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New rumor claims Apple will launch three iPhone models this year, including 4-inch iPhone 6C

A sketchy new rumor from the sometimes-unreliable Digitimes claims that Apple will be releasing three new iPhone models this year. While many Apple watchers are expecting to see the release of two new “S” models—the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus—the new report also says the company will release a third model this year.

We’ve previously heard rumors that the “C” iPhone lineup would be disappearing after the launch of the iPhone 6. However, Digitimes claims that Apple will be debuting an “iPhone 6C” later this year that will sport a 4-inch display like that of the iPhone 5 and 5s. It’s possible that this is related to the rumors of a pink iPhone launching with the next refresh.

The display panels for all three models will be sourced from Japan Display and LG Display, with the Plus and “C” screens also going into production at Sharp. The displays will be made from Corning’s Gorilla Glass, indicating that Apple may have given up on its attempts at sapphire smartphone displays for now. Based on previous reports, these displays are also believed to support Apple’s new Force Touch technology.

The larger phones are expected to ship with Apple’s Samsung-made A9 processor, but the iPhone 6C will reportedly stick with the current A8 chip. Some analysts claim that Apple will also stick with an 8 MP camera for this hardware update.

Digitimes says that all three phones will ship with Touch ID sensors and NFC support for Apple Pay, but doesn’t mention any other possible differences. On the current-generation devices, the main differentiating factors are software changes, which allow the iPhone 6 Plus to take advantage of its larger display when in landscape mode. The only hardware difference between the two is the inclusion of optical image stabilization on the Plus.

On the software front, Apple is working on a massive stability release that will squash bugs, fix problems, and optimize performance. That will reportedly ship as iOS 9 on these new iPhones.

As for the source of the rumor, Digitimes isn’t exactly known for its spot-on reports (though there have been a few solid ones in the past), so it’s probably a good idea to keep that in mind when considering these types of claims.

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Comments

  1. Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

    Hardly news.

    It’s fairly obvious that they were either going to do a 4″ iPhone 6c, or a 4″ iPhone 6, or both this fall. Apple wouldn’t completely leave the 4″ people in the lurch considering that most of them didn’t upgrade to the iPhone 6 or 6 plus.

    My money is still on “both.”

    • Mike Beasley - 9 years ago

      If you think Apple wouldn’t leave 4″ users in the lurch, you’ve been watching the wrong company. They basically did that with the 6 already. There is no current-gen 4-inch phone. Only the 5s, which is the old model.

      • stoplion22 - 9 years ago

        Yes and no. The performance gap between 5S and 6 is slimmer than it ever has been, the camera’s only modestly different, the wireless is largely the same, and overall almost all features are present on both phones. The differences between 5S and 6 are largely physical. Those with 5S’s were not likely to upgrade yet, and those who simply prefer the smaller size are getting almost the same features of the 6 but with the benefit of a discount. I don’t necessarily think it makes sense in this case to say this company left 4″ users in the lurch as the functional differences between the two generations may just not have warranted a “new” model at decision time.

      • capdorf - 9 years ago

        As a 4s user, who doesn’t, want a big phone, the 5 is out of the question, because it will get to a point where you cannot update the software, as I have found with my iPod touch and first gen iPad. And present 5 models are too limited with memory, so a new generation small iPhone is needed. I prefer the 4 size but a 5 would do. I keep trying the 6 but can’t accept the size and ease with which you can lose grip.

      • rahhbriley - 9 years ago

        I respectfully disagree. I’ve been watching the correct company and don’t care for the implication otherwise Mike.

        I’ll admit I’m wrong if we don’t see a 4″ iPhone…how about you, you willing to write an article acknowledging you’re wrong if they release a 4″ phone?

      • PMZanetti - 9 years ago

        Not at all. The 5s was still new, and at $99 it fit in the lineup. This year it needs to be replaced. There needs to be a slightly newer 4″, $99 iPhone, even if it uses lasts years iPhone 6 specs.

        If you think Apple is going to abandon 4″ iPhone, YOU are the one following the wrong company.

      • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 9 years ago

        I don’t think Apple left out the 4″ in some scheme against people who prefer smaller phones and I don’t think they will drop it now. It’s a good size and for some people, it’s the best size.

        If Apple could have made a compelling 4″ iPhone 6 I think they would have. I imagine it wasn’t in the cards engineering-wise. Making a 4″ model with iPhone 6 internals a year or two later makes sense. It’s like how the iPad mini came out with iPad 2 internals. A big difference was that the iPad mini had a new design which made if feel less like a crappy small iPad and more like a totally new device. It would be smart for Apple to go this route with reintroducing a 4″ phone but whatever.

        I want this phone. I don’t care if it’s plastic and I don’t care if it’s running on the older processor. As long as I can get it in at least 32gb of storage I’m set. My 4s is wonderful – amazing even, but It doesn’t have the new features I want and can’t even support an apple watch. If that fails my only option will be to find a 32gb 5s somewhere still on sale.

