Apple Testing Taller iPhone Prototype with 3.95-Inch 1136x640 Display?

9to5Mac reports that Apple is currently testing two prototypes of the next-generation iPhone that offer a taller screen while maintaining the existing 640-pixel width. According to the report, the two prototypes carry a display with a height of 1136 pixels, up from the current 960-pixel height and leading to an increase in the diagonal size of the display from 3.5 inches to 3.95 inches.

These prototype phones are floating around Apple HQ in thick, locked shells in order to disguise the exterior design to “undisclosed” employees. We know of two next-generation iPhones in testing with a larger display: the iPhone 5,1 and iPhone 5,2. These phones are in the PreEVT stage of development and are codenamed N41AP (5,1) and N42AP (5,2). Because Apple reserves certain models for internal-only usage (such as the N96 phone we previously reported on), we’re not sure which of the two devices will make its way into the world later this year.

The idea of a larger screen in the range of 4 inches for the iPhone has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with some sources already having claimed that Apple will achieve that increase with a taller design.


Rendered mockup of taller iPhone with 4-inch display (Source: Ciccarese Design)
Click for larger
Today's report indicates that iOS 6 will support this taller screen by displaying an extra row of home screen icons, in line with previous speculation. The new iPhone hardware also reportedly includes the rumored smaller dock connector, with the report's source pegging its size at between micro-USB and mini-USB.