Sketchy Rumor Says New 4-Inch iPhone Could Have Colorful Metal Design, Launch in February 2016

A sketchy report from Chinese website TechWeb [Google Translate] (via GforGames) claims Apple's rumored "iPhone 6c" could feature a colorful metal design and Touch ID, lack 3D Touch and launch in February 2016, corroborating previous rumors claiming Apple will release a new 4-inch iPhone in early 2016.

iPhone 5s

The report, citing unnamed "Foxconn insiders" and other various sources, confirms that Apple is working on a new 4-inch iPhone with a "colorful metal body design," in contrast with the plastic-backed iPhone 5c, but adds that Foxconn has not received orders yet for mass production of the device.

Apple's exact release plans for the so-called "iPhone 6c" remain unknown, but the report speculates about a possible January unveiling of the device, and says the budget handset could be priced between $400 and $500 in the U.S. The iPhone 5c, released in 2013, started at $549 off-contract for the 16GB model.

Often-reliable Japanese blog Mac Otakara said last month that Apple has developed a new 4-inch iPhone that is essentially an iPhone 5s with sixth-generation iPod touch features, including an A8 chip, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and an improved FaceTime HD camera with ƒ/2.2 aperture.

The report said the so-called "iPhone 5s Mark II," likely an internal name for the new 4-inch iPhone, has entered production and could be shipped at any time, and a recent research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other rumors point towards a 2016 release date.

GforGames recently cited a similarly sketchy report claiming Apple is experimenting with at least five different "iPhone 7" models with unique hardware features, reportedly including a USB Type-C connector for headphones, wireless charging technology, multi-Force Touch, dual camera configurations and Touch ID embedded in the display.

Follow our iPhone 6c roundup to keep track of the latest news about the 4-inch iPhone.

Related Roundup: iPhone 7

Tag: techweb.com.cn

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

iCloudStrife

49 months ago

Dear Steve Jobs.

Can you please visit Tim Cook in a dream and kick his butt for ruining your perfect concept of a mobile phone? I want a one-handed device that contains all the bells and whistles and isn't gimped in some way.

Thanks in advance.

Rating: 27 Votes

appleguy123

49 months ago

4" would be the perfect size for 3D Touch because you could actually comparably reach and apply pressure to every part of the screen with one hand.

Rating: 6 Votes

ArtOfWarfare

49 months ago

I hate to be that guy, but boy, this is becoming Android fragmentation.

I disagree. This is nowhere near as bad as Android fragmentation.

Every iPhone contains:
A 16:9 screen with 5 point multitouch
5 Point Multitouch
A front camera and a rear camera.
Rear flash
Speakers
Touch ID
Home Button, Lock Button, Volume Up and Down, Lock
Accelerometer
Compass
GPS
Wifi + Cellular

The things that vary from iPhone to iPhone are:
Pressure sensitive (Either it is or it isn't)
Screen size? (Three to pick from)
CPU and RAM? (Three combinations to pick from)

The vast majority of things with iPhones are consistent across all devices. Most developers don't need to worry about CPU and RAM constraints.

In contrast, with Android, almost nothing is standardized. It might have a physical keyboard. It might not. It might allow for 10 touches at a time. It may rely on array keys and not be touch sensitive at all. How slow is the slowest Android device? Which one has the least RAM? Good luck finding out - anyone at all can make one, from any components they want. Where is the flash? Anywhere the manufacturer wants, if they want one at all.

Whereas there are 5 iPhones you'll likely need to support (5S, 6, 6+, 6S, 6S+), there are thousands of Android configurations.

Rating: 4 Votes

LordQ

49 months ago

I hate to be that guy, but boy, this is becoming Android fragmentation.

Rating: 4 Votes

2457282

49 months ago

It is probably me and my old eyes. I loved my 3.5 inch screen. It allowed me to do everything with one hand - i did not need anything else. Then I was forced to the 4 inch screen. Well they kept the width the same and although it was a little difficult to reach the top corner without changing my grip, it worked. And the extra screen space did make reading and watching videos better. I really struggled and almost did not upgrade when the 4.7 incher came out. I definitely cannot reach the top corner and basically need to use two hands. I have adjusted (reluctantly so). BUT, wow the screen is so much nicer for my eyes and I do not strain them as much. It would be hard to go back.

I do hope that this rumor turns out to be real and that a 4inch is in the works. I think for younger folks, especially if they have the ipad, do not need such a big screen and would welcome a phone at a lower price point.

Rating: 3 Votes

Avieshek

49 months ago

6c - sexy?

Rating: 3 Votes

Aston441

49 months ago

Put it in an iPod Touch form factor and I will buy it as my spare "going out" phone, for when my 6s+ is just a PITA to carry around.

Right now my old 5s is in that role.

Rating: 3 Votes

navaira

49 months ago

Not the stupid 4" iPhone rumor again. Maybe it can be the kids version and run on last gen ipod touch hardware and have 8 gigs of ram. Make it out of plastic in pink and baby blue.

Stop giving Tim ideas.

Rating: 2 Votes

OneBagTravel

49 months ago

I'll take a 4" 6S please.

Rating: 2 Votes

NickD73

49 months ago

Isn't Apple doing essentially the same thing they did when Jobs left the 1st time: over-diluting their product lines and complicating which product is meant for whom (or however it should be spelled). Apple shares dip under $100 in the next year, book it.

Rating: 2 Votes

[ Read All Comments ]