AppleInsider Staff
According to a rumor out of China, Apple may release a 128GB version of its next-generation iPhone, but restrict the option to a higher-end 5.5-inch model in a bid to differentiate the "phablet" device from the company's stable of smartphones.
Citing sources familiar with Apple's supply chain, Chinese Apple blog Feng.com claims Apple will limit its 128GB "iPhone 6" offerings to a rumored 5.5-inch handset, meaning the supposed 4.7-inch version will carry over the current maximum capacity of 64GB.
The report comes on the heels of another questionable rumor from Wednesday that predicted Apple's next iPhone will launch on Sept. 19. Coming from Chinese Internet firm Tencent, the date is thought to be an estimated guess that happens to line up with similar claims made by German wireless provider Deutsche Telekom in May.
Relating to Thursday's rumor, Tencent claimed Apple's new handset will launch in 32GB and 64GB capacities for about $850 and $1,000, respectively. No mention was made of a 16GB model, suggesting the company may ditch the lowest-end model altogether.
A theory put forth by noted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple may be looking to further differentiate a larger 5.5-inch iPhone version from its smaller-screened siblings. Kuo said in a report earlier this week that the larger model will likely feature a rear-facing camera module with optical image stabilization, while the 4.7-inch variant will go without.
While mere speculation, Apple could be pushing users toward new iCloud pricing plans that build on the current 5GB of free storage by adding 10GB for $20 per year, or 20GB for $40 per year.
When the next-gen iPhone lineup launches, many expect a complete redesign with thinner profiles, relocated sleep/wake button and advanced "A8" processor. Apple has already released two beta versions of the forthcoming iOS 8 that will power the unannounced devices, though the latest builds yield little information about the new hardware.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
57 Comments
And the image has "Android ice cream" in the background, etc... Really? Dicey image I think.
umm iCloud pricing has changed.. it's $.99 /mo for 20GB or $3.99/mo for 200GB You quoted OLD pricing in article..
I used to be desperate for a larger capacity iPhone but iTunes Match has persuaded me that 64GB is fine.
Why do we have, 'alleged mockups' and 'questionable rumours'? A mockup is not the real deal and a rumour isn't a report.
A 5.5" iPhone would be an interesting proposition from my perspective. I'm due for a new iPad and iPhone in September and rather than buying both, the obvious question is whether the iPhone alone would suffice. With some advances, it might. Pertinent to my thinking is that:
[1] I wear glasses now to read anything on a device smaller than my beautiful 27" iMac screen. No change there.
[2] A single device would certainly be convenient.
[3] I have very big hands, I can easily grab my 9.7" iPad across its width to pick up, so, now problem there for single hand use.
[4] I could spend more on the one device, even buying a bigger iPhone without a contract.
[5] The new device needs to sit happily in the back pocket of my cycling jersey.
[6] The biggest iPhone it seems, might sport unique features. This would always attract a tragic such as myself.
Interested to know what factors would enter into the buying decision of others in this community.
All the best.
The new iPhone 6 and the two sizes.. With iP6-big = Have only 64Gb and boost the battery capacity with the other "64Gb of space" that would been used to the 128Gb space in phone... With iP6-tiny :-p = or on both.. take away the lighting cable and put some more smaller processors to help with small tasks that helps the battery, or use every nanometer of space to battery. And for transfer information its WiFi/BT, and for the electricity its does wireless-power-stations. It would be a nice feature on iPhone 6, if they have a battery life that would last not one day, but 1 week or month in standby mode. Its like waiting for christmas with the iPhone 6 premiere, in about 3 moths ;-)