Apple’s fifth generation iPhone will have a 4-inch display instead of the 3.5-inch display used on the iPhone 4. Word of the larger screen comes through unnamed component suppliers claiming Apple is already testing new iPhone model, according to DigiTimes.
Increasing the size of the iPhone’s display would bring the combination iPod and smartphone more in line with competitor’s screen sizes. The Nexus S and Galaxy S from Samsung, for example, both use 4-inch displays.
Rumors say the iPhone screen is growing
According to the DigiTimes sources, Apple wants a larger screen iPhone to better compete in the tablet market since the iPad is available only with a 9.7-inch display.
Increasing the iPhone’s screen size poses a potential problem for developers if they’re expected to code their apps to support a new resolution. Currently, they write their apps to support the 3.5-inch Retina Display found on the iPhone 4 and current iPod touch, and for the 9.7-inch iPad display. Adding yet another display size will likely add more time to the development process and increase app sizes to accomodate the new screen.
Assuming Apple is planning on bumping up the iPhone’s display size, it’s also possible rumors that the company is working on an iPhone mini could come into play. Instead of building a smaller iPhone model with an edge-to-edge display, Apple could be working on a full-size iPhone with an edge-to-edge display that the rumor mill has mistaken for a compact model.
Apple isn’t commenting on the 4-inch iPhone rumors, and DigiTimes doesn’t name any sources that can be verified, so for now this rumor should be taken with a healthy dose of salt.