      • o0smoothies0o - 9 years ago

        They’ll continue making 4″. It’s necessary for some women, and especially children, but also anyone that wants the smaller screen size that Apple touted as being optimal for one-handed use, as it is optimal for that.

      • Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

        @ Greg Kaplan: I think you said it better than me. Apple still makes a 4″ phone and although it disagrees with this report, I think they should probably make an aluminium one and not just a cheap plastic one.

        I was expecting that Apple would basically make an iPhone 6 “mini” (4″) phone to go with this years iPhone 6s and 6s plus. They will beg for applause and pats on the back as they announce it saying something like “An iPhone 6! In this tiny case!” and reference how they “couldn’t have done this last year.” They’ve done shit like this before.

        I ws expecting they will *also* make an iPhone 6c, but it’s hard to know if the iPhone 5c was successful enough to keep manufacturing. I’ve heard lots say that the 5c was a “failure” but only from people who have an awful bias to begin with. No doubt if it actually worked for Apple, it will be continued, if not it won’t.

        The way yo will know what Apple thinks of 4″ phones will be whether this years 4″ phone will be metal, or plastic. If the former, then they will move forward with all three sizes just like all their other product lines. If they only make a plastic model though, it’s like giving the middle finger to all the 4″ phone lovers out there and that’s a lot of people to piss off for no reason.

      • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 9 years ago

        @ Gazoo Bee, Yea. I think the c is actually a really good design. It looks and feels really nice. I’d argue nicer than the 6, which everyone puts in a case. Most 5c people I’ve seen feel like they don’t need a case and since it’s seamless it looks really clean. If they updated it to 5s internals I think it would still be good.

        8bg storage is so ridicules though. That’s just a terrible experience. And them keeping around 16gb for low end iPhone 6 is pathetic. What a dick upselling move. Maybe they will correct that this year. At least the new C should be 16 default and then everything else should be 32 default.

  2. Pricing wise it doesn’t necessarily make sense. The 5c was $100 cheaper than the 5s when it was released. And with their tiered system utilizing previous models the new prices, with contract, would be 6s+ ($300), 6s ($200), 6+ ($200), 6 ($100), 6c (free?). Then get rid of the 5s completely? Although they get money for it, it seems weird that they’d introduce a new product that’s “free.”

    • Maybe they’ll discontinue the 6+ and 6 like they did with the 5 to create more differentiation between the C model and the latest release 6S lineup

      • RP - 9 years ago

        Yep. I think a lot of people would jump on the 6 and 6+ instead of the S .
        I think Apple would rather people pay full price on thie larger 6, on only discount them when the 7 arrives

    • irelandjnr - 9 years ago

      Think more like iPhone 6s+ $299, iPhone 6s $199, iPhone 6c $99, iPhone 5c Free. Perhaps killing the 5s altogether like they killed the 5. With then an outside chance of the 6c being called iPhone 6s mini?

      • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 9 years ago

        5c is bad to keep around but at least it supports apple watch I guess.

      • Robert - 9 years ago

        You do know the prices you state are heavily subsidized by means of a contract. This system creates an artificial phone price floor that is not good for consumers. Your carrier should pay you to take away the cheaper phones!

    • rettun1 - 9 years ago

      I personally don’t see them keeping around both models of the 6, but I could be wrong. I think the 6+ will fall out of the lineup, so 6s+ at $299, 6s at $199, 6 will be $99, but now I don’t know what they’ll do for the free model: 5s or a whole new phone? Probably 5s

  3. jedimindtrick99 - 9 years ago

    New iPhone 4 in. , maybe new iPod touch , also 2 iPads (maybe 3::mini4, air 3, pro), & Apple tv, gonna be another good year

    • Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

      I hope they update the iPad mini someday. It’s been virtually unchanged since day one and it’s on version 3 already.

      There are lots and lots of interesting things that could be done with it, if only Apple got their fingers out and did them! Maybe this is why the sales are declining.

      • o0smoothies0o - 9 years ago

        Retina display is always a huge feature, so they did do that. What interesting things do you have in mind though?

      • xprmntr - 9 years ago

        Gen 1 – ipad 2 internals no retina, gen 2 – retina, near iPad Air internals, current gen I agree got the least amount of a change, pretty ridiculous I think, I expect iPad Air 2 or 3 internals in the next gen, as well as being thinner and lighter

      • Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

        @xprmntr: The way I would describe it is closer to:

        iPad mini version 1 – It is literally the best iPad they made (at launch), and the most popular iPad they have ever made (in terms of sales)

        iPad mini version 2 – It has a slightly better screen and a (very) slightly more powerful processor, otherwise it is identical, except the price is raised by $50-$75 depending on model.

        iPad mini version 3 – It is absolutely *identical* to iPad min version 2 with the exception of a hot-glued in new home button (Touch ID). The iPad mini 2 is dropped a hundred in price, but remember, it was raised last year anyway so NBD.

