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Apple Reportedly Delaying Launch of 5.5-Inch 'iPhone Air' Due to Battery Issues

Tuesday April 22, 2014 5:37 am PDT by Richard Padilla
According to Taiwan's Industrial and Commercial Times [Google Translate, via G for Games] Apple's larger 5.5-inch iPhone 6 has been delayed and will launch in 2015. The report notes that the company is struggling with finding a sufficient battery that measures 2 mm or less to fit in the device's "very thin" profile.

iphone6
Renderings of iPhone 6 (4.7'') and iPhone 6 (5.7'') based on leaked schematics

The report also notes that Apple suppliers are referring to the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 as the "iPhone Air", which has not been finalized as an official name for the device. If the claims are true, however, an iPhone Air would join Apple's MacBook Air and recently released iPad Air in carrying a similar name and delivering a product with a slim chassis.

Past reports have indicated that Apple's 4.7-inch iPhone 6 will launch first this fall, and have shared similar details about the 5.5-inch version being delayed due to production issues. A report from Reuters last month noted that Apple was having issues with in-cell production technology in the 5.5-inch version's display, with Japan Display, LG Display, and Sharp set to produce screens for the device.

In addition to a larger screen and thinner design, Apple's next-generation iPhone is expected to include a new A8 processor, Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and an upgraded camera featuring optical image stabilization. Apple is also said to be negotiating with carriers to increase the price of the iPhone 6 by $100.
[ 234 comments ]


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ElZeus
60 months ago

Then simply use a bigger battery, the iPhone 5S is already thin enough.


^^^^. Stop making the darned phones so thin and beef up the battery life. An iPhone that you could use moderately for 2-3 days with having to use a charging case would be amazing.
Rating: 51 Votes
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Cali Fornia
60 months ago
Then simply use a bigger battery, the iPhone 5S is already thin enough.
Rating: 42 Votes
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Chupa Chupa
60 months ago
So Apple designed a phone w/o considering the reality of battery technology? This story doesn't seem credible.
Rating: 32 Votes
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jahoys
60 months ago
sounds like there was no 5.5 inch iPhone in the first place :rolleyes:
Rating: 26 Votes
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Oshawapilot
60 months ago

^^^^. Stop making the darned phones so thin and beef up the battery life. An iPhone that you could use moderately for 2-3 days with having to use a charging case would be amazing.


THIS! ^^^

I don't care how thin it is. Honestly, it makes it awkward to hold when it's too thin. Make it the thickness of the current 4/5 series for all I care, just put a huge honkin battery in it that will actually last an entire day (or gasp, maybe 2!) please!
Rating: 23 Votes
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profets
60 months ago
A product that hasn't been announced nor has it had a release date announced has been delayed? Interesting...
Rating: 23 Votes
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Rogifan
60 months ago

So Apple designed a phone w/o considering the reality of battery technology? This story doesn't seem credible.


Stories don't have to be credible as long as they get clicks. :)
Rating: 17 Votes
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SMIDG3T
60 months ago
This is actually bad news that it may be released in 2015 but for me, it doesn't matter as I'll be getting the 4.7-inch model.
Rating: 14 Votes
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Four oF NINE
60 months ago
I appreciate thinness up to a point, but there comes a point when the obsession becomes an absurdity.
Rating: 14 Votes
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yannxou
60 months ago
Right now I'd prefer a thicker iPhone with better battery.

Soon iPhones will be so thin that you won't be able to grab them from a table unless you place them in ultra thick plastic covers. Hey, but it'll be ultra thin inside!
Rating: 11 Votes

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