New 4-Inch iPhone Again Predicted to Launch in 2016

IHS Technology research director Kevin Wang, who previously said a new 4-inch iPhone would launch by the end of 2015, has now changed his prediction to mid 2016 on Chinese microblogging service Sina Weibo (via GforGames), corroborating information shared by reliable KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

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Wang did not provide any new details about Apple's oft-rumored 4-inch iPhone, beyond confirming the smaller screen size, but Kuo recently said the device will "resemble an upgraded iPhone 5s," including a metal design with an A9 processor, and launch in the first quarter of 2016.

As there is still demand for a 4-inch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line. Because the iPhone 5s is more popular than the iPhone 5c, we think Apple is likely to launch an upgraded iPhone 5s. We predict Apple will mass-produce this new 4-inch iPhone in 1H16 with metal casings. In order to make the current iOS 9 or next-generation iOS 10 run smoothly, Apple may adopt an A9 chip for this new phone.

Kuo believes the so-called "iPhone 6c" will not feature 3D Touch to differentiate it from Apple's flagship iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Foxconn is expected to be the primary manufacturer of the 4-inch smartphone, with 20-30 million shipments projected through the end of 2016.

Given his recent track record, Wang's new prediction should be treated with a proverbial grain of salt, but it does corroborate multiple rumors suggesting Apple will release a new 4-inch smartphone in 2016. The so-called "iPhone 6c" was originally rumored to launch in 2015, but those plans were reportedly scrapped.

Tags: IHS, Kevin Wang

Top Rated Comments

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macpeach55

43 months ago

Chicks have small hands!

No, Chicks have wings & clawed feet.
However, many Women & some Men have small hands!
Back to Biology class for you! ;)

Rating: 27 Votes

jpgr15

43 months ago

The idea of not having the latest tech in a 4" model is annoying.
For me it would mean that i might not upgrade with the same pattern as previous. Also having the latest tech combined with a decent battery life in a small vessel would be great showmanship of what you are able to do in engineering

I hear you.. this seems to be Apple's course though. iPad Mini has trailed the Air and now it looks like the Air may be setting up to trail the Pro. Even the 6S trails the 6S Plus to a minor extent.

Rating: 16 Votes

JeffyTheQuik

43 months ago

Smaller is the next big thing!

Rating: 14 Votes

ghost187

43 months ago

Ugh really? Here is something more innovative they can do. Get rid of the top and bottom bezels so the 4.7 inch iphone is as small as the iPhone 5.

Rating: 11 Votes

Schranke

43 months ago

Rating: 11 Votes

JCrz

43 months ago

Also predicted: That this rumor will go away. And then come back...

Rating: 8 Votes

jayducharme

43 months ago

If this comes true, I hope it won't be like the 5c and have intentionally crippled hardware. I loved the look and feel of the 5c, but it was saddled with old tech. I agree that there's a market for a smaller form factor, as long as the specs are the same as a larger phone. Apple shouldn't force people to use a device too big for their hands. If there are people who want a smaller device, then give them the power they need in a form factor that works for them.

Rating: 7 Votes

shanson27

43 months ago

I've got a better idea, iPhone 7 with 3D Touch surface and Touch ID, without the home button

Rating: 7 Votes

anek007

43 months ago

Chicks have small hands!

But they like big... Phones.

Rating: 6 Votes

BMcCoy

43 months ago

Initially this sounds great, for those of us who prefer a smaller sized phone.. but if it's not going to have the same features as the 6S/6S+, then it's a far less attractive upgrade from my 5S.

My 5S is plenty fast enough, and works perfectly well. So whilst a new 4" phone would prick my interest, it would have to have some feature improvements to make me want to upgrade, from the excellent 5S.

Rating: 6 Votes

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