Apple to release two iPhones with bigger screens in 2014
Apple is expected to enter the large screen market with two iPhones this year
Apple increased the screen size of the current iPhone 5 series from 3.5 inches to 4 inches, but it was not an appropriate response to the increased demand for large screen smartphones especially in China and some other countries in Asia. Samsung is an absolute dominant in this particular market segment and its success is being driven by products like Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2. Due to its inability to offer products with such display characteristics and price level, Apple is suffering on a variety of markets, while different Android models are enjoying a huge popularity.
Facing the strong competition, Apple has re-considered its overall strategy and the company is planning a pair of new handsets to fulfill the demand. Sources close to Apple’s plans have revealed to Wall Street Journal that the company will release two large screen iPhones in the second half of the year. One of the new models will have a screen larger than 4.5 inches, while the second one will sport a 5+ inches display.
People familiar with the matter have added that both new iPhones are expected to arrive in metal casings, similar to the Apple iPhone 5s. The plastic casing used in the Apple iPhone 5c will be abandoned, as the company has faced weaker than expected demand after the 5c launch in September last year.
According to WSJ, the smaller of both new iPhones will be released first, followed by the larger screen version. Apple has declined to comment its plans for iPhone 6, but larger devices would be a logical move since the 5+ inch smartphones are becoming more popular worldwide. Currently around 25% of all smartphone shipments are for models having 5 inches or larger screens.
[Source: Wall Street Journal]
