iPhone 6 rumors are continuing to swirl, with one report saying that a release date could be in the fall for two devices, but there’s an odd detail.
A report from the Economic Daily News suggests that two different iPhone models are being planned with larger screens. Apparently, for one of the devices--rumored to be 5.6 inches with a Sapphire display--Apple won’t use the iconic iPhone brand, according to GottabeMobile.
The publication states that the larger device will be “experimental” but offers few details. The Economic Daily News, a publication in Taiwan, cites supply chain sources for the information. It didn’t offer the alternative name for the device.
Reports have said that Apple is experimenting with different sizes for its phones, ranging from 6 inches down to 4.5 inches. But none said that Apple would release a new brand.
According to Mac Rumors, the Economic Daily News report is “sketchy.”
“While it is somewhat probable that Apple could release two versions of the iPhone as previously suggested by other reports, it is very unlikely that the company would drop the iPhone name for the larger phone given the iconic reputation of the brand,” the Mac Rumors report states.
The Economic Daily said that the phones will be assembled at primary supply company Foxconn, and other suppliers will be Cheng Uei Precision Industry and Simplo Technology.
The report also claims that Apple will launch a 4.7-inch iPhone 6 with Gorilla Glass rather than Sapphire during the third quarter of 2014, according to BGR.
A week ago, the South China Morning Post reported that two versions of the next-generation iPhone will feature 4.7- and 5.5-inch Sapphire displays. The publication cited industry insiders who have “seen the prototypes.”
The new iPhone screen will also support a display of 441 pixels per inch. Currently, the highest density that Apple offers is 326 pixels per inch, the Hong Kong-based paper reported.
“They have to tackle the phablet [devices that serve as both phone and tablet] market. People want bigger screens now,” one insider told the publication.
The insiders also claimed that the new iPhone will have a flat screen, contrary to rumors saying it will be curved. “The screens will be flat. Apple doesn’t do anything until Samsung does it, and then they improve upon it,” one insider said.
And around a week ago, “leaked” photos of the iPhone 6 were released. According to Mashable, however, they’re likely fakes.
Netherlands-based 3D graphics artist Martin Hajek said the “leaked” photos were likely based on his designs, suggesting they’re digitally altered.
“As for those visuals — they do seem to be based on the iPhone 6 concept 3D model which I made and have been selling on Turbosquid for almost one year now,” Hajek told Mashable. “With my 3D models I normally provide texture maps of fingerprints/scratches/dust...I am guessing someone made good use of my model and knowledge.”
