Apple Launching 5.5-Inch iPhone 6 After 4.7-Inch Version to Avoid Competition Between Two Models?

Apple will launch the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 several months after the 4.7-inch version to avoid competition between the two models, according to a new report from DigiTimes citing supply chain sources.

The different timetables have been set as Apple does not want to repeat the mistake it made in 2013 when it launched the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c simultaneously, said the sources.

Prior rumors have pointed out that production issues with the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 would cause Apple to delay its release a few months after 4.7-inch version, however this newest report claims that isn't the case for the launch delay. A report from Bloomberg last month suggested that Apple would be launching both versions of the iPhone 6 simultaneously, noting that the company had begun preparing the 4.7-inch model and 5.5-inch for manufacturing.

iphone_5s_6_grass

4.7 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 mockups compared to iPhone 5s

Apple is expected to unveil the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 at a September event, although a report yesterday noted that the company is unsure as to whether it will show off the 5.5-inch version at the same time. The company is said to be preparing between 70 and 80 million iPhone 6 units to meet anticipated customer demand, as the larger screen could cause a massive spike in upgrades from both iPhone upgraders and those switching from Android.

In addition to a larger screen, the iPhone 6 is expected to feature a faster A8 processor, a thinner profile, an improved camera, and Apple's new iOS 8 mobile operating system.

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Top Rated Comments

captain kaos Avatar
146 months ago
Apple still believes the 5c problem was releasing it the same time as the 5s??!
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cambookpro Avatar
146 months ago
Seems an asinine reason to delay a product. I doubt the margins will be drastically different between the two versions, and it's highly unlikely that people will buy both, so all they're doing is giving the competition extra time to market their larger screen phones to potential customers.

And anyway, if they don't show both in September, I'd question the existence of the 5.5" model.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
teme Avatar
146 months ago
"To avoid competition between two models"... how, exactly? I don't see the point.
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
frisken Avatar
146 months ago
What mistake was made with launching the 5s and 5c exactly? ...
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ZacNicholson Avatar
146 months ago
so many rumors about size... size doesn't matter its how you use it.. At least thats what i tell women :cool:
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kalsta Avatar
146 months ago
Apple is expected to unveil the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 at a September event, although a report yesterday noted that the company is unsure as to whether it will show off the 5.5-inch version at the same time.
If launch day comes and goes with no mention of a 5.5 inch iPhone, they'll be bombarded with questions about it, online, and in stores. To deny such a phone, and then come out with it a couple of months later would create so much bad will with customers, I'm sure they'll have a better plan thought out.

(Not that I'm even remotely interested in such a monstrous beast, but I know many others are, and they'll be vocal about it I'm sure!)
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)