Apple "phablet"? New iPhone may come with 5.7-inch screen
Apple may release an iPhone with a larger screen that would put the smartphone in direct completion with Samsung's Galaxy Note II.
Reuters reports that Apple is looking to introduce at least two iPhones next year -- one with a 4.7-inch screen and another with a 5.7-inch screen. Citing four people with knowledge of the matter, the news agency says that Apple is also exploring a cheaper model in a range of colors.
According to Reuter's sources, suppliers have been approached with the new specifications, but it's unclear if it will be for an iPhone or a separate device
If the reports are true, the tech giant's move to increase the iPhone's screen size would be the second time for the smartphone. The launch of the iPhone 5, which has a 4-inch screen, was the first time that Apple changed the size of the iPhone since its initial release in 2007. All previous models had a 3.5-inch screen.
Apple's top competitor Samsung has been leading the charge for larger smartphone displays. Its flagship phone, the Galaxy S IV, has a 5-inch display. The company also has the Galaxy Note II, which is a larger device with a 5.5-inch screen that many have called a "phablet."
Apple did not comment on the report, but in a conversation at the AllThingsD conference in May, CEO Tim Cook did not oppose the idea of multiple sizes for the company's smartphone line.
