Apple could release a new 4-inch iPhone next year that “resembles an upgraded iPhone 5S,” according to a report by respected KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The device is targeted to be released in the first half of 2016, says Kuo, and will be powered by the A9 chip seen in the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. However, unlike these larger models, the 4-inch handset will reportedly not offer the pressure sensitive 3D Touch feature, in order to differentiate the lineup.
“As there is still demand for a 4-inch iPhone, we believe Apple will upgrade this product line,” writes Kuo in an investors’ note reported by Mac Rumors. “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.”
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