A report coming out of Japan may have given us a real hint about when we can expect to see the iPhone 6, and what form the device will come in. Japanese publication Nikkei cites sources at local manufacturers stating that it will be coming as early as September, and will be offered in two different sizes.
The report says the iPhone 6 will be available in both 4.7in and 5.5in display models, the latter of which would be a huge jump in screen size. The larger screen size would catapult Apple's phone past Samsung's Galaxy S5 5.1in size and into Galaxy Note 3 territory, which comes in at 5.7in.
Many average smartphone users may not be comfortable with that big of an increase in size, but that would be why Apple is rumored to be offering the phone at two different sizes. The current iPhone 5s has only a 4in display, so even the increase to 4.7 would be fairly noticeable.
According to the report, the displays will be manufactured in Japan by Sharp at its Kameyama factory, and at Japan Display's Mobara plant, in addition to some other facilities.
"Suppliers of LCD panels for Apple's new iPhone will ramp up production soon, in line with a timetable for a worldwide launch as early as September," the report states. Mass production of liquid crystal display panels will start as early as the April-June quarter."
It remains to be seen if this launch schedule is accurate, but it makes sense if the manufacturers themselves are really beginning production at those times. We've heard rumors about the iPhone 6 regarding a super-thin form and curved screen in the last few weeks. Stay tuned for any developments on Apple's next major mobile device.
Source: CNET
