
159 months ago
If they were to ever change the screen size, they would do it now. It's now or never.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacDawg Avatar
159 months ago
I am happy with the current size and form factor
But I won't be unhappy with a bigger screen (unless it gets too big)

However, that said, this form factor is really puzzling to me
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
itsmemuffins Avatar
159 months ago
After last years farce I don't believe anything unless I see it in the flesh.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbeagle Avatar
159 months ago
Looks like 9to5 got the idea...

I'll up you with this one:

Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
charlieegan3 Avatar
159 months ago
This kind of confirms it - doesn't it?

nope
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)