It looks like we’re about to see an upgraded and refreshed version of the iPhone 5S, Apple’s 4-inch smartphone. This is according to a report by the KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device itself is will not follow the usual trend and is targeted to be released in the first half of 2016. It is also reported to be powered by the A9 chip that is currently running the new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. There’s a little drawback in here though, as the smartphone will reportedly not offer the 3D Touch feature in order to make some difference in the lineup.
“As there is still demand for a 4-unch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line,”, “Because the iPhone 5S is more popular than the iPhone 5C, we think Apple is likely to launch an upgraded iPhone 5S. We predict Apple will mass-produce this new 4-inch iPhone in 1H16 with metal casings. In order to make the current iOS 9 or next-generation iOS 10 run smoothly, Apple may adopt an A9 chip for this new phone.” – Kuo in an investor’s note.
If Apple really does launch a total of three devices next year, the iPhone lineup will now be similar to Sony’s Xperia trio. Will they really launch a smaller phone? We hope so. We loved the iPhone 5S.
