Rumor: Apple Working on Cheaper iPhone, Phablets

Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More .

A Reuters report citing multiple unnamed sources has set off a new round of rumors about new iPhone designs. Apple is said to be working on phones with 4.7- and 5.7-inch screens, as well as cheaper, plastic iPhones that would come in a range of colors.

According to Reuters, “Apple is looking at introducing at least two bigger iPhones next year – one with a 4.7-inch screen and one with a 5.7-inch screen – said the sources, including those in the supply chain in Asia. They said suppliers have been approached with plans for the larger screens, but noted it is still unclear whether Apple will actually launch its flagship product in the larger sizes. ‘They constantly change product specifications almost to the final moment, so you’re not really sure whether this is the final prototype,’ said one person with direct knowledge of the matter.”

The Daily Mail’s Victoria Woollaston added, “Apple may have confirmed much of the speculation surrounding its upcoming products its recent annual developer conference, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from turning. The latest claims are that the California-based company is set to launch a low-cost version of its iPhone 5 handset as early as September. Dubbed the iPhone Mini, the new handset could be made of plastic to keep costs down and may be sold in a range of colours including white, black, pink and blue.”

Mashable’s Stan Schroeder observed, “Long-known for its limited palette of products, Apple always focused on the premium segment of the market, claiming the form factors of its devices, as well as the prices, are just right. For example, Samsung currently offers smartphones and phablets with more than 10 different screen sizes, while Apple has only two: the 3.5-inch iPhone 4S and the 4-inch iPhone 5.”

But PCMag’s Sascha Segan cautioned, “Before you take this report of an upcoming Apple phablet seriously, understand how Apple works. Reuters said ‘suppliers have been approached with plans for the larger screens,’ but not that anyone has actually ordered any of the larger screens. In other words, Apple has ideas for products it may or may not release.”