        This is a fair description of the iPad mini to me, and I’ve bought them all and use them 24/7 as my main computing device (except this years, which is a fucking joke). I would think that anyone who is a serious user of the iPad mini as I am would be angry at the way Apple has let this product languish.

        It remains so popular, that I think the only explanation for this abominable situation is that Apple is just not able to keep up. They have been failing to meet deadlines a lot lately, expanding rapidly, overworked etc. I don;t think they counted on it being so popular and don’t know what to do.

      • capdorf - 9 years ago

        Strikes me as weird, everyone demands bigger iPhones and smaller iPads. Maybe they should just make a 6″ iPadPhone and be done with it.

  4. yaanu1 - 9 years ago

    I’m just gonna wait and hold out for a new incarnation of the iPod touch.

    • Mike Beasley - 9 years ago

      Heh, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one. But who knows? Anything’s possible, I guess.

    • o0smoothies0o - 9 years ago

      I don’t think they’re going to put more R&D and resources into the iPods at this point. They have too many products they’re working on now. Besides that, there are too many other incredibly great products they could do, like other wearables, specifically clothes with numerous biosensors and other sensors that would augment the health initiative.

    • standardpull - 9 years ago

      I do think that Apple will release a new iPod Touch. These devices benefit from the design and engineering of the iPhone and iPad, and Apple needs to move iOS ahead on newer hardware. And so I see Apple releasing a new Touch soon: it’s relatively inexpensive to develop, and keeping it up-to-date helps propel the entire ecosystem forward.

  5. RP - 9 years ago

    Makes sense to me. I make opt for that one unless something really cool ends up on th 6s

  6. Jörg Wißemann - 9 years ago

    If the 6c has the same specs and features despite the smaller screen,I’m would definitely choose the 6c

    • irelandjnr - 9 years ago

      Yeah that’d be great for people to have that option. Personally though I think the 6c should be aluminium and should be sold as iPhone 6s mini.

      • o0smoothies0o - 9 years ago

        iPhone 6S Minus

      • Gazoo Bee - 9 years ago

        I agree except drop the “s”. There was no iPhone 6 mini last year, so no need for an “s” model this year.

        “iPhone 6 mini” (aluminium) sounds better to me.

  7. They definitely will not call that model 6c as there will definitely be no Chinese buyers if they name it that way.

  8. capdorf - 9 years ago

    Look forward to having a Full Featured, smaller, iPhone to replace my 4s. After checking, I prefer the easier to grip 5c style case, over any of the others, especially not the skinny, easy to drop 6. But it must have good memory and features, or I’ll hold off buying again.
    No it’s not the money, it’s the feel in my hand, and the fact that it fits my pocket comfortably.

  9. PMZanetti - 9 years ago

    2015 will see 4″, 4.7″, 5.5″ iPhone. The 4″ will have specs equal to a 2014 iPhone 6. The larger two will be new specs.

    The 2014 iPhone 6 and 6 Plus will be discontinued.

  10. Robert - 9 years ago

    I have the 6. I love it but I hate the size. I would much prefer a smaller phone. I set out an argument for a smaller phone on my blog ousboui.wordpress There are many reasons a smaller phone is better, it might take a few more years but the current trend will turn.

  11. Barnes Dave - 9 years ago

    I want a 6. I just want it in a smaller (5s) size.
    I want Apple Pay capability. Just in a smaller size.
    I want a better camera.

  12. Actually considering giving away my 6 and getting a 5S for the form factor and for that it Apple Watch compatible.
    I’m largely disappointed with the size and design of the 6. The curves make it keep slipping from my hand and its size makes it so hard to use 1 handed. Hopefully Apple release a smaller model for the rest of us.

  13. Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 9 years ago

    the 6c sound really logical to me but I can’t help feel a little meh that the only smaller choice is going to be treated as a cheaper phone. I’m sure it will still be great, but the marketing doesn’t feel the same.

    In pure speculation, wouldn’t it be more interesting if Apple made a new line of iPhone? If iPhone 6 is to macbook pro and iPhone c is to plastic macbook, imagine the iPhone equivalent of the macbook air.

    Imagine an iPhone that had the current gen iPod touch body. That would be incredible. They are metal, come in colors, and their design is still amazing. I’d argue they look better than the 6. That would be a really compelling device.

    Or maybe it’s even more drastic. I’d be fine with them dropping the headphone jack. I hate it’s new position on the bottom left. Apple could make a lighting adapter, and ship lighting EarPods, maybe even offer newly Apple branded wireless headphones or just push their existing beats models. Apple has even said that the future is wireless. People would flip if the main iPhone line dropped it, but they could show people how good the tradeoff could be with a new design.

  14. matthiasf - 9 years ago

    I want wireless charging! Don’t make me wait until the iPhone 7.

  15. Jim Phong - 9 years ago

    The Tim Cook iPhone the iPhone 5C has been a huge failure for Apple like never before the return of Steve Jobs.
    Tim Cook wanted to sell his 5C plastic cheap repackaged iPhone 5 and he failed.
    Customers rejected the iPhone 5C despite Tim Cook was desperately avoiding to advertise the real only true new iPhone 5S .. a Steve Jobs iPhone.
    People wanted to buy the iPhone 5S but Tim Cook was doing his worst to force the plastic iPhone 5C on customers. And he failed. And Apple lost billions with millions of 5C left in stores and warehouses that no one wanted to buy.
    Now Tim Cook is at it again… he wants to sell another plastic iPhone 6C all new Tim Cook phone?
    He will fail once again against the true iPhone 6S.
    Tim Cook seems really obsessed with Steve Jobs shadow… His plastic cheap phone people will keep rejecting again and again.

    • Greg Kaplan (@kaplag) - 9 years ago

      The iPhone 3g and 3gs were plastic and they were “flagship” phones released under Steve Jobs.

      The ibook and macbook laptops were both plastic low end models. Again, released under Jobs. Stop trying to paint Tim Cook as a bad CEO for nonsensical reasons.

      “Customers rejected the iPhone 5C despite Tim Cook was desperately avoiding to advertise the real only true new iPhone 5S .. a Steve Jobs iPhone.”

      When people line up to buy the new phone, do you need advertising for it? The 5c did have a lot of advertising, but it wasn’t to get people to not buy the 5s, it was to get new customers. It allowed them to advertise two phones, one as high end, and the other as low. How could they advertise the year old model before since it would have looked the same as the new one?

      “People wanted to buy the iPhone 5S but Tim Cook was doing his worst to force the plastic iPhone 5C on customers.”

      Yea, that’s right, I remember him standing in the Apple Store and slapping an iPhone 5s out of someone’s hand /s. If anything the 5c helped sell more 5s models than if the 5 stayed on market. Media blasted the iPhone 4s for not being different enough from the iPhone 4. When the 5c and 5s came out people blasted the 5c. It’s better to call the old thing crap, than to call the new thing not innovative. When people when to shop they all happily bought the 5s because the 5 was no longer a near-equal phone on the shelves next to it. It made the buying decision easier.

      “Now Tim Cook is at it again… he wants to sell another plastic iPhone 6C all new Tim Cook phone?”

      You realize the iPhone 6 came out under Cook, right? Wouldn’t that be “his phone” too? Also yes, it makes perfect sense to do it again. The 6 was a redesign so it was differentiated from the year old 5s. Now that it’s a S year again they run into the same problem. Will as many people buy a 6s when the 6 is right next to it? No, but they might be more inclined to get the 6s if a 6c is next to it.

      What I don’t get is why so many people have a stick up their butt about the existence of the c phone. Clearly you are all gung ho about buying the latest phone, so why does it even matter to you? You aren’t the target market. The only people who should be ticked are the ones who really wanted to get an iPhone 6 at a $100 discount. But now they will just get the 6s.

      I like the 5c. I think it stands out and has it’s own appeal. It feels more like ceramic than plastic. In some ways, I think it looks nicer than the iPhone 6 design. Those plastic lines are so horrible. It looks like a frankenstein whale. The 5c looks crisp and seamless in comparison. the 6 internals in the 5c would probably be an improvement.

      I think the main thing Apple needs to do is drop the number system. It’s time that product lines just get updated each year. It should be the new iPhone and the new iPhone color. Consumers shouldn’t have to think about the numbering and how that corresponds to what is inside it.

    • capdorf - 9 years ago

      i actually prefer the feel of the 5c, only it’s limited facilities and memory kept me from buying it. I’m now waiting something more suitable.

  16. yojimbo007 - 9 years ago

    Please no c!
    Just a 3.8 ish smaller phone in the same form factor as the 6 !!!!

    • capdorf - 9 years ago

      Don’t like the feel of the edge of the 6. 5s better, 5C much better. It’s all about grip.

  17. Miguel Simoes - 9 years ago

    hopefully they will continue with a 4″ model, if they will go for a 6C with the same criteria they did the 5C will means that there is no hardware difference for the actual 5S, just a new carcass which would not be attractive for the iPhone 5 users do a change. so i believe they will go a little ahead with the hardware possibilities on a 6C and keep a 4″ screen sire. personally i will not buy a bigger phone than 4″, it is enough to handle it with one hand and the screen is big enough to read or to play games.

  18. trinities - 9 years ago

    Wheres the iPod touch 6